James 2:17

17 In the same way faith, if it doesn't have works, is dead by itself.

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James 2:17 Meaning and Commentary

James 2:17

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
] It is like a lifeless carcass, a body without a soul, ( James 2:26 ) for as works, without faith, are dead works, so faith, without works, is a dead faith, and not like the lively hope and faith of regenerated persons: and indeed, such who have no other faith than this are dead in trespasses and sins; not that works are the life of faith, or that the life of faith lies in, and flows from works; but, as Dr. Ames observes F2, good works are second acts, necessarily flowing from the life of faith; to which may be added, and by these faith appears to be living, lively and active, or such who perform them appear to be true and living believers.


FOOTNOTES:

F2 Medulla Theolog. l. 2. c. 7. sect. 35.

James 2:17 In-Context

15 If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food,
16 and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well," but you don't give them what the body needs, what good is it?
17 In the same way faith, if it doesn't have works, is dead by itself.
18 But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without works, and I will show you faith from my works.
19 You believe that God is one; you do well. The demons also believe-and they shudder.

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