Jam 2:10 | RWP | e4.org | Whosoever shall keep ( οστις τηρηση ). Indefinite relative clause with οστις and aorist active subjunctive of τηρεω , old verb, to guard (from τηρος guarding), as in , without αν (though often used, but only one example of modal εαν=αν in James, viz., ). This modal αν ( εαν ) merely interprets the sentence as either more indefinite or more definite (Robertson, Grammar , p. 957f.). And yet stumble in one point ( πταιση δε εν εν ). First aorist active subjunctive also of πταιω , old verb, to trip, as in ; . "It is incipient falling" (Hort). He is become ( γεγονεν ). Second perfect indicative of γινομα , "he has become" by that one stumble. Guilty of all ( παντων ενοχος ). Genitive of the crime with ενοχος , old adjective from ενεχω (to hold on or in), held in, as in . This is law. To be a lawbreaker one does not have to violate all the laws, but he must keep all the law ( ολον τον νομον ) to be a law-abiding citizen, even laws that one does not like. See . for this same principle. There is Talmudic parallel: "If a man do all, but omit one, he is guilty for all and each." This is a pertinent principle also for those who try to save themselves. But James is urging obedience to all God's laws.

‏ James 2:10

Whosoever shall keep ( οστις τηρηση ). Indefinite relative clause with οστις and aorist active subjunctive of τηρεω, old verb, to guard (from τηρος guarding), as in Mt 27:36, without αν (though often used, but only one example of modal εαν=αν in James, viz., 4:4). This modal αν ( εαν ) merely interprets the sentence as either more indefinite or more definite (Robertson, Grammar, p. 957f.).

And yet stumble in one point ( πταιση δε εν εν ). First aorist active subjunctive also of πταιω, old verb, to trip, as in 3:2; Ro 11:11. "It is incipient falling" (Hort).

He is become ( γεγονεν ). Second perfect indicative of γινομα, "he has become" by that one stumble.

Guilty of all ( παντων ενοχος ). Genitive of the crime with ενοχος, old adjective from ενεχω (to hold on or in), held in, as in Mr 3:29. This is law. To be a lawbreaker one does not have to violate all the laws, but he must keep all the law ( ολον τον νομον ) to be a law-abiding citizen, even laws that one does not like. See Mt 5:18f. for this same principle. There is Talmudic parallel: "If a man do all, but omit one, he is guilty for all and each." This is a pertinent principle also for those who try to save themselves. But James is urging obedience to all God's laws.