Partiality, or showing favoritism, is a deeply rooted issue that can infiltrate our hearts and relationships, often leading to injustice and division.
The Bible speaks plainly about the dangers of partiality, urging us to treat others with fairness, love, and equality, reflecting the character of God who is impartial in His judgments.
While the world may be swayed by external appearances, God calls us to look beyond superficial differences and to judge with righteousness.
These 35 Bible verses offer profound insights into how partiality contradicts the gospel and how we are to embrace impartial love for all people, regardless of their status, background, or appearance.
Bible Verses About Partiality
1. James 2:1 – Show No Favoritism
“My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.”
James warns against showing favoritism, as it directly contradicts the faith we profess.
Impartiality is a hallmark of Christ’s love. When we show partiality, we fail to reflect His justice and equality.
This verse reminds us that our faith in Christ should lead us to love all people without bias, embracing the dignity of every individual.
2. Romans 2:11 – God Shows No Partiality
“For there is no respect of persons with God.”
God does not favor one person over another based on their social status, ethnicity, or appearance.
His judgment is righteous and impartial, focusing on the heart rather than external factors.
This verse challenges us to reflect God’s character, treating all people equally as He does, without partiality.
3. Acts 10:34-35 – God’s Impartiality
“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him.”
Peter affirms that God accepts all people, regardless of their nationality or background, as long as they fear Him and live righteously.
This revelation broke down racial and cultural barriers, emphasizing that God’s love and grace are extended to all who seek Him.
Our treatment of others should reflect God’s impartial love, transcending earthly divisions.
4. James 2:9 – Favoritism is a Sin
“But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.”
Partiality is not just an inconvenience; it is sin. By favoring some and neglecting others, we break God’s law.
James emphasizes that favoritism is a moral failure, leading us away from God’s standard of love and justice.
This verse urges us to examine our hearts, ensuring that we do not show favoritism in any form.
5. Galatians 2:6 – God Shows No Favoritism Among Apostles
“But of these who seemed to be somewhat, whatsoever they were, it maketh no matter to me: God accepteth no man’s person: for they who seemed to be somewhat in conference added nothing to me.”
Paul highlights that God’s acceptance is not based on titles or appearances, and that He values the hearts of His servants.
In the early church, some apostles had greater influence, but Paul recognized that God does not judge based on status or position.
This verse reinforces the idea that true value in God’s kingdom is not determined by outward appearance or recognition.
6. Leviticus 19:15 – Justice and Impartiality
“Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty; but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.”
God commands justice to be impartial, whether someone is poor or powerful.
This verse emphasizes that fairness is the foundation of godly judgment, and we are not to show favoritism to anyone.
When we approach others with fairness, we mirror the righteousness of God in our relationships and dealings.
7. 1 Timothy 5:21 – Impartiality in Judgment
“I charge thee before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, and the elect angels, that thou observe these things without preferring one before another, doing nothing by partiality.”
Paul instructs Timothy to act without partiality, ensuring fairness in his leadership.
Impartiality in leadership is essential for maintaining unity and justice in the body of Christ.
This verse calls leaders to reflect God’s fairness and truth in their decisions, setting an example for others to follow.
8. 2 Chronicles 19:7 – No Partiality in Judgment
“Wherefore now let the fear of the Lord be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.”
This verse reinforces that God’s justice is without corruption, and we are called to judge justly without taking bribes or showing favoritism.
Integrity in judgment reflects the fear of the Lord and ensures that our actions align with His righteousness.
God calls us to uphold His standards of justice, where every person is treated fairly and equally.
9. Proverbs 24:23 – Partiality in Judgment is Wrong
“These things also belong to the wise. It is not good to have respect of persons in judgment.”
This proverb warns against the temptation to show favoritism in judgment, encouraging wisdom and fairness in all decisions.
Treating people differently based on their status or influence undermines true justice.
By maintaining impartiality, we demonstrate wisdom and honor God’s just nature.
10. James 2:4 – Partiality is Evil
“Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?”
James challenges us to recognize that partiality stems from evil thoughts and biases.
It reveals a heart that values outward appearances rather than the inner worth of a person.
This verse calls us to examine our hearts and rid ourselves of any partiality that might influence our judgments and interactions.
11. 1 Peter 1:17 – Judge Without Favoritism
“And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear.”
God judges without partiality, taking each person’s actions into account rather than their appearance or status.
This verse calls us to adopt the same impartial approach in our lives, treating others fairly and without bias.
As believers, we are to reflect God’s impartial nature, recognizing that He values each person equally.
12. Matthew 22:16 – Jesus and the Impartiality of God
“And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.”
Jesus was known for His impartiality. He did not favor people based on their status or influence, but always taught the truth.
This verse highlights how Jesus treated people equally, valuing truth over the opinions or desires of men.
As followers of Christ, we are called to follow His example and show no partiality.
13. John 7:24 – Judge Righteously
“Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.”
Jesus teaches that judgments should be based on righteousness and not on outward appearances.
Partiality often arises from judging by external factors, but true judgment is rooted in God’s justice and truth.
This verse calls us to align our judgments with God’s standard of righteousness, ensuring that we don’t let superficial traits influence our decisions.
14. Romans 10:12 – No Distinction in Christ
“For there is no difference between the Jew and the Greek: for the same Lord over all is rich unto all that call upon him.”
In Christ, there is no room for partiality based on nationality, race, or background.
God’s grace and salvation are available to all who call upon Him, regardless of their identity.
This verse highlights the inclusiveness of the gospel, where all are welcome and treated equally before God.
15. Galatians 3:28 – Unity in Christ
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
In Christ, all distinctions based on ethnicity, social status, or gender are irrelevant.
This verse emphasizes that partiality has no place in the body of Christ, where all believers are united in their faith.
We are called to treat each other as equals, reflecting the unity we share in Christ.
16. Proverbs 28:21 – Partiality Leads to Injustice
“To have respect of persons is not good: for for a piece of bread that man will transgress.”
Partiality can lead to injustice, as it causes us to act unfairly in favor of one person over another.
This verse warns that even small acts of favoritism can lead to greater sins, distorting justice.
As believers, we must guard against partiality in all areas of life, ensuring that we act with fairness and integrity.
17. James 2:2-3 – Favoritism in the Church
“For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:”
James warns against showing favoritism in the church based on external appearances.
Favoring the rich and powerful over the poor is a clear violation of God’s standard of justice and equality.
This verse challenges the church to embrace everyone equally, regardless of their social or economic status.
18. Leviticus 19:15 – Equal Justice
“Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment: thou shalt not respect the person of the poor, nor honor the person of the mighty; but in righteousness shalt thou judge thy neighbour.”
This verse stresses the importance of impartiality in judgment, treating both the poor and the powerful equally.
Justice must be based on righteousness, not on the social status of the person involved.
God calls us to judge with fairness, ensuring that partiality does not influence our decisions.
19. 2 Samuel 14:14 – God Sees All Lives as Equal
“For we must needs die, and are as water spilt on the ground, which cannot be gathered up again; neither doth God respect any person: yet doth he devise means that his banished be not expelled from him.”
God does not show favoritism in His judgments or His care for people, regardless of their circumstances.
He desires reconciliation and restoration for all people, not favoring the righteous or the sinner above one another.
This verse underscores the importance of seeing all people equally, as God does.
20. 1 Samuel 16:7 – God Looks at the Heart
“But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”
God does not judge based on external appearance, but on the heart.
This verse challenges us to reject partiality that arises from superficial judgments.
When we focus on the heart, we reflect God’s impartial love, valuing the inner qualities of a person over their outward appearance.
21. Romans 2:6-11 – Impartial Judgment
“Who will render to every man according to his deeds: to them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile; But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: For there is no respect of persons with God.”
God’s judgment is impartial, and He will judge every person according to their deeds, without favoritism.
This passage underscores the importance of living righteously, knowing that God’s justice will be fair to all people.
God’s impartiality in judgment calls us to live with integrity, without showing bias or favoritism toward others.
22. Romans 14:10-12 – Accountability to God
“But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.”
Judging others based on their differences or preferences is wrong, as we are all accountable to God.
God will judge each person impartially, and we must refrain from showing partiality in how we treat others.
This verse calls us to humility, recognizing that our judgment should be reserved for God alone.
23. Deuteronomy 10:17 – God Is Impartial
“For the Lord your God is God of gods, and Lord of lords, a great God, a mighty, and a terrible, which regardeth not persons, nor taketh reward.”
God does not show favoritism; He treats all people with justice and fairness.
His impartiality is a reflection of His holiness, ensuring that His judgments are always just.
This verse reminds us that we are called to reflect God’s impartiality in our dealings with others.
24. 2 Corinthians 5:16 – No Partiality in Christ
“Wherefore henceforth know we no man after the flesh: yea, though we have known Christ after the flesh, yet now henceforth know we him no more.”
In Christ, we are called to view one another as equals, not based on outward appearance but on the inner transformation of the heart.
This verse challenges us to eliminate partiality and embrace the unity we have in Christ.
We are to view everyone through the lens of God’s love and grace, without discrimination or bias.
25. Matthew 23:12 – The Greatest is the Humblest
“And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.”
Partiality often elevates the proud, but Jesus teaches that true greatness comes through humility and service.
Those who exalt themselves over others are often driven by a desire for status, but true value lies in humility.
This verse calls us to reject pride and partiality, embracing a spirit of humility that reflects God’s love for all people.
26. 2 Corinthians 8:12 – Give According to What You Have
“For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.”
God is concerned with our hearts, not what we possess. When we give to others, it should be done willingly and without partiality.
This verse emphasizes that what matters most to God is the willingness to give, regardless of how much we have.
We are called to show generosity and fairness to all, not based on what they can offer in return.
27. Matthew 20:26-28 – Serve Without Favoritism
“But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.”
Jesus teaches His disciples that greatness comes from serving others, not from exerting power or showing favoritism.
Serving others impartially is a reflection of Christ’s example, as He came to serve and not to be served.
This passage calls us to humble ourselves, putting the needs of others before our own and embracing true servant leadership.
28. Ephesians 6:9 – Treat Everyone Fairly
“And, ye masters, do the same things unto them, forbearing threatening: knowing that your Master also is in heaven; neither is there respect of persons with him.”
Paul reminds masters to treat their servants with fairness, as God does not show partiality.
Everyone, regardless of their position or status, is equal in God’s eyes.
This verse encourages employers and employees alike to act justly and with fairness, recognizing that God judges impartially.
29. James 2:5 – God Chooses the Poor
“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?”
God shows no partiality in choosing His followers; He values the poor and humble just as much as the rich.
Faith, not wealth, determines our standing in God’s kingdom.
This verse challenges us to treat others with the same love and respect, regardless of their economic or social status.
30. Deuteronomy 16:19 – No Partiality in Judgment
“Thou shalt not wrest judgment; thou shalt not respect persons, neither take a gift: for a gift doth blind the eyes of the wise, and pervert the words of the righteous.”
This verse warns against showing partiality in judgment, as it leads to injustice and corruption.
Favoring one person over another, especially through bribery, perverts justice and dishonors God.
We are called to uphold righteousness and fairness, ensuring that all judgments are made impartially and without bias.
31. Malachi 2:9 – God Rejects Partiality
“Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.”
God rejects partiality, especially when it is present in those entrusted with upholding His law.
Showing favoritism in judgment leads to disgrace and dishonor, as it undermines God’s righteousness.
This verse calls leaders and believers alike to reject partiality and uphold God’s ways in all matters.
32. James 3:17 – Wisdom Without Partiality
“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.”
Wisdom from God is impartial, and it fosters peace and mercy.
This verse highlights that true wisdom is free from favoritism, guiding us to treat everyone with fairness and integrity.
Impartiality is an essential characteristic of godly wisdom, helping us to make just and merciful decisions.
33. Luke 20:21 – Jesus Teaches Impartiality
*”And they asked him, saying, Master, we know that thou sayest and teachest rightly, neither acceptest thou the
person of any, but teachest the way of God truly.”*
The people recognized that Jesus taught without showing partiality, valuing the truth above all else.
Jesus was not swayed by personal gain or social pressure but remained focused on imparting God’s truth.
This verse affirms that true teaching and leadership must be rooted in impartiality, reflecting the heart of God.
34. 1 Samuel 16:7 – God Sees the Heart
“But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.”
God does not judge by outward appearances. He sees the heart, and His judgment is not influenced by superficial traits.
This verse challenges us to look beyond external factors and to see the value of people as God does.
We must reject partiality and treat others with fairness, recognizing the true worth that God sees in each person.
35. 2 Chronicles 19:7 – No Partiality in God’s Judgment
“Wherefore now let the fear of the Lord be upon you; take heed and do it: for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, nor respect of persons, nor taking of gifts.”
God’s judgment is pure and without favoritism.
This verse reinforces that God does not show partiality and expects His people to reflect this impartiality in their own actions.
We are called to uphold justice and righteousness, treating everyone with fairness and equality, just as God does.
Our Thoughts On What The Bible Says About Partiality
The Bible teaches that partiality has no place in the lives of believers.
God Himself is impartial, judging every person fairly, regardless of their status, wealth, or appearance.
His kingdom is one of justice and equality, where all are treated with the same love and respect.
Partiality, whether based on race, social status, or personal preference, distorts the truth of the gospel and creates divisions.
As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect God’s impartiality in our relationships with others, treating everyone with fairness, compassion, and love.
The Scriptures continually challenge us to eliminate bias from our hearts, ensuring that our actions align with God’s righteous judgment.
Say This Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your impartial love and justice.
We ask You to search our hearts and reveal any areas where partiality may have crept in.
Help us to treat all people with fairness and respect, reflecting Your love in all our interactions.
May we embrace the truth that every person is valuable in Your eyes, and may we extend grace and mercy without bias.
Give us the strength to reject favoritism in all forms and to live in a way that honors You.
We pray for Your guidance to show true justice and equality to all people. In Jesus’ name, Amen.