Jam 2:5-7 | RWP | e4.org | Did not God choose? ( ουχ ο θεος εξελεξατο; ). Affirmative answer expected. First aorist middle (indirect, God chose for himself) indicative of εκλεγω , the very form used by Paul three times of God's choice in . As to the world ( τω κοσμω ). The ethical dative of interest, as the world looks at it as in ; ; ; . By the use of the article (the poor) James does not affirm that God chose all the poor, but only that he did choose poor people ( ; ). Rich in faith ( πλουσιους εν πιστε ). Rich because of their faith. As he has shown in . Which he promised ( ης επεγγειλατο ). Genitive of the accusative relative ην attracted to the case of the antecedent βασιλειας (the Messianic kingdom), the same verb and idea already in ( επηγγειλατο ). Cf. the beatitude of Jesus in for the poor in spirit.

‏ James 2:5-7

Did not God choose? ( ουχ ο θεος εξελεξατο; ). Affirmative answer expected. First aorist middle (indirect, God chose for himself) indicative of εκλεγω, the very form used by Paul three times of God's choice in 1Co 1:27f.

As to the world ( τω κοσμω ). The ethical dative of interest, as the world looks at it as in Ac 7:20; 1Co 1:18; 2Co 10:4; Jas 4:4. By the use of the article (the poor) James does not affirm that God chose all the poor, but only that he did choose poor people (Mt 10:23-26; 1Co 1:26-28).

Rich in faith ( πλουσιους εν πιστε ). Rich because of their faith. As he has shown in 1:9f.

Which he promised ( ης επεγγειλατο ). Genitive of the accusative relative ην attracted to the case of the antecedent βασιλειας (the Messianic kingdom), the same verb and idea already in 1:12 ( επηγγειλατο ). Cf. the beatitude of Jesus in Mt 5:3 for the poor in spirit.

But ye have dishonoured the poor man ( υμεις δε ητιμασατε τον πτωχον ). First aorist active indicative of ατιμαζω, old verb from ατιμος, dishonoured (Mt 13:57). In the act of partiality pictured in 2:3.

Oppress you ( καταδυναστευουσιν υμων ). Not very common compound ( καταδυναστευω, present active indicative, from κατα and δυναστης, potentate, Lu 1:52), used of the devil in Ac 10:38 (only other N.T. example). Examples in papyri of harsh treatment by men in authority. Already poor Christians are feeling pressure from rich Jews as overlords.

Drag you ( ελκουσιν υμας ). Old and vigorous word for violent treatment, as of Paul in Ac 16:19; 21:30. Cf. such violence in Lu 12:58; Ac 8:3.

Before the judgment-seats ( εις κριτηρια ). "To courts of justice" as in 1Co 6:2, 4 (only other N.T. examples). Common in the papyri in this sense. From κρινω to judge, κριτης (judge), place where judgment is given.

Blaspheme ( βλασφημουσιν ). Present active indicative of common verb βλασφημεω (from βλασφημος, speaking evil, βλαξ or βλαπτω and φημη ), as in Lu 22:65.

The honourable name ( το καλον ονομα ). "The beautiful name."

By the which ye were called ( το επικληθεν εφ' υμας ). "The one called upon you" (first aorist passive articular participle of επικαλεω, to put a name upon, to give a surname to, as Ac 10:18). What name is that? Almost certainly the name of Christ as we see it in Ac 11:26; 26:28; 1Pe 4:14, 16. It was blasphemy to speak against Christ as some Jews and Gentiles were doing (Ac 13:45; 18:6; 26:11; 1Co 12:3; 1Ti 1:13). Cf. Ac 15:17.