New Testament
James 2:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
But you've dishonored the poor. Don't the rich oppress you and drag you into court?
Compare translations
But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
What James 2:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, James addresses the issue of favoritism and discrimination against the poor. He points out that the wealthy often exploit the less fortunate, dragging them into legal disputes and taking advantage of their vulnerable position. By showing favoritism towards the rich, the believers are dishonoring those who are poor, despite the fact that the rich are the ones who oppress them. This highlights a contradiction in their behavior, as they are siding with those who are actually causing them harm. James is urging the community to recognize the injustice in their actions and to treat all individuals with respect and dignity, regardless of their financial status. The verse serves as a reminder that true faith should lead to equality and justice, rather than favoritism based on wealth.
How to apply James 2:6 to your life
This verse encourages us to reflect on our own attitudes towards wealth and poverty. We should strive to treat everyone with respect, regardless of their financial status. By standing against favoritism and advocating for justice, we can create a more equitable community that honors all individuals equally.
Curated for this public verse page. James Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: An Angel Visits Mary (Luke 1:26–38)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about James 2:6
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying James 2:6
Related Bible verses
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of James
- Author
- James, the brother of Jesus
- Written
- Around AD 45-50
- Genre
- Letter (epistle)
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians scattered abroad
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does James 2:6 mean?
James 2:6 highlights the issue of favoritism towards the wealthy while neglecting the poor. It points out the contradiction in treating the rich with honor despite their tendency to oppress the less fortunate.
What is the meaning of oppression in James 2:6?
In James 2:6, oppression refers to the unfair treatment and exploitation of the poor by the rich, who often use their power to drag them into legal disputes and take advantage of their vulnerable situations.
How does James 2:6 relate to favoritism?
James 2:6 illustrates how showing favoritism towards the rich is misguided, as they are often the ones who oppress the poor, highlighting the need for equality and justice in the community.
What lesson can we learn from James 2:6?
The lesson from James 2:6 is to treat everyone with respect, regardless of their financial status, and to stand against favoritism and injustice in our communities.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.