James 2:20
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Original Language Analysis
θέλεις
wilt
G2309
θέλεις
wilt
Strong's:
G2309
Word #:
1 of 14
to determine (as an active option from subjective impulse; whereas g1014 properly denotes rather a passive acquiescence in objective considerations),
γνῶναι
thou know
G1097
γνῶναι
thou know
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
3 of 14
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
7 of 14
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πίστις
faith
G4102
πίστις
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
9 of 14
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
χωρὶς
without
G5565
χωρὶς
without
Strong's:
G5565
Word #:
10 of 14
at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργων
works
G2041
ἔργων
works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
12 of 14
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
Cross References
Proverbs 12:11He that tilleth his land shall be satisfied with bread: but he that followeth vain persons is void of understanding.James 2:17Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.James 2:26For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.Romans 1:21Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened.
Historical Context
Antinomian tendencies threatened early churches, prompting strong apostolic correction (cf. Jude 4). James, shepherding diaspora believers, uses wisdom literature's bluntness to awaken sleepers. Paul's questions in Romans 6 mirror this rhetorical style.
Questions for Reflection
- Where do you need a wake-up call regarding idle faith?
- Who has permission to confront you about hypocrisy?
- How will you respond to James's rebuke with repentance?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? James addresses the foolish man (anthrōpe kene, ἄνθρωπε κενέ), asking if he wants to know that faith without works is barren (argos, ἀργός). The adjective means idle or useless. Empty claims need rebuke; James confronts complacency head-on.
Reformed theology values pastoral admonition: mere assent without obedience is vanity. James's sharp tone signals the danger of lifeless faith.