James 2:26
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Original Language Analysis
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 17
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σῶμα
the body
G4983
σῶμα
the body
Strong's:
G4983
Word #:
4 of 17
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
χωρὶς
without
G5565
χωρὶς
without
Strong's:
G5565
Word #:
5 of 17
at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)
πνεύματος
the spirit
G4151
πνεύματος
the spirit
Strong's:
G4151
Word #:
6 of 17
a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin
καὶ
also
G2532
καὶ
also
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πίστις
faith
G4102
πίστις
faith
Strong's:
G4102
Word #:
12 of 17
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 #:
13 of 17
at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἔργων
works
G2041
ἔργων
works
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
15 of 17
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
Cross References
James 2:20But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?James 2:17Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.James 2:14What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?Ecclesiastes 12:7Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.Psalms 104:29Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust.
Historical Context
This proverb-like statement would resonate with Jewish wisdom tradition. Diaspora believers witnessing martyrdoms understood death imagery; James urges them not to settle for lifeless orthodoxy while persecution demands vibrant obedience.
Questions for Reflection
- What would it look like if your faith lost its 'breath'?
- How can you keep faith and action inseparable in daily life?
- Who can help you monitor whether your faith remains alive?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. As the body without the spirit (pneumatos, πνεύματος) is dead, so faith without works is dead. The analogy underscores inseparability: spirit animates body; works animate faith. Without action, faith is a corpse.
Reformed spirituality insists on union of doctrine and life. James concludes the section with vivid imagery, sealing the argument that living faith necessarily acts.