James 2:17

17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

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 be naked and destitute of daily food,

16 and one of you say unto them, "Depart in peace; be ye warmed and filled," without giving them those things which are needful to the body, what doth it profit?

17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

18 Yea, a man may say, "Thou hast faith, and I have works." Show me thy faith apart from thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.

19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well. The devils also believe -- and tremble.