Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  8000 The life of the believer  »  8700 Threats to the life of faith  »  8753 favouritism

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.

Favouritism in family life

Isaac's preference for Esau

Genesis 25:23,28

Rebekah's preference for Jacob

Genesis 27:6-10

Jacob's preference for Joseph

Genesis 37:3-4

Elkanah's preference for Hannah

1 Samuel 1:5-6

The child of a favourite wife must not receive preferential treatment

Deuteronomy 21:15-16

Favouritism in church relationships

In the treatment of widows

Acts 6:1

James warned against favouring rich Christians

James 2:1-4,8-9

Paul warned Timothy against showing favouritism

1 Timothy 5:21

Justice must be impartial

Leviticus 19:15 See also Exodus 23:3; Deuteronomy 16:19; Job 13:10; Psalm 82:2; Proverbs 24:23; Proverbs 28:21; Malachi 2:9

God has no favourites

Romans 2:11 See also Job 34:19; Matthew 5:45

God has no favourite nation

Acts 10:34-35 See also Romans 2:10; Ephesians 6:8-9

God does not differentiate between Jewish and Gentile Christians

Acts 15:7-9; Romans 10:12-13

God judges all without favouritism

Deuteronomy 10:17; 2 Chronicles 19:7; Romans 2:9; Colossians 3:25; 1 Peter 1:17

See also

2042  Christ, justice of
5095  Jacob, life
5347  injustice
5359  justice
5765  attitudes to people
5859  favour
5863  flattery
5882  impartiality
8773  jealousy
8800  prejudice