James 2:13

The reading varies between ἀνέλεος אABCK, ἀνίλεως L and many other MSS. and Fathers, and ἀνέλεως and ἀνήλεως in a few codices.

13. ἡ γὰρ κρίσις κ.τ.λ. The judgment implied by κρίνεσθαι διὰ νόμ. ἐλευθ. is pitiless to him who shews no pity. But neglect of the poor, or absence of ἔλεος, is implied in deference to the rich or προσωπολημψία. The law of liberty condemns such distinction. Therefore the προσωπολήμπτης will find no mercy under that law the principle of which is ἔλεος. But even divine compassion does not extend to him who has no compassion on his fellow-creatures, the lesson of the parable of the unmerciful servant, Matthew 18:23-35. ἔλεος the contrary principle rejoiceth over judgment because there is nothing for judgment to condemn, ἔλεος like ἀγάπη being the fulfilling of the law. ἐλεημοσύνη indeed is nearly equivalent to δικαιοσύνη, see the various readings St Matthew 6:1 and comp. Daniel 4:27 τὰς ἁμαρτίας σου ἐν ἐλεημοσύναις (כְּצִדְקָה) λύτρωσαι καὶ τὰς�. ἀνέλεος for the classical ἀνελεής or the more purely Attic form ἀνηλεής, in Homer νηλεής, see Lob. Phryn. 711. For the reading here see crit. notes.