James 2:21
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?
Was not our father Abraham justified by what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?
22 You see that his faith was working with his actions, and his faith was perfected by what he did.
23 And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called a friend of God.
Do read the surrounding verses too, because the context often says more than a single verse.
Compare
- BSB
- Was not our father Abraham justified by what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?
- KJV
- Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
- WEB
- Wasn’t Abraham our father justified by works, in that he offered up Isaac his son on the altar?
- ASV
- Was not Abraham our father justified by works, in that he offered up Isaac his son upon the altar?
- DARBY
- Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
- BLB
- Was not Abraham our father justified by works, having offered his son Isaac upon the altar?
- ÅB
- Abraham, vår far, ble ikke han rettferdiggjort ved gjerninger, da han ofret sin sønn Isak på alteret?
- OTB
- Ble ikke vår far Abraham rettferdiggjort ved gjerninger da han ofret sin sønn Isak på alteret?
- B1930
- Abraham, vår far, blev ikke han rettferdiggjort ved gjerninger, da han ofret sin sønn Isak på alteret?
Study notes (Tyndale)
Original text and word study
Cross references
Genesis 22:16–18
saying, “By Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your only son,
Read in contextGenesis 22:9–12
When they arrived at the place God had designated, Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood. He bound his son Isaac and placed him on the altar, atop the wood.
Read in contextJohn 8:39
“Abraham is our father,” they replied. “If you were children of Abraham,” said Jesus, “you would do the works of Abraham.
Read in contextMatthew 12:37
For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
Read in contextRomans 4:16
Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may rest on grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.
Read in contextJohn 8:53
Are You greater than our father Abraham? He died, as did the prophets. Who do You claim to be?”
Read in contextIsaiah 51:2
Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who gave you birth. When I called him, he was but one; then I blessed him and multiplied him.
Read in contextJames 2:18
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.
Read in context