Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

JAMES 2:5KJV
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James 2:5 (KJV)

What does James 2:5 mean?

James 2:5 teaches that God has chosen people who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised to those who love him. This verse highlights that spiritual wealth and God’s promises are not based on material status but on faith and love for God.

James, the brother of Jesus, is writing to fellow believers who were showing favoritism toward the rich and neglecting the poor. By reminding them that God values faith over worldly wealth, James challenges the way his audience judges others and points them back to God’s priorities. The verse encourages readers to see people as God does, not by their possessions but by their faith and love.

The Greek behind James 2:5

  • The word "chosen" (ἐξελέξατο, exelèxato) means to select or pick out for a purpose. James uses this to show that God’s choice is intentional and not based on human standards.
  • "Poor" (πτωχούς, ptōchoús) refers to those who are destitute or lacking in material things. In this context, it emphasizes that lack of wealth does not disqualify someone from God’s favor.
  • "Rich" (πλουσίους, plousíous) in faith means having an abundance, not of money, but of trust and reliance on God. The contrast is clear: God values spiritual richness over material wealth.
  • "Heirs" (κληρονόμους, klēronómous) points to those who will receive an inheritance. Here, it means that those who love God, regardless of their worldly status, will receive what God has promised.

Why James 2:5 matters

  • James 2:5 corrects the common assumption that wealth is a sign of God’s blessing or favor, making clear that faith and love are what matter most to God.
  • The verse ties directly into James’s warning against favoritism earlier in the chapter, showing that judging by outward appearance goes against God’s way of seeing people.
  • By highlighting God’s promise to those who love him, James 2:5 reassures believers who may feel overlooked or unimportant because of their lack of wealth.

Where else these words appear

“heirs” Greek G2818 · used in 14 verses

  • Matthew 21:38 But when the husbandmen saw the son, they said among themselves, This is the heir; come, let us kill him, and let us seize on his inheritance.
  • Romans 4:14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:
  • Galatians 4:7 Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ.

“promised” Greek G1861 · used in 15 verses

  • Mark 14:11 And when they heard it, they were glad, and promised to give him money. And he sought how he might conveniently betray him.
  • 1 Timothy 2:10 But(which becometh women professing godliness) with good works.
  • Hebrews 11:11 Through faith also Sara herself received strength to conceive seed, and was delivered of a child when she was past age, because she judged him faithful who had promised.

“Hath” Greek G1586 · used in 19 verses

  • Mark 13:20 And except that the Lord had shortened those days, no flesh should be saved: but for the elect's sake, whom he hath chosen, he hath shortened the days.
  • John 15:16 Ye have not chosen me, but I have chosen you, and ordained you, that ye should go and bring forth fruit, and that your fruit should remain: that whatsoever ye shall ask of the Father in my name, he may give it you.
  • Acts 15:7 And when there had been much disputing, Peter rose up, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know how that a good while ago God made choice among us, that the Gentiles by my mouth should hear the word of the gospel, and believe.

“rich” Greek G4145 · used in 28 verses

  • Matthew 19:23 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven.
  • Luke 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
  • 1 Timothy 6:17 Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded, nor trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy;