King James Version KJV
New International Version NIV
20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
20
You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless ?
21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
21
Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?
22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
22
You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.
23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
23
And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend.
24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
24
You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.
25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
25
In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction?
26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
26
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
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Scripture quoted by permission. Quotations designated (NIV) are from THE HOLY BIBLE: NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica. All rights reserved worldwide.