King James Bible
"But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors."
This refers to showing favoritism or partiality based on external factors like wealth or status. The phrase directly continues James's discussion from earlier verses about not treating rich visitors better than poor ones in the assembly. James declares partiality to be not merely a social impropriety but an actual violation of God's moral law. This stark language elevates the issue beyond cultural preference to divine command. The law itself serves as prosecutor and judge, exposing those who show favoritism as lawbreakers. This likely references Leviticus 19:15's command against partiality in judgment, showing that favoritism violates the very law they claim to follow.