James 2:16
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?
Original Language Analysis
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
4 of 23
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ἐξ
of
G1537
ἐξ
of
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
5 of 23
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
Ὑπάγετε
Depart
G5217
Ὑπάγετε
Depart
Strong's:
G5217
Word #:
7 of 23
to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively
εἰρήνῃ
peace
G1515
εἰρήνῃ
peace
Strong's:
G1515
Word #:
9 of 23
peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
χορτάζεσθε
filled
G5526
χορτάζεσθε
filled
Strong's:
G5526
Word #:
12 of 23
to fodder, i.e., (generally) to gorge (supply food in abundance)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
13 of 23
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
δῶτε
ye give
G1325
δῶτε
ye give
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
14 of 23
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
αὐτοῖς
them
G846
αὐτοῖς
them
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
16 of 23
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπιτήδεια
those things which are needful
G2006
ἐπιτήδεια
those things which are needful
Strong's:
G2006
Word #:
18 of 23
serviceable, i.e., (by implication) requisite
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
19 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σώματος
to the body
G4983
σώματος
to the body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
20 of 23
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
τί
what
G5101
τί
what
Strong's:
G5101
Word #:
21 of 23
an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)
Cross References
Romans 12:9Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.Matthew 15:32Then Jesus called his disciples unto him, and said, I have compassion on the multitude, because they continue with me now three days, and have nothing to eat: and I will not send them away fasting, lest they faint in the way.2 Corinthians 8:8I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.
Historical Context
Traditional Jewish blessings often included such phrases; James warns against using them as substitutes for action. In diaspora communities, some may have offered kind words to avoid financial cost. John's exhortation in 1 John 3:17 echoes this warning.
Questions for Reflection
- Where might you offer words of comfort without practical aid?
- How can you structure follow-up to ensure promises become deeds?
- What resources can you mobilize to warm and fill needy saints?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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? Saying, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled" (thermainesthe, θερμαίνεσθε; chortazesthe, χορτάζεσθε) without supplying necessities is empty. Words devoid of deeds betray hypocrisy. Blessings without provision are worthless.
James critiques superficial piety that cloaks indifference. Reformed believers emphasize that Word and deed must cohere—compassionate speech must be accompanied by sacrificial action.