James 2:6 Meaning and Explanation
“But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →The believers have dishonored the poor, while the rich oppress them and drag them to court.
What Does James 2:6 Mean?
James names the offense bluntly: But you have despised the poor. The very ones God has chosen, the assembly has dishonored. Then he exposes the folly of the favoritism by pointing to experience: is it not the rich who oppress you and drag you before the courts?
The irony is sharp. The believers fawn over the wealthy, yet it is often the wealthy who use their power against them. Favoritism is not only wrong; it is foolish, flattering those who do them harm while slighting those God has blessed. James is not condemning every rich person but the reflex that honors wealth itself. The reader is asked to see how upside-down his instincts have become and to turn them right side up.
Frequently Asked Questions About James 2:6
What does James 2:6 mean?
The believers have dishonored the poor, while the rich oppress them and drag them to court.