Commentaries:
Robertson's Word Pictures (NT)
But if ye have respect of persons (ei de proswpolhmpteite). Condition of first class by contrast with that in verse James 2:8. For this verb (present active indicative), formed from proswpon lambanw, here alone in the N.T., see in James 2:1. A direct reference to the partiality there pictured.
Ye commit sin (amartian ergazesqe). "Ye work a sin." A serious charge, apparently, for what was regarded as a trifling fault. See Matthew 7:23, oi ergazomenoi thn anomian (ye that work iniquity), an apparent reminiscence of the words of Jesus there (from Psalms 6:8).
Being convicted (elegxomenoi). Present passive participle of elegxw, to convict by proof of guilt (John 3:20; John 8:9, John 8:46; I Corinthians 14:24).
As transgressors (wv parabatai). For this word from parabainw, to step across, to transgress, see Galatians 2:18; Romans 2:25, Romans 2:27. See this very sin of partiality condemned in Leviticus 19:15; Deuteronomy 1:17; Deuteronomy 16:19. To the law and to the testimony.
Other Robertson's Word Pictures (NT) entries containing James 2:9:
Matthew 22:16
Acts 10:34
Romans 2:11
James 1:20
James 2:1
James 2:8
James 2:11
James 3:4
1 Peter 1:17
Jude 1:16
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