James 2:18
16 If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?
17 So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.
But someone will say, “You have faith and I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.
19 You believe that God is one. Good for you! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
20 O foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is worthless?
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- But someone will say, “You have faith and I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.
- KJV
- Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
- WEB
- Yes, a man will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
- ASV
- Yea, a man will say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith apart from [thy] works, and I by my works will show thee [my] faith.
- DARBY
- But some one will say, *Thou* hast faith and *I* have works. Shew me thy faith without works, and *I* from my works will shew thee my faith.
- BLB
- But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show to me your faith without works, and I will show to you faith by my works.
- ÅB
- Men en kan si: Du har tro, og jeg har gjerninger. Vis meg din tro uten gjerninger, og jeg vil vise deg min tro av mine gjerninger!
- OTB
- Men noen kan si, "Du har tro og jeg har gjerninger." Vis meg din tro uten gjerninger, og jeg vil vise deg min tro ved mine gjerninger.
- B1930
- Men en kan si: Du har tro, og jeg har gjerninger. Vis mig din tro uten gjerninger, og jeg vil vise dig min tro av mine gjerninger!
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good conduct, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
Read in contextJames 2:14
What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
Read in context1 Timothy 1:5
The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith.
Read in contextGalatians 5:6
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. All that matters is faith, expressed through love.
Read in contextTitus 2:11–14
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to everyone.
Read in contextTitus 2:7
In everything, show yourself to be an example by doing good works. In your teaching show integrity, dignity,
Read in contextMatthew 7:16–17
By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?
Read in contextRomans 14:23
But the one who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that is not from faith is sin.
Read in context