Paragraph 2:12–13

In this paragraph, James warned his readers that God will judge all people based on how they act toward others. He requires his people to be merciful to others. This is a conclusion to 2:1–11.

In some languages, it will be natural to begin this paragraph with a conjunction indicating that it is a conclusion. For example:

So (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
Therefore

2:12a

Speak and act: The verbs Speak and act refer to normal, everyday conversation and behavior. Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

Talk and behave
-or-
So whatever you say or whatever you do (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
In everything you say and do (New Century Version)

as those who are going to be judged: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as as those who are going to be judged indicates that people will be judged. A future judgment is certain to happen. The word as does not mean that people should just behave “as if” judgment were going to happen.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

like people who will be judged (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
remember that you will be judged (New Century Version)
-or-
because you are going to be judged

those who are going to be judged: This is a passive verb phrase. There are at least two ways to translate it:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

people who will be judged (Contemporary English Version)

• Use an active verb. For example:

people whom God will judge

be judged: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as be judged is a legal word. It describes the work of a judge in court. A judge:

(a) examines and considers the evidence

(b) pronounces the person innocent or guilty

(c) decides the punishment (if the person is guilty)

In this verse, God is the judge, and the focus is probably on (a) and (b) above. God will evaluate whether each person has kept his law. On that basis, he will decide whether the person is innocent or guilty. (Many commentators (see, for example, Lenski, pages 574–575; McCartney, page 150; Mitton, pages 95–96; Moo (2000), pages 116 and 118) in looking at the wider context of Scripture take the position that this judgment does not lead directly to a verdict of guilt or innocence before God based on the law. Rather obedience to the law is evidence that someone has been shown grace. Their actions and particularly their actions of grace and mercy to all people demonstrate that they are truly saved.) Those who have obeyed his law, in particular the law which says to love your neighbor (2:8), will be judged to be righteous. Those who have not obeyed his law will be judged to be guilty.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

be examined/evaluated
-or-
God will consider the evidence and decide whether they are innocent or guilty

2:12b

by the law: The phrase by the law indicates that the law is the standard by which, or according to which, God will judge us.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

according to the law
-or-
using the law

As in 1:25, the word law refers to the complete set of instructions and commands from God. It does not refer to just one law. So in some languages, it is more natural to use the plural “laws” here. For example:

by laws (God’s Word)

that gives freedom: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as that gives freedom describes what the law does for people who obey it. It sets them free from sin.

Some other ways to translate the expression the law that gives freedom are:

the law that sets us/you free
-or-
the law that makes people free (New Century Version)
-or-
the law that frees people from sin

In some languages, it may be natural to translate this phrase as a separate sentence. For example:

^12aSpeak and act as those who are going to be judged ^12bby the law. This law gives freedom to do what God wants us to do.

See the note “of freedom” in 1:25a, where the same Greek expression occurs.

General Comment on 2:12a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to change the order of some of the clauses in this verse. For example:

^12aYou are going to be judged ^12baccording to the law that gives freedom. ^12aSo be careful to speak and act appropriately.
-or-
^12bGod will use the law that gives freedom ^12ato decide whether we are innocent or guilty. Therefore, speak and act well.

© 2012 by SIL International®

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.