Jam 2:8 | RWP | e4.org | Howbeit ( μεντο ). Probably not adversative here, but simply confirmatory, "if now," "if indeed," "if really." Common in Xenophon in this sense. See the contrast ( δε ) in verse . If ye fulfil ( ε τελειτε ). Condition of first class, assumed as true with ε and present active indicative of τελεω , old verb, to bring to completion, occurring in also with νομος (law). Jesus used πληροω in . James has τηρεω in . The royal law ( νομον βασιλικον ). Old adjective for royal, regal (from βασιλευς king), as of an officer ( ). But why applied to νομος ? The Romans had a phrase, lex regia , which came from the king when they had kings. The absence of the article is common with νομος ( ). It can mean a law fit to guide a king, or such as a king would choose, or even the king of laws. Jesus had said that on the law of love hang all the law and the prophets ( ), and he had given the Golden Rule as the substance of the Law and the prophets ( ). This is probably the royal law which is violated by partiality ( ). It is in accord with the Scripture quoted here ( ) and ratified by Jesus ( ).

‏ James 2:8

Howbeit ( μεντο ). Probably not adversative here, but simply confirmatory, "if now," "if indeed," "if really." Common in Xenophon in this sense. See the contrast ( δε ) in verse 9.

If ye fulfil ( ε τελειτε ). Condition of first class, assumed as true with ε and present active indicative of τελεω, old verb, to bring to completion, occurring in Ro 2:27 also with νομος (law). Jesus used πληροω in Mt 4:17. James has τηρεω in 2:10.

The royal law ( νομον βασιλικον ). Old adjective for royal, regal (from βασιλευς king), as of an officer (Joh 4:46). But why applied to νομος? The Romans had a phrase, lex regia, which came from the king when they had kings. The absence of the article is common with νομος (4:11). It can mean a law fit to guide a king, or such as a king would choose, or even the king of laws. Jesus had said that on the law of love hang all the law and the prophets (Mt 22:40), and he had given the Golden Rule as the substance of the Law and the prophets (Mt 7:12). This is probably the royal law which is violated by partiality (Jas 2:3). It is in accord with the Scripture quoted here (Le 19:18) and ratified by Jesus (Lu 10:28).