James 2:20 — Meaning and Application

King James Version

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

James 2:20

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Understanding the surrounding verses prevents misinterpretation:

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?

Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? {Seest...: or, Thou seest}

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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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