James 2:17
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
Even
G2532
καὶ
Even
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
2 of 12
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πίστις
faith
G4102
πίστις
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
4 of 12
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
ἐὰν
G1437
ἐὰν
Strong's:
G1437
Word #:
5 of 12
a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty
μὴ
G3361
μὴ
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
6 of 12
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
ἔργα
works
G2041
ἔργα
works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
7 of 12
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
ἔχῃ
it hath
G2192
ἔχῃ
it hath
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
8 of 12
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
Cross References
James 2:26For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.James 2:14What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?1 Corinthians 13:13And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.1 Timothy 1:5Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:1 Thessalonians 1:3Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;
Historical Context
In persecuted communities, some professed faith to avoid conflict yet failed to aid suffering believers. James draws a line: genuine discipleship entails costly love. Early church catechesis used James 2 to test candidates before baptism.
Questions for Reflection
- What evidence shows your faith is alive?
- Where do you need the Spirit to revive lifeless areas of obedience?
- How can community help you cultivate living faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. Faith without works is dead (nekra, νεκρά). James pronounces verdict: such faith lacks life, like a corpse lacking breath. Works are not the cause but the evidence of life. Living faith inevitably breathes obedience.
This complements Paul's teaching that we are created in Christ for good works (Ephesians 2:10). Reformed theology affirms that regeneration produces fruit; fruitless faith indicates spiritual death.