James 2:18 — Meaning and Application

King James Version

“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. {without: some copies read, by}”

James 2:18

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Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:

And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be {ye} warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what {doth it} profit?

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. {alone: Gr. by itself}

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. {without: some copies read, by}

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

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From This Chapter

James 2:1

"My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, {the Lord} of glory, with respect of persons."

James 2:2

"For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; {assembly: Gr. synagogue}"

James 2:3

"And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: {in...: or, well, or, seemly}"

James 2:4

"Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?"

James 2:5

"Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him? {of the: or, of that}"

James 2:6

"But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?"

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