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
Job
If I did despise the cause of my manservant or of my maidservant, when they contended with me;
What then shall I do when God riseth up? and when he visiteth, what shall I answer him?
Did not he that made me in the womb make him? and did not one fashion us in the womb? did not one: or, did he not fashion us in one womb?
How much less to him that accepteth not the persons of princes, nor regardeth the rich more than the poor? for they all are the work of his hands.
New Testament
Acts
Romans
For there is no respect of persons with God.
For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.
Ephesians
Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free.
And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him. forbearing: or, moderating your: some read, both your and their Master
James
My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
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
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
Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?
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
But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?
Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? blaspheme: or, revile, or, slander
If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:
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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