James 2:5

Translations

Modern

Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?

Traditional

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

Literal

Listen, my beloved brothers: Did not God choose the poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that He promised to those loving Him?

Latin

Audite, fratres mei dilectissimi: nonne Deus elegit pauperes in hoc mundo, divites in fide, et hæredes regni, quod repromisit Deus diligentibus se?

Original

Greek

English

Listen, my beloved brothers: Has not God chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love Him?

Notes

James 2:5

Listen: James uses this rhetorical device for emphasis (see Deuteronomy 6:3; Amos 3:1; Matt 13:18; Acts 15:13). James presents his argument against favoring the rich.
Has not God chosen the poor: God cares deeply for the poor, as shown in the Old Testament (Exodus 23:11; 1 Samuel 2:8; Psalm 12:5). It is also shown in the ministries of Jesus and Paul (Luke 4:18; 6:20; 1 Corinthians 1:26–28). The Jerusalem church, led by James, also emphasized this concern (Galatians 2:9–10).
inherit the kingdom: The kingdom of God was central to the teachings of Jesus (Matthew 12:8; Mark 1:15; Luke 17:21). Christ already rules from the right hand of the Father, but his kingdom will be fully realized when he returns in his glory (Matthew 25:31, 34; 1 Corinthians 15:24–28).

Theme notes and profiles

James, Brother of Jesus Concern for the Poor Faith and Good Deeds Oppression of God’s People Religious Hypocrisy Social Justice The Coming of the Lord as Judge True Justice Wealth and Poverty in the Wisdom Literature

Related verses

Matthew 5:3
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Luke 6:20
Looking up at His disciples, Jesus said: “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God.
Revelation 2:9
I know your affliction and your poverty—though you are rich! And I am aware of the slander of those who falsely claim to be Jews, but are in fact a synagogue of Satan.
1 Corinthians 1:26–28
Brothers, consider the time of your calling: Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were powerful; not many were of noble birth.
2 Corinthians 8:9
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.
Luke 12:21
This is how it will be for anyone who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.”
Hebrews 11:26
He valued disgrace for Christ above the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking ahead to his reward.
1 Peter 1:4
…and into an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, reserved in heaven for you,
Luke 12:32
Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father is pleased to give you the kingdom.
James 1:12
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.
1 Corinthians 2:9
Rather, as it is written: “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no heart has imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.”
Matthew 25:34
Then the King will say to those on His right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

Glossary

Heir Inheritance Letter of James Riches

Topics

Being Poor Faith: General Scriptures Concerning Heir: Figurative Industriousness Love: 0F Man for Jesus Poor: Duty To Poor: God's Care of Respect of Persons: (Partiality)) Riches: Examples of Those Truly Rich The Poor: May Be: Rich in Faith The Promises of God: Made to Those Who Love Him Titles and Names of Saints: Beloved Brethren Titles and Names of Saints: Heirs of the Kingdom

James 2:5

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