The context of James 2:9 in the KJB is as follows: “Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts? 5 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? 6 But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? 7 Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called? 8 If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: 9 But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. 10 For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.”
Here are some thoughts for one’s consideration:
The translation of the Greek of the verse is as follows: “And if show partiality, you are working/committing sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors.” The verb, prosopolemteite, is a present active indicative in the 2nd person plural, to show as to a person/persons.(Bible Hub).
The verb means to show favoritisms or partiality towards a person whether a believer or non-believer. In this context, favoritism was given by the believers to a wealthy person to be seated in an honored place while the poor person sat in a lowly place. The motive was skewed.
The KJV is not showing disrespect to God by adding the word, person. It is understood that the discrimination is against a person, not an animal or some other object. The Jewish believers are to love their neighbor as themselves. They were to treat each other the same regardless of one’s possessions or position in life. In other words, the listeners of this letter understood that James was writing about favoritisms to a person over another person. The translation from the Greek conveys the intent of the author.
Summary: The addition of the word, person, is understood by the hearer and the translators insert the fuller meaning to it.
-Kingston