18 But [a]some man might say, Thou hast the faith, and I have works: show me thy faith out of thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.

19 [b]Thou believest that there is one God: thou doest well: the devils also believe it, and tremble.

20 [c]But wilt thou understand, O thou vain man, that the faith which is without works, is dead?

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Footnotes

  1. James 2:18 Nay, thus may every man beat down the pride.
  2. James 2:19 Another reason taken of an absurdity: If such a faith were the true faith whereby we are justified, the devils should be justified: for they have that, but yet notwithstanding they tremble, and are not justified therefore, neither is that faith a true faith.
  3. James 2:20 The third reason from the example of Abraham, who no doubt had a true faith: but he in offering his son, showed himself to have that faith which was not void of works, and therefore he received a true testimony when it was said, that faith was imputed to him for righteousness.

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