James 2:17

In just the same way faith, if not followed by actions, is, by itself, a lifeless thing.

Open English Bible (UK)

In The King James Version

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

In Context

16and one of you says to them – ‘Go, and peace be with you; keep warm and eat well!’ and yet you do not actually give them the necessities of life, what good would it be to them?

18Someone, indeed, may say – ‘You are a man of faith, and I am a man of action.’ ‘Then show me your faith,’ I reply, ‘apart from any actions, and I will show you my faith by my actions.’

Read all of James 2

Cross References

1 Corinthians 13:3Even though I dole my substance to the poor, even though I sacrifice my body in order to boast, yet have not love, it avails me nothing!

1 Thessalonians 1:3recalling continually before our God and Father the efforts that have resulted from your faith, the toil prompted by your love, and the patient endurance sustained by your hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

James 2:14My friends, what good is it if someone claims that they have faith, but they do not prove it by actions? Can such faith save them?

James 2:26Just as a body is dead without a spirit, so faith is dead without actions.

Matthew Henry on James 2:15-26

Faith and Works. ( a. d. 61.) 14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 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? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. 18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study James 2:17