Devine Scripture

James 2:22

What does James 2:22 mean?

A plain-English look at James 2:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What James 2:22 means

James interprets Abraham’s story: faith was at work with his deeds, and by deeds faith was made perfect—brought to its mature expression. Works are not a rival path to God; they are faith stretching its muscles, completing what trust begins. Abraham believed God long before the altar, yet the offering of Isaac showed that belief ripened into obedience. Thus, faith and works are companions, not competitors: trust gives rise to action; action confirms and strengthens trust. In this way, faith attains its intended fullness, not by adding merit, but by bearing the fruit obedience naturally yields.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

You see that his faith was helping his works and was made complete by them;

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

dost thou see that the faith was working with his works, and out of the works the faith was perfected?

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

Seest thou that faith did cooperate with his works and by works faith was made perfect?

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

Thou seest that faith wrought with his works, and that by works faith was perfected.

Context

This explanation follows the example introduced in verse 21 and prepares for the citation in verse 23, where the earlier statement about Abraham’s believing God is said to be fulfilled. The flow shows that the dramatic act on the mountain did not contradict Abraham’s prior faith but brought it to completion. Verse 24 will then draw the broader conclusion for all believers, before adding Rahab as a second witness in verse 25.

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

v.22This passage

v.23and the scripture was fulfilled which saith, And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness; and he was called the friend of God.

Cross references

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

  • Galatians 5:6

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

  • Hebrews 11:17

    By faith Abraham, being tried, offered up Isaac: yea, he that had gladly received the promises was offering up his only begotten son;

  • 1 Thessalonians 1:3

    remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, before our God and Father;

  • 1 John 4:17

    Herein is love made perfect with us, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as he is, even so are we in this world.

  • 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.

  • 1 John 2:5

    but whoso keepeth his word, in him verily hath the love of God been perfected. Hereby we know that we are in him:

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 2:22.

Browse every hub

BibleTopicsBible answersDevotionalsFamous passagesWord studiesPeoplePlacesVerses for…Reading plansCommentary