Devine Scripture

James 2:17

What does James 2:17 mean?

A plain-English look at James 2:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What James 2:17 means

James draws the lesson: faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. Works do not add life to faith as an external supplement; rather, living faith naturally expresses itself in action, just as a living tree bears fruit. A professed faith that never acts is a corpse—it bears the name of faith but lacks its breath. This does not deny justification by faith; it defines the kind of faith that justifies. The same grace that saves also renews the heart to love, obey, and serve, so that works become the visible signs that faith is alive.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

Even so faith, if it have not works, is dead in itself.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

Even so faith, if it have not works, is dead in itself.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Even so faith without works is dead.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

so also the faith, if it may not have works, is dead by itself.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

So faith also, if it have not works, is dead in itself.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

So also faith, if it have not works, is dead by itself.

Context

Following the example of empty words to the needy (vv. 15–16), verse 17 delivers the theological conclusion. The next verses (18–19) introduce a dialogue with an imagined objector who would separate faith and works. Then verses 20–25 supply biblical case studies, showing how genuine faith and obedient action cooperate. The final verse (26) will return to the image of life and death to seal the point. Verse 17 is thus the thesis restated plainly.

v.16and one of you say unto them, Go in peace, be ye warmed and filled; and yet ye give them not the things needful to the body; what doth it profit?

v.17This passage

v.18Yea, a man will say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith apart from thy works, and I by my works will show thee my faith.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • James 2:26

    For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead.

  • 2 Peter 1:5

    Yea, and for this very cause adding on your part all diligence, in your faith supply virtue; and in your virtue knowledge;

  • 1 Timothy 1:5

    But the end of the charge is love out of a pure heart and a good conscience and faith unfeigned:

  • 1 Corinthians 13:13

    But now abideth faith, hope, love, these three; and the greatest of these is love.

  • James 2:14

    What doth it profit, my brethren, if a man say he hath faith, but have not works? can that faith save him?

  • James 2:19

    Thou believest that God is one; thou doest well: the demons also believe, and shudder.

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