James 2:21
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατὴρ
father
G3962
πατὴρ
father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
3 of 16
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
ἐξ
by
G1537
ἐξ
by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
6 of 16
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
ἔργων
works
G2041
ἔργων
works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
7 of 16
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 16
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
υἱὸν
son
G5207
υἱὸν
son
Strong's:
G5207
Word #:
12 of 16
a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
αὐτοῦ
G846
αὐτοῦ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
13 of 16
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
ἐπὶ
upon
G1909
ἐπὶ
upon
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
14 of 16
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
Historical Context
Judaizers boasted in Abrahamic lineage. James reminds them that Abraham's faith manifested in obedience. Paul's use of Abraham in Romans 4 emphasizes initial justification; James highlights subsequent obedience. Together they present a full picture.",
Questions for Reflection
- How does Abraham's obedience challenge your own sacrifices?
- In what areas is God calling you to demonstrate faith through costly action?
- How can you keep God's promises in view while obeying difficult commands?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Was not Abraham justified (edikaiōthē, ἐδικαιώθη) by works when he offered Isaac? James references Genesis 22 to show faith's obedience. Abraham's earlier justification (Genesis 15) was by faith; here, works demonstrate that faith. The verb can mean declared righteous or vindicated.
Reformed interpreters note that James speaks of demonstrative justification before men, evidencing genuine faith Paul describes. Faith leads to costly obedience even when promises seem threatened.