Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary James 2:11

"For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou dost not commit adultery, but killest, thou art become a transgressor of the law." — James 2:11 (ASV)

This verse also opens with “for,” showing that the author is continuing his explanation. He does so with a simple illustration based on the unity of law. Although God’s law has many facets, it is essentially one, being the expression of the character and will of God himself. To violate the law at any one point is not to violate one commandment only; it is to violate the will of God and to contradict the character of God. The same God who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said “Do not murder.” It is also the same God who gave the royal law of love for one’s neighbor. The person who breaks just one of these laws has “become a lawbreaker.” Although only one commandment is broken, the entire law of God has been flouted. When viewed like this, an act of favoritism is far from insignificant.