James 2:17

17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

James 2:17 in Other Translations

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

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

17 So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

17 Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense?

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

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 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food.

16 If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?

17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.

18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.

19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

Cross References

• 1. ver 20,26; Galatians 5:6