Devine Scripture

James 2:21

What does James 2:21 mean?

A plain-English look at James 2:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What James 2:21 means

James asks whether Abraham was justified by works when he offered up Isaac on the altar. He points to Genesis’s account of Abraham’s costly obedience. “Justified” here has the sense of being shown righteous—his faith’s reality was displayed. Abraham’s act did not replace faith; it revealed what his faith truly was: trust so deep that he surrendered his dearest promise to God. The altar scene demonstrates that genuine faith yields obedience even when it cuts against natural hopes. Faith that refuses such obedience never proves itself and remains suspect.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Was not the righteousness of Abraham our father judged by his works, when he made an offering of Isaac his son on the altar?

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

Abraham our father--was not he declared righteous out of works, having brought up Isaac his son upon the altar?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Was not Abraham our father justified by works, offering up Isaac his son upon the altar?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

Context

This is the first of two biblical examples. Following the rebuke of verse 20, James recalls Abraham’s offering of Isaac as the decisive test of faith. Verses 22–23 will explain the relationship: faith worked with his works, was made perfect by them, and thus fulfilled the earlier Scripture about his being counted righteous. Verse 24 will generalize the lesson before moving to Rahab in verse 25. Abraham’s example sets the pattern for understanding justification in James’s argument.

v.20But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith apart from works is barren?

v.21This passage

v.22Thou seest that faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect;

Cross references

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

  • Romans 3:20

    because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified in his sight; for through the law cometh the knowledge of sin.

  • James 2:18

    Yea, 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.

  • Psalms 143:2

    And enter not into judgment with thy servant; For in thy sight no man living is righteous.

  • John 8:39

    They answered and said unto him, Our father is Abraham. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham’s children, ye would do the works of Abraham.

  • John 8:53

    Art thou greater than our father Abraham, who died? and the prophets died: whom makest thou thyself?

  • Genesis 22:16

    and said, By myself have I sworn, saith Jehovah, because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son,

Related questions readers ask

Keep reading

Want to dig deeper? Explore James 2

Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on James 2.

Keep exploring

Follow this verse across Scripture

Topics, devotionals, original-language word studies, and figures connected to James 2:21.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary