James 2:17

Similarly, those who do not do good things to help others, what they have said about their believing in Christ is as useless [MET] as a dead person is useless. They do not really believe in Christ.

Translation for Translators

In The King James Version

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

In Context

16And suppose that one of you says to them, “May God bless you and supply the clothing and food that you need!” but you (sg) do not give them the things that they need. ◄That would be no help to them!/What help is that to them?► [RHQ]

18But someone may say to me, “ God saves some people only because they trust in him, and he saves others because they do good deeds to people.” I would answer that person, “ You(sg) cannot prove to me that people truly trust in God if they do not do good things for others. But by doing good things for others I will prove to you that I truly trust in God”

Read all of James 2

Cross References

1 Corinthians 13:3And supposing we would give everything that we own to poor people, and would let others kill us in order that we could boast about sacrificing our own bodies. If we did not love others, we would not get any reward from God.

1 Thessalonians 1:3We thank God because we continually remember that you work for God because you trust in him and you earnestly/energetically help people because you love them. You also endure it when people cause you to suffer. You endure it because you confidently expect that our Lord Jesus Christ will soon return from heaven to rescue you!

James 2:14My fellow believers, there are some people who say, “I believe in the Lord Jesus Christ,” but they do not do good things for other people. ◄Their saying that will certainly not do them any good!/What good will their saying that do for them?► [RHQ] God will certainly not save people like that who say that they believe, but do not do good things! [RHQ]

James 2:26Remember that when our spirits permanently leave our bodies, our bodies are dead and useless. Similarly [SIM], if someone says, “I trust in God,” but does not do things to help others, what that person says about trusting in God is useless.

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