James 2:19
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
Original Language Analysis
πιστεύουσιν
believe
G4100
πιστεύουσιν
believe
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
2 of 15
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
3 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεός
God
G2316
θεός
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
5 of 15
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἐστιν
there is
G2076
ἐστιν
there is
Strong's:
G2076
Word #:
7 of 15
he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are
ποιεῖς·
thou doest
G4160
ποιεῖς·
thou doest
Strong's:
G4160
Word #:
9 of 15
to make or do (in a very wide application, more or less direct)
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τὰ
G3588
τὰ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πιστεύουσιν
believe
G4100
πιστεύουσιν
believe
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
13 of 15
to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
Cross References
Luke 4:34Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art; the Holy One of God.Mark 1:24Saying, Let us alone; what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazareth? art thou come to destroy us? I know thee who thou art, the Holy One of God.Matthew 8:29And, behold, they cried out, saying, What have we to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of God? art thou come hither to torment us before the time?Acts 16:17The same followed Paul and us, and cried, saying, These men are the servants of the most high God, which shew unto us the way of salvation.Deuteronomy 6:4Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD:Isaiah 44:8Fear ye not, neither be afraid: have not I told thee from that time, and have declared it? ye are even my witnesses. Is there a God beside me? yea, there is no God; I know not any.Mark 5:7And cried with a loud voice, and said, What have I to do with thee, Jesus, thou Son of the most high God? I adjure thee by God, that thou torment me not.Galatians 3:20Now a mediator is not a mediator of one, but God is one.Zechariah 14:9And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.Isaiah 46:9Remember the former things of old: for I am God, and there is none else; I am God, and there is none like me,
Historical Context
Jewish Shema confession (Deuteronomy 6:4) was recited daily. James warns that reciting truth without embodying love is worthless. Demons have sound theology yet oppose God. Paul similarly warns in Romans 2 that possessing the law while disobeying it brings judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- Where might you possess orthodox beliefs without corresponding obedience?
- How can you ensure doctrine fuels love, not pride?
- What practices help convert knowledge into action?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. Believing God is one (heis estin ho Theos, εἷς ἐστιν ὁ Θεός) is orthodox monotheism, but even demons (daimonia, δαιμόνια) believe and shudder (phrissousin, φρίσσουσιν). Intellectual assent without obedience aligns us with demonic faith—accurate but unredeemed.
Reformed theology distinguishes notitia and assensus from fiducia: knowledge and assent must be joined with trusting reliance. Mere doctrinal correctness without transformation is demonic-level belief.