Dictionary of Bible Themes The unfair treatment of a person or group in preference to another. Favouritism is shown in Scripture as causing division both in the family and in the church. It is warned against in the administration of justice. The human tendency to partiality is contrasted with God's impartial dealings. Genesis 25:23,28Favouritism in family life Isaac's preference for Esau Genesis 27:6-10Rebekah's preference for Jacob Genesis 37:3-4Jacob's preference for Joseph 1 Samuel 1:5-6Elkanah's preference for Hannah Deuteronomy 21:15-16The child of a favourite wife must not receive preferential treatment Acts 6:1Favouritism in church relationships In the treatment of widows James 2:1-4,8-9James warned against favouring rich Christians 1 Timothy 5:21Paul warned Timothy against showing favouritism Leviticus 19:15Justice must be impartial See also Exodus 23:3Deuteronomy 16:19 Job 13:10 Psalms 82:2 Proverbs 24:23; 28:21 Malachi 2:9 Romans 2:11 God has no favourites See also Job 34:19Matthew 5:45 Acts 10:34-35 See also God has no favourite nation Romans 2:10Ephesians 6:8-9 Acts 15:7-9 Romans 10:12-13 God does not differentiate between Jewish and Gentile Christians Deuteronomy 10:172 Chronicles 19:7 God judges all without favouritism Romans 2:9Colossians 3:25 1 Peter 1:17 See also 2045 Christ, knowledge of5098 John the Baptist 5347 injustice 5359 justice 5766 attitudes to life 5861 favour, human 5864 futility 5883 impatience 8774 legalism 8801 presumption |
    |