James 2:22
Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
Original Language Analysis
ὅτι
how
G3754
ὅτι
how
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
2 of 15
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πίστις
faith
G4102
πίστις
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
4 of 15
persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργων
works
G2041
ἔργων
works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
7 of 15
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
αὐτοῦ
with his
G846
αὐτοῦ
with his
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
8 of 15
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
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐκ
by
G1537
ἐκ
by
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
10 of 15
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 #:
11 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργων
works
G2041
ἔργων
works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
12 of 15
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
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;Galatians 5:6For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love.1 John 2:5But whoso keepeth his word, in him verily is the love of God perfected: hereby know we that we are in him.
Historical Context
Diaspora believers needed assurance that their suffering-induced obedience was not wasted; it completed their faith like Abraham's. Paul's exhortations to work out salvation (Philippians 2:12-13) complement this perspective.",
Questions for Reflection
- How have past obediences strengthened your faith?
- What current step of obedience might God use to mature you?
- How can you encourage others to see works as faith-building?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? You see that faith worked together (synērgei, συνεργεῖ) with works, and by works faith was perfected (eteleiōthē, ἐτελειώθη). Faith and works cooperate; obedience matures faith. The process transforms belief into tested trust.
Reformed sanctification teaches that obedience grows faith; trials refine trust. James reveals dynamic synergy between believing and doing.