James Chapter 2 — Commentary on Verse 11

    Forhewhosaid,“Donotcommitadultery,”alsosaid,“Donotmurder.”Ifyoudonotcommit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.

    Here is support for the meaning of the previous sentence, that we are not to look to how it fits in with our desires and interests, but to the authority of the Lawgiver. James gives examples in the sixth and seventh commandments. God, who said one, said both; they are precepts of the same law and Law-giver. And therefore, in the violation of one of these laws the authority of the law is violated.

    Hewhosaid,“Donotcommitadultery.” That is, the one who punished adultery with death (see Deuteronomy 22:22) also punished murder with death (see Leviticus 24:17 and Deuteronomy 19:13). The apostle uses the phrase Hewhosaid to allude to the preface of the law: “And God spoke all these words” (Exodus 20:1).

    Notes on Verse 11

    Note1. We must not argue about the content of the command but look to the will of the Lawgiver. James shows that the whole law had an equal obligation on the conscience, because he who said the one said the other. God’s will is motive enough for obedience: see 1 Peter 2:15; 1 Thessalonians 4:3 and 5:18. Every sin is an affront to God’s sovereignty, as if his will were not reason enough, and to his wisdom, as if he did not know what was good for men. When your hearts balk at any duty, shame yourselves with these considerations. This is a trial of sincerity; duty is well done when it is done with a mere sight of God’s will. It is a motive for universal obedience, as this duty is required as well as other duties and commanded by the same will.

    Note2. There are various duties and sins, according to the different laws of God. Do not be content, with Herod, to “hear many things” gladly but not to practice them. He who calls you to pray calls you to hear, to redeem the time for meditation and other holy purposes. All commands are equally commanded and must be equally observed. And do not be content that you are not guilty of the sins others are reproved of. The Pharisee could say, “I am no adulterer,” but he could not say, “I am not proud.”