James 2:13

Modern

For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Traditional

For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

Literal

For judgment without mercy will be to the one not having done mercy. Mercy exults over judgment.

Latin

Judicium enim sine misericordia illi qui non fecit misericordiam: superexaltat autem misericordia judicium.

Greek

English

For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

James ends this section (2:1–13) by linking God's mercy with human mercy (see also Matthew 6:14–15; Ephesians 4:32).

James uses the Bible to argue against the common practice of favoring wealthy and powerful people.

Theme notes and profiles

Matthew 5:7
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Matthew 6:15
But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours.
Proverbs 21:13
Whoever shuts his ears to the cry of the poor, he too shall cry out and receive no answer.
Luke 6:37
Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.
Ephesians 2:4–7
But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,
Matthew 18:28–35
But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe me!’
Psalm 18:25
To the faithful You show Yourself faithful, to the blameless You show Yourself blameless;
Matthew 7:1–2
“Do not judge, or you will be judged.
Matthew 25:41–46
Then He will say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
Ephesians 1:6–7
…to the praise of His glorious grace, which He has freely given us in the Beloved One.
1 John 4:18–19
There is no fear in love, but perfect love drives out fear, because fear involves punishment. The one who fears has not been perfected in love.
Psalm 85:10
Loving devotion and faithfulness have joined together; righteousness and peace have kissed.