James 2:17

17 Thus also faith, if it does not 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 If a brother or a sister is poorly clothed and lacking food for the day,

16 and one of you should say to them, "Go in peace, keep warm and {eat well}," but does not give them what is necessary for the body, what [is] the benefit?

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

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!