John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 3. And ye have respect to him that wears the gay clothing , etc.] Take notice of him, and show favour to him, to the neglect and contempt of the other. This is an instance of respect of persons condemned and dissuaded from: and say unto him, sit thou here in a good place ; the best place; whether it be in a religious assembly, or in a civil court of judicature: and say to the poor, stand thou there ; or in a lower and meaner place: or sit thou here under my footstool ; this also was contrary to the Jewish canons f19 , that one should sit, and another stand, while their cause was trying; the law runs thus: one shall not sit, and another stand, but both shall stand; but if the sanhedrim, or court, please to let them sit, they sit; but one does not sit above, and the other below; but one by the side of the other.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-13 - Those who profess faith in Christ as the Lord of glory, must no respect persons on account of mere outward circumstances an appearances, in a manner not agreeing with their profession of being disciples of the lowly Jesus. St. James does not here encourag rudeness or disorder: civil respect must be paid; but never such as to influence the proceedings of Christians in disposing of the offices of the church of Christ, or in passing the censures of the church, or in any matter of religion. Questioning ourselves is of great use in ever part of the holy life. Let us be more frequent in this, and in ever thing take occasion to discourse with our souls. As places of worshi cannot be built or maintained without expense, it may be proper tha those who contribute thereto should be accommodated accordingly; but were all persons more spiritually-minded, the poor would be treate with more attention that usually is the case in worshippin congregations. A lowly state is most favourable for inward peace and for growth in holiness. God would give to all believers riches an honours of this world, if these would do them good, seeing that he ha chosen them to be rich in faith, and made them heirs of his kingdom which he promised to bestow on all who love him. Consider how ofte riches lead to vice and mischief, and what great reproaches are throw upon God and religion, by men of wealth, power, and worldly greatness and it will make this sin appear very sinful and foolish. The Scriptur gives as a law, to love our neighbour as ourselves. This law is a roya law, it comes from the King of kings; and if Christians act unjustly they are convicted by the law as transgressors. To think that our goo deeds will atone for our bad deeds, plainly puts us upon looking for another atonement. According to the covenant of works, one breach of any one command brings a man under condemnation, from which n obedience, past, present, or future, can deliver him. This shows us the happiness of those that are in Christ. We may serve him without slavis fear. God's restraints are not a bondage, but our own corruptions ar so. The doom passed upon impenitent sinners at last, will be judgmen without mercy. But God deems it his glory and joy, to pardon and bles those who might justly be condemned at his tribunal; and his grac teaches those who partake of his mercy, to copy it in their conduct.
Greek Textus Receptus
και 2532 CONJ επιβλεψητε 1914 5661 V-AAS-2P επι 1909 PREP τον 3588 T-ASM φορουντα 5409 5723 V-PAP-ASM την 3588 T-ASF εσθητα 2066 N-ASF την 3588 T-ASF λαμπραν 2986 A-ASF και 2532 CONJ ειπητε 2036 5632 V-2AAS-2P αυτω 846 P-DSM συ 4771 P-2NS καθου 2521 5737 V-PNM-2S ωδε 5602 ADV καλως 2573 ADV και 2532 CONJ τω 3588 T-DSM πτωχω 4434 A-DSM ειπητε 2036 5632 V-2AAS-2P συ 4771 P-2NS στηθι 2476 5628 V-2AAM-2S εκει 1563 ADV η 2228 PRT καθου 2521 5737 V-PNM-2S ωδε 5602 ADV υπο 5259 PREP το 3588 T-ASN υποποδιον 5286 N-ASN μου 3450 P-1GS
Vincent's NT Word Studies
3. Ye have respect (epibleyhte). Lit., ye look upon, with the idea of respectful consideration; ye regard. Compare Luke i. 48; ix. 38.In a good place (kalwv). Lit., honorably; in a seat of honor.
Under. Not literally underneath, but down on the ground beside. Compare Matt. xxiii. 6, on the fondness of the Jews for the chief places in the synagogue.
