James 2:14
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
Original Language Analysis
Τί
What
G5101
Τί
What
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
1 of 20
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
4 of 20
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ἐὰν
though
G1437
ἐὰν
though
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
6 of 20
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
πίστις
faith
G4102
πίστις
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
7 of 20
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
λέγῃ
say
G3004
λέγῃ
say
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
8 of 20
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ἔχῃ
have
G2192
ἔχῃ
have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
10 of 20
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
ἔργα
works
G2041
ἔργα
works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
11 of 20
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
13 of 20
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἔχῃ
have
G2192
ἔχῃ
have
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
14 of 20
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
15 of 20
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πίστις
faith
G4102
πίστις
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
18 of 20
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
Cross References
Luke 6:49But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.Titus 1:16They profess that they know God; but in works they deny him, being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.2 Peter 1:5And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith virtue; and to virtue knowledge;Hebrews 11:17By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac: and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son,James 2:26For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.Hebrews 13:9Be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines. For it is a good thing that the heart be established with grace; not with meats, which have not profited them that have been occupied therein.Galatians 5:6For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.James 2:18Yea, 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.Acts 8:21Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter: for thy heart is not right in the sight of God.Matthew 5:20For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Historical Context
Early believers faced misinterpretations of Paul's teaching that faith frees from obedience. James corrects antinomian tendencies spreading among diaspora congregations. His language mirrors Paul's in Galatians 5:6 and Ephesians 2:8-10, showing harmony rather than contradiction.
Questions for Reflection
- Where might your profession of faith be unaccompanied by action?
- How does this verse challenge cheap grace assumptions?
- What concrete work of obedience should flow from your faith today?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? James asks, "What profit" (ophelos, ὄφελος) if someone says he has faith (pistin, πίστιν) but lacks works (erga, ἔργα)? Can that faith save him? The rhetorical answer is no: a profession devoid of obedience is counterfeit. The issue is not faith plus works but the nature of saving faith—it inevitably produces works.
Reformed theology distinguishes justified-by-faith-alone from a dead faith. James aligns with Paul by opposing empty confessions that bear no fruit. True faith unites with Christ and thus shares His life, expressing itself in love.