James 2:13

The Pulpit Commentary - James 2:13

A clear reminiscence of our Lord's teaching in the sermon on the mount ( Matthew 7:1 , etc.; Matthew 5:7 ): ΄ακάριοι οἱ ἐλεήμονες ὅτι αὐτοὶ ἐλεηθήσονται . ἀνέλεος is certainly the right form of the word ( א , A, B, C, K), not ἀνιλέως (Receptus with L), and the καὶ of the Textus Receptus is entirely wanting in manuscript authority, and should be deleted. The subject is ended by the abrupt declaration, almost like a cry of triumph, "Mercy glorieth against... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - James 2:13

The character of mercy. The most suggestive commentary on this verse may be found in Shakespeare's lines— "The quality of mercy is not strain'd; It droppeth, as the gentle rain from heaven Upon the place beneath: it is twice bless'd; It blesseth him that gives, and him that takes: 'Tis mightiest in the mightiest; it becomes The throned monarch better than his crown; His scepter shows the force of temporal power, The attribute to awe and majesty, Wherein doth sit the dread... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - James 2:13

For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath showed no mercy - This is obviously an equitable principle, and is one which is everywhere found in the Bible. Proverbs 21:13. “Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the poor, he also shall cry himself but will not be heard.” 2 Samuel 22:26-27, “with the merciful thou wilt show thyself merciful, and with the froward thou wilt show thyself unsavory.” Compare Psalms 18:25-26; Matthew 6:15; Matthew 7:1-2. The idea which the apostle seems to... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - James 2:12-13

James 2:12-13. So speak ye, and so do In all things; as they that shall be judged Without respect of persons; by the law of liberty The gospel, (see on James 1:25,) the law of universal love, which alone is perfect freedom. For their transgression of this, both in word and deed, the wicked shall be condemned. And according to their works, done in obedience to this, the righteous will be rewarded. For he shall have judgment without mercy In that day; who hath showed no mercy To his... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - James 2:1-13

Favouritism destroys love (2:1-13)Standards of judgment in the church are not the same as those in the society round about. People ought not to be given important places in the church merely because they have important places in the society. Likewise poor people should not be ignored (2:1-4). God welcomes people into his kingdom regardless of wealth or social position, and gives his riches to them equally. James notes how strange it is that the Christians should show special favour to the rich,... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - James 2:13

he . . . judgment = (there shall be) judgment to him. judgment . App-177 . without mercy . Greek. anileos. Only here. no = not, as James 2:1 . rejoiceth against = boasteth over. Greek. katakauchaomai. See James 3:14 and Romans 11:18 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - James 2:13

For judgment is without mercy to him that hath showed no mercy: mercy glorieth against judgment.This is not a harsh judgment, for the sterner side of the judgment of God was enunciated by our Lord himself (Matthew 6:14), where it is stated that "If ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Nevertheless, it remains true that "mercy glorieth against judgment." The most wonderful truth revealed in all of the word of God is that mercy stands higher than... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - James 2:13

James 2:13. For he shall have judgment without mercy, &c.— "For he whose faith does not work by love, according to the grace and obligation of the gospel, so as to shew compassion to his poor brethren, shall pass under a severe sentence of condemnation and wrath, to be executed upon him in the day of judgment, without any mixture of that mercy, which is held forth in the doctrine of Christ: and, on the contrary, he who, as the fruit of his faith, exercises tenderness and loving-kindness... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - James 2:13

13. The converse of, "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy" ( :-). Translate, "The judgment (which is coming on all of us) shall be without mercy to him who hath showed no mercy." It shall be such toward every one as every one shall have been [BENGEL]. "Mercy" here corresponds to "love," :-. mercy rejoiceth against judgment—Mercy, so far from fearing judgment in the case of its followers, actually glorifieth against it, knowing that it cannot condemn them. Not that their mercy... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - James 2:1-13

A. The Problem of Favoritism 2:1-13James’ previous reference to hypocritical religiosity (James 1:26-27) seems to have led him to deal with one form of this problem that existed among Christian Jews of his day. It is still with us today. It is the problem of inconsistent love for other people that manifests itself in how we treat them. James wrote this chapter to exhort his readers to deal with this very basic inconsistency in their lives and so progress toward spiritual maturity."The... read more

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