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What the Bible Says About Respect of Persons

Overview

The Bible addresses respect of persons across 26 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in James, Job and Romans. Closely related themes include Poor, Poor, the, Rulers and Judgment. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Peter and Jesus.

Key Bible verses about respect of persons

Old Testament

New Testament

James

James 2:1

My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

James 2:2

For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; assembly: Gr. synagogue

James 2:3

And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: in: or, well, or, seemly

James 2:4

Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

James 2:5

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? of the: or, of that

James 2:6

But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

James 2:7

Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? blaspheme: or, revile, or, slander

James 2:8

If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

James 2:9

But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

People in the Bible and respect of persons

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

In the Bible dictionary

Studying respect of persons for yourself

  • Begin with Deuteronomy 10:17, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Compare how James, Job and Romans each treat the theme.
  • Consider the lives of Peter and Jesus and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Poor, Poor, the, Rulers and Judgment.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about respect of persons?

The Bible addresses respect of persons across 26 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in James, Job and Romans. Closely related themes include Poor, Poor, the, Rulers and Judgment. Figures whose stories touch this theme include Peter and Jesus.

How many Bible verses are about respect of persons?

The Bible references respect of persons in 26 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention respect of persons?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is Deuteronomy 10:17: “For the LORD your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward:”

Which people in the Bible are associated with respect of persons?

Peter and Jesus.

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