Devine Scripture

James 2:20

What does James 2:20 mean?

A plain-English look at James 2:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What James 2:20 means

James challenges the “vain man,” the empty thinker, to recognize that faith apart from works is barren. A sterile faith produces no fruit because it draws no life from God. The point is pastoral as well as theological: it is possible to deceive oneself with words and notions, while the absence of obedience silently testifies that the heart remains unchanged. James invites the reader to wisdom—to see that the living God creates living trust, which must break out into deeds. He now turns to Scripture to show this truth embodied in the lives of the faithful.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith apart from works is barren?

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith apart from works is barren?

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Do you not see, O foolish man, that faith without works is of no use?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

And dost thou wish to know, O vain man, that the faith apart from the works is dead?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

Context

This verse functions as a hinge. After exposing the hollowness of mere assent (v. 19), James issues a direct rebuke and announces his intention to prove the point. Verses 21–24 appeal to Abraham, the father of believers, and verse 25 to Rahab, a Gentile woman—together spanning Israel’s story. These examples demonstrate that works cooperate with faith and bring it to maturity. The section will conclude in verse 26 with a vivid analogy.

v.19Thou believest that God is one; thou doest well: the demons also believe, and shudder.

v.20This passage

v.21Was not Abraham our father justified by works, in that he offered up Isaac his son upon the altar?

Cross references

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

  • Galatians 6:3

    For if a man thinketh himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself.

  • Galatians 5:6

    For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision; but faith working through love.

  • James 2:17

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

  • Proverbs 12:11

    He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread; But he that followeth after vain persons is void of understanding.

  • 1 Corinthians 15:35

    But some one will say, How are the dead raised? and with what manner of body do they come?

  • Psalms 94:8

    Consider, ye brutish among the people; And ye fools, when will ye be wise?

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