James 2:15

15 1If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food,

James 2:15 Meaning and Commentary

James 2:15

If a brother or sister
A Christian man or woman, a fellow member of a church of Christ; for this relation is to be understood in a spiritual sense, though it does not exclude such who are in this relation in a natural sense:

be naked;
or clothed in rags, or in very mean and sordid apparel, such as will neither keep them warm, nor clean and decent; for they must not be supposed to be entirely naked, but to be in a very uncomfortable and indecent garb:

and destitute of daily food;
have not food sufficient for the day; or aught to support nature with, and yield them proper refreshment and nourishment.

James 2:15 In-Context

13 For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
14 What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?
15 If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food,
16 and one of you says to them, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled," without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?
17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

Cross References 1

  • 1. [Job 31:19, 20]; See Luke 3:11
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.