James 2:18
Yea, 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.
Original Language Analysis
Ἀλλ
Yea
G235
Ἀλλ
Yea
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
1 of 28
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἐρεῖ
may say
G2046
ἐρεῖ
may say
Strong's:
G2046
Word #:
2 of 28
an alternate for g2036 in certain tenses; to utter, i.e., speak or say
πίστιν
faith
G4102
πίστιν
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
5 of 28
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
ἔχω·
hast
G2192
ἔχω·
hast
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
6 of 28
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
κἀγώ
and I
G2504
κἀγώ
and I
Strong's:
G2504
Word #:
7 of 28
so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.
ἔργων
works
G2041
ἔργων
works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
8 of 28
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
ἔχω·
hast
G2192
ἔχω·
hast
Strong's:
G2192
Word #:
9 of 28
to hold (used in very various applications, literally or figuratively, direct or remote; such as possession; ability, contiuity, relation, or conditio
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πίστιν
faith
G4102
πίστιν
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
13 of 28
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
χωρὶς
G5565
χωρὶς
Strong's:
G5565
Word #:
15 of 28
at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργων
works
G2041
ἔργων
works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
17 of 28
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
κἀγώ
and I
G2504
κἀγώ
and I
Strong's:
G2504
Word #:
19 of 28
so also the dative case ????? <pronunciation strongs="kam-oy'"/>, and accusative case ???? <pronunciation strongs="kam-eh'"/> and (or also, even, etc.
ἐκ
by
G1537
ἐκ
by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
22 of 28
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργων
works
G2041
ἔργων
works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
24 of 28
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
26 of 28
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
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:James 3:13Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.Galatians 5:6For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.James 2:14What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?Romans 14:23And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.Hebrews 11:31By faith the harlot Rahab perished not with them that believed not, when she had received the spies with peace.Hebrews 11:33Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions,Romans 3:28Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.Titus 2:7In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,Hebrews 11:6But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.
Historical Context
Early Christian debates pitted Jewish legalists against antinomians. James addresses those claiming faith is purely internal. Paul likewise tells Titus to insist on good works so opponents have nothing evil to say (Titus 2:7-8).
Questions for Reflection
- What concrete works currently display your trust in Christ?
- How can you cultivate habits that make faith tangible?
- Who might be watching your works to evaluate your faith?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Yea, 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. James imagines an interlocutor: "You have faith, I have works. Show (deixon, δεῖξον) me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works." Faith is visible through actions; without works, it cannot be demonstrated.
Reformed orthodoxy holds that justification is by faith alone, but faith is proven genuine by works. James challenges any attempt to separate the two experientially.