James 2:17

17 So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.

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.

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FOOTNOTES:

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

James 2:17 In-Context

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.

18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works. ” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

19 You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!