2:1a–b
My brothers, as you hold out your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, do not show favoritism: James commanded God’s people to treat everyone equally. They must not show favoritism. The basis for his command was that they are believers in Jesus. They must live in a way that is fitting and right for those who are believers.
Some other ways to translate this sentence are:
since/because you believe…, do not show favoritism.
-or-
if you believe…, then do not show favoritism.
-or-
now that you believe…, do not show favoritism.
-or-
you believe…. So, do not show favoritism.
2:1a
My brothers: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as My brothers refers to other believers in Christ to whom James was writing. It refers to both men and women.
Some other ways to translate this phrase are:
My fellow believers
-or-
My brothers and sisters (NET Bible)
-or-
My relatives/siblings in Christ
-or-
My Christian friends
This same phrase occurs in 1:2a.
James used the term of address My brothers here to introduce the topic of proper treatment toward poor believers and to soften his command “don’t show favoritism.” (2:1b) You may have another way in your language to introduce a change of topic or to soften a command. If so, consider using it here.
as you hold out your faith: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as as you hold out your faith is literally “have the faith.” This phrase refers to those who trust in, rely on, or are committed to Jesus Christ.
Some other ways to translate this phrase are:
as those who trust in
-or-
since you rely/depend upon
-or-
as people who are committed to
Your language may use an idiom for this meaning.
our glorious Lord Jesus Christ: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as our glorious Lord Jesus Christ indicates that glory in some way belongs to or describes the Lord Jesus Christ.
The word glorious means that our Lord Jesus Christ is majestic and worthy of praise and honor. He is wonderful and great.
Some other ways to translate this phrase are:
our majestic Lord Jesus Christ
-or-
our wonderful Lord Jesus Christ
-or-
our Lord Jesus Christ. He is worthy of praise.
Lord Jesus Christ: The phrase Lord Jesus Christ also occurs in 1:1a. See the note on 1:1a for help in translating this phrase.
2:1b
do not show favoritism: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as show favoritism refers to treating some people better than others. This is done because they have much wealth or because they have a high position in society.
Some other ways to translate this phrase are:
do not favor rich people more than poor people
-or-
do not honor/respect some people more than others
-or-
The way you treat people should not be determined by their wealth or status in society
The Greek word is plural. This implies “many acts of favoritism.” James was thinking of a habitual way of behaving. For example:
You should not make a habit of treating some people better because they are wealthier
-or-
you must always be impartial (Revised English Bible)
Some languages have an idiom for referring to the practice of giving special treatment to rich or powerful people.
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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.