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?

Read full chapter

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.

18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”

Show me your faith without deeds,(A) and I will show you my faith(B) by my deeds.(C) 19 You believe that there is one God.(D) Good! Even the demons believe that(E)—and shudder.

20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless[a]?(F)

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. James 2:20 Some early manuscripts dead