James 2:23
And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπληρώθη
was fulfilled
G4137
ἐπληρώθη
was fulfilled
Strong's:
G4137
Word #:
2 of 20
to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γραφὴ
the scripture
G1124
γραφὴ
the scripture
Strong's:
G1124
Word #:
4 of 20
a document, i.e., holy writ (or its contents or a statement in it)
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λέγουσα
which saith
G3004
λέγουσα
which saith
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
6 of 20
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ἐπίστευσεν
believed
G4100
Ἐπίστευσεν
believed
Strong's:
G4100
Word #:
7 of 20
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
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
11 of 20
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐλογίσθη
it was imputed
G3049
ἐλογίσθη
it was imputed
Strong's:
G3049
Word #:
13 of 20
to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)
αὐτῷ
unto him
G846
αὐτῷ
unto him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
14 of 20
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
εἰς
for
G1519
εἰς
for
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
15 of 20
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
δικαιοσύνην
righteousness
G1343
δικαιοσύνην
righteousness
Strong's:
G1343
Word #:
16 of 20
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
17 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φίλος
the Friend
G5384
φίλος
the Friend
Strong's:
G5384
Word #:
18 of 20
actively, fond, i.e., friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.)
Cross References
Genesis 15:6And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.Isaiah 41:8But thou, Israel, art my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.2 Chronicles 20:7Art not thou our God, who didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever?Galatians 3:6Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.Exodus 33:11And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.Romans 11:2God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,
Historical Context
Friend of God was a Jewish honorific for Abraham. James applies it to believers who emulate his obedient trust. Paul's use of Genesis 15:6 proves initial justification by faith; James shows ongoing fulfillment.",
Questions for Reflection
- How does Abraham's title 'friend of God' inspire you toward obedience?
- Where might God be inviting you to fulfill Scripture through action?
- How can justification truths fuel deeper friendship with God?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. Scripture was fulfilled: "Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness" (Genesis 15:6); and he was called the friend of God (philos Theou, φίλος Θεοῦ). Abraham's later obedience confirmed earlier faith, earning him the relational title friend.
Reformed believers cherish justification by imputed righteousness while pursuing intimate friendship with God through obedient trust. Works fulfill, not replace, initial faith.