Log inSign up

Favor · the best way to learn the Bible

James 2 Bible study: Mercy triumphs over judgment

Partiality in 2:1 and shown partiality in 2:4 are two different Greek words, and the verb behind 2:4's is the one behind doubting in "without any doubting" (1:6). And while the man in fine clothing hears "Sit here in a good place;" (2:3), the poor man is told "Stand there," or "Sit by my footstool" (2:3).

Favor is a Bible study app that explains every chapter as you read: the words behind the words, what most readers miss, and how it all leads to Jesus.

Read James 2 with FavorWhat is Favor?

First week free, then $10 a month per person

“For judgment is without mercy to him who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
James 2:13 · World English Bible

Try it · Did you catch it?

“In James 2:3 the poor man is told ‘Stand there,’ or ‘Sit by my footstool’.”

Is that in James 2, or not? Make your call.

What's really going on

The faith of our glorious Lord

In the text

The part of the letter that opens here begins: "My brothers, don’t hold the faith of our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with partiality." (2:1) (tap partiality). Then a scene: "For if a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, comes into your synagogue, and a poor man in filthy clothing also comes in," (2:2) (tap gold ring and poor) "and you pay special attention to him who wears the fine clothing and say, “Sit here in a good place;” and you tell the poor man, “Stand there,” or “Sit by my footstool”" (2:3) (tap pay special attention) "haven’t you shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?" (2:4) (tap shown partiality). The WEB's quotation marks show that the words to each man are what you say (2:3). These notes give 2:1-4 as the WEB has them. They say no more of the synagogue, the ring or the clothing than the verses' own words, and apply this chapter to no one today.

Honest questions

Questions people ask about James 2

That was a taste

The rest of James 2 is waiting in Favor

  • Listen, my beloved brothers
  • So speak and so do
  • What good is it?
  • Named in this chapter
  • Asked elsewhere in Favor
  • Set beside this chapter elsewhere in Favor
  • 5 questions as you read
  • 7 more Greek words
  • A short check at the end
  • Your notes, saved as you go
Read the whole chapter

First week free, then $10 a month per person

The Greek word behind it

προσωποληψίαprosopolepsiasay pros-o-pol-ape-SEE-ah

Strong's: "partiality, i.e. favoritism". "My brothers, don’t hold the faith of our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with partiality." (2:1): behind partiality is this noun. The New Testament has it four times, and James only here (in all eight editions TAGNT compares). Behind shown partiality in 2:4 is another word, a verb (tap it there).

For your group

James 2 Bible study questions

  1. 1"and you pay special attention to him who wears the fine clothing" (2:3). What helps a group make room for everyone who walks in?
  2. 2"So speak and so do as men who are to be judged by the law of freedom." (2:12). Where do you find it hardest to let what you say and what you do go together?
  3. 3"Mercy triumphs over judgment." (2:13). Where have you seen mercy win out where judgment could have come?

Leading a group? In Favor, everyone reads James 2 during the week and answers these questions privately. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together, and you can print the week's sheet.

Start a Bible study
Free quizTake the James 2 quizQuestions with the answers explained, for your group or your familyFree printablePrint this Bible studyOne page: the chapter, the verse, and the questions with room to write

Did we miss something?

We're a small team, and we can make mistakes. If something here looks wrong or unclear, tell us and we'll check it against the text.

Tell us

The best way to learn the Bible

Favor opens up every chapter as you read.

Favor is a Bible study app for your phone or computer. It takes you through the Bible one chapter at a time, a few minutes a day, and shows you what's really there: the words behind the words, the moments most people miss, and how the whole story fits together. For you. For everyone.

  • Every chapter explains itself

    As you read, short notes open up what's really going on, the details most readers walk past, and the honest questions people ask.

  • The Hebrew and Greek behind it

    Tap a highlighted word to see the original, how to say it, and what it means, checked against the original-language texts.

  • Every page leads to Jesus

    Watch promises made in Genesis kept in Jesus. Each line lights up on your map as you read.

  • Better together

    Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church. Answers stay sealed until you meet, then appear together.

  1. 1

    Start your free week

    Sign up in a minute with your email.

  2. 2

    Read a few minutes a day

    Each chapter opens itself up as you go. Tap what you're curious about.

  3. 3

    Bring your people, if you like

    Send one link. Everyone reads the same chapter, then meets to talk.

The best way to study the Bible.

Your small group or your church can use Favor for Bible study, or you can read by yourself.

First week free, then $10 a month per person

Questions

What is Favor?

Favor is a Bible study app that explains every chapter as you read: the Hebrew and Greek behind the words, the details most readers miss, and how each part of the Bible leads to Jesus. Read on your own, or start a Bible study with friends, family or your church.

How much does it cost?

Your first week is free. After that it's $10 a month per person, the same for everyone, including groups and churches. There are no tiers and nothing extra to unlock.

Can I read James 2 straight away?

Yes. James 2 is open from your first day.

Do I need a group?

No. Many people read on their own. If you'd like to read with others, start a Bible study and share one link. Everyone's answers stay private until you meet.

I've never really read the Bible. Is this for me?

Yes. Favor starts where you are and explains as it goes. The questions along the way aren't marked right or wrong: you answer, then see what the text shows.

Which Bible does Favor use?

The World English Bible, a modern, readable translation in the public domain. God's name appears as "the LORD", as in most English Bibles.

Is Favor tied to a church?

No. Favor is non-denominational. Where Christians read a passage differently, it shows the main views side by side and doesn't pick one.

Start with James 2

The best way to learn the Bible. For you. For everyone.

There's a seat for you at the table.

Start your free week

First week free, then $10 a month per person · Log in

All Bible study guides

Last reviewed October 8, 2026. Scripture quotations are from the World English Bible, which is in the public domain. Hebrew and Greek words are checked against the original-language texts and public-domain lexicons. What we believe · Favor home