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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>James 2:18 But someone will say, "You have faith and I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/james/2-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/20/59_Jas_02_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="James 2:18 - Faith and Works" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="But someone will say, You have faith and I have deeds. 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I will show you my faith by my good deeds.” <a href="/esv/james/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. <a href="/bsb/james/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> But someone will say, “You have faith and I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. <a href="/blb/james/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without works, and I will show you faith by my works. <a href="/kjv/james/2.htm">King James Bible</a> Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. <a href="/nkjv/james/2.htm">New King James Version</a> But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. <a href="/nasb_/james/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” <a href="/nasb/james/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> But someone may well say, &#8220You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.&#8221 <a href="/nasb77/james/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But someone may well say, “You have faith, and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” <a href="/lsb/james/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But someone will say, “You have faith; and I have works. Show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.” <a href="/amp/james/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But someone may say, “You [claim to] have faith and I have [good] works; show me your [alleged] faith without the works [if you can], and I will show you my faith by my works [that is, by what I do].” <a href="/csb/james/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without works, and I will show you faith by my works. <a href="/hcsb/james/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> But someone will say, &#8220You have faith, and I have works.&#8221 Show me your faith without works, and I will show you faith from my works. <a href="/asv/james/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> Yea, a man will say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith apart from thy works, and I by my works will show thee my faith. <a href="/cev/james/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Suppose someone disagrees and says, "It is possible to have faith without doing kind deeds." I would answer, "Prove that you have faith without doing kind deeds, and I will prove that I have faith by doing them." <a href="/erv/james/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> Yea, a man will say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith apart from thy works, and I by my works will shew thee my faith. <a href="/gwt/james/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Another person might say, "You have faith, but I do good things." Show me your faith apart from the good things you do. I will show you my faith by the good things I do. <a href="/gnt/james/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> But someone will say, "One person has faith, another has actions." My answer is, "Show me how anyone can have faith without actions. I will show you my faith by my actions." <a href="/isv/james/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> But someone may say, "You have faith, and I have actions." Show me your faith without any actions, and I will show you my faith by my actions. <a href="/msb/james/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> But someone will say, ?You have faith and I have deeds.? Show me your faith apart from your deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. <a href="/net/james/2.htm">NET Bible</a> But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith without works and I will show you faith by my works. <a href="/nheb/james/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without works, and I by my works will show you my faith. <a href="/wbt/james/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Also a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works. <a href="/wey/james/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Nay, some one will say, "You have faith, I have actions: prove to me your faith apart from corresponding actions and I will prove mine to you by my actions. <a href="/web/james/2.htm">World English Bible</a> Yes, a man will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/james/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> But someone may say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith out of works. <a href="/blb/james/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without works, and I will show you faith by my works. <a href="/ylt/james/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> But say may some one, Thou hast faith, and I have works, shew me thy faith out of thy works, and I will shew thee out of my works my faith: <a href="/slt/james/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> But certain will say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith from my works.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/james/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But some man will say: Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without works; and I will shew thee, by works, my faith. <a href="/cpdv/james/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Now someone may say: “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without works! But I will show you my faith by means of works. <a href="/nabre/james/2.htm">New American Bible</a> Indeed someone may say, “You have faith and I have works.” Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works. <a href="/nrsvce/james/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/james/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> For a man may say, You have faith, and I have works: show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/james/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> For a man may say to you, “You and I have faith; I have works. Show me your faith without works, and I shall show you my faith by my works.”<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/james/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But some one will say, You have faith, and I have works; show me your faith by your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. <a href="/godbey/james/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> But one will say, You have faith, and I have works: Show me your faith apart from works, and I will show you my faith by my works. <a href="/haweis/james/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Perhaps a man will say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith by thy works, and I will shew thee by my works my faith. <a href="/mace/james/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> it will be said, "you have a speculative faith, but mine is practical, where is your faith, if no effects appear? as for me, my actions will vouch for my faith. <a href="/wey/james/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Nay, some one will say, "You have faith, I have actions: prove to me your faith apart from corresponding actions and I will prove mine to you by my actions. <a href="/worrell/james/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> But some one will say, "You have faith, and I have works": show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. <a href="/worsley/james/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> But one may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith by thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. <a href="/parallel/james/2-18.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0xUBCzqsAGw?start=388" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/james/2.htm">Faith and Works</a> …17So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead. 18<a href="/greek/235.htm" title="235: All’ (Conj) -- But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.">But</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tis (IPro-NMS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">someone</a> <a href="/greek/2046.htm" title="2046: erei (V-FIA-3S) -- Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say.">will say,</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: Sy (PPro-N2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">“You</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echeis (V-PIA-2S) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">have</a> <a href="/greek/4102.htm" title="4102: pistin (N-AFS) -- Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. ">faith</a> <a href="/greek/2504.htm" title="2504: kagō (PPro-N1S) -- To also, I too, but I. From kai and ego; so also the dative case kamoi, and accusative case kame and I, me.">and I</a> <a href="/greek/2192.htm" title="2192: echō (V-PIA-1S) -- To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.">have</a> <a href="/greek/2041.htm" title="2041: erga (N-ANP) -- From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.">deeds.”</a> <a href="/greek/1166.htm" title="1166: deixon (V-AMA-2S) -- A prolonged form of an obsolete primary of the same meaning; to show.">Show</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: moi (PPro-D1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">me</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: sou (PPro-G2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">your</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4102.htm" title="4102: pistin (N-AFS) -- Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. ">faith</a> <a href="/greek/5565.htm" title="5565: chōris (Prep) -- Apart from, separately from; without. Adverb from chora; at a space, i.e. Separately or apart from.">without</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2041.htm" title="2041: ergōn (N-GNP) -- From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.">deeds,</a> <a href="/greek/2504.htm" title="2504: kagō (PPro-N1S) -- To also, I too, but I. From kai and ego; so also the dative case kamoi, and accusative case kame and I, me.">and I</a> <a href="/greek/1166.htm" title="1166: deixō (V-FIA-1S) -- A prolonged form of an obsolete primary of the same meaning; to show.">will show</a> <a href="/greek/4771.htm" title="4771: soi (PPro-D2S) -- You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.">you</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">my</a> <a href="/greek/4102.htm" title="4102: pistin (N-AFS) -- Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. ">faith</a> <a href="/greek/1537.htm" title="1537: ek (Prep) -- From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.">by</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: mou (PPro-G1S) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">my</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2041.htm" title="2041: ergōn (N-GNP) -- From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.">deeds.</a> 19You believe that God is one. Good for you! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-10</a> For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, / not by works, so that no one can boast. / For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life. <a href="/matthew/7-16.htm">Matthew 7:16-20</a> By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? / Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. / A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. ... <a href="/galatians/5-6.htm">Galatians 5:6</a> For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. What matters is faith expressing itself through love. <a href="/hebrews/11-17.htm">Hebrews 11:17-19</a> By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac on the altar. He who had received the promises was ready to offer his one and only son, / even though God had said to him, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” / Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and in a sense, he did receive Isaac back from death. <a href="/romans/2-13.htm">Romans 2:13</a> For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but it is the doers of the law who will be declared righteous. <a href="/1_john/3-17.htm">1 John 3:17-18</a> If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need, but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? / Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth. <a href="/matthew/5-16.htm">Matthew 5:16</a> In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. <a href="/1_corinthians/13-2.htm">1 Corinthians 13:2</a> If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have absolute faith so as to move mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. <a href="/titus/3-8.htm">Titus 3:8</a> This saying is trustworthy. And I want you to emphasize these things, so that those who have believed God will take care to devote themselves to good deeds. These things are excellent and profitable for the people. <a href="/philippians/2-12.htm">Philippians 2:12</a> Therefore, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not only in my presence, but now even more in my absence, continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling. <a href="/1_thessalonians/1-3.htm">1 Thessalonians 1:3</a> and continually recalling before our God and Father your work of faith, your labor of love, and your enduring hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. <a href="/2_peter/1-5.htm">2 Peter 1:5-8</a> For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; / and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; / and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. ... <a href="/john/15-14.htm">John 15:14</a> You are My friends if you do what I command you. <a href="/luke/6-46.htm">Luke 6:46</a> Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but do not do what I say? <a href="/romans/3-28.htm">Romans 3:28</a> For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Yes, a man may say, You have faith, and I have works: show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.Thou.<a href="/james/2-14.htm">James 2:14,22</a> What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? … <a href="/romans/14-23.htm">Romans 14:23</a> And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.<a href="/1_corinthians/13-2.htm">1 Corinthians 13:2</a> And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.without thy works.and I will.<a href="/james/2-22.htm">James 2:22-25</a> Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? … <a href="/james/3-13.htm">James 3:13</a> Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.<a href="/matthew/7-17.htm">Matthew 7:17</a> Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/james/2-14.htm">Actions</a> <a href="/james/1-21.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-18.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/romans/2-6.htm">Corresponding</a> <a href="/james/2-14.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/james/2-17.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/james/1-22.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-14.htm">Shew</a> <a href="/james/2-9.htm">Show</a> <a href="/james/2-14.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/james/2-17.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/james/2-21.htm">Actions</a> <a href="/james/2-20.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/james/3-13.htm">Clear</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-21.htm">Corresponding</a> <a href="/james/2-26.htm">Deeds</a> <a href="/james/2-20.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/james/3-13.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/james/3-13.htm">Shew</a> <a href="/james/3-13.htm">Show</a> <a href="/james/5-19.htm">Someone</a> <a href="/james/2-20.htm">Works</a><div class="vheading2">James 2</div>1. <a href="/james/2-1.htm">Do not regard the rich and despise the poor brothers;</a> 13. <a href="/james/2-13.htm">rather we are to be loving and merciful;</a> 14. <a href="/james/2-14.htm">and not to boast of faith without deeds;</a> 17. <a href="/james/2-17.htm">because faith without deeds is useless;</a> 19. <a href="/james/2-19.htm">as is the faith of the demons;</a> 21. <a href="/james/2-21.htm">however, Abraham displayed both faith and actions;</a> 25. <a href="/james/2-25.htm">as did Rahab.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/james/2.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/james/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/james/2.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>But someone will say, This phrase introduces a hypothetical objector, a common rhetorical device used in ancient literature to present and refute opposing viewpoints. This method is also seen in other parts of Scripture, such as <a href="/romans/9-19.htm">Romans 9:19</a>. It sets the stage for a discussion on the relationship between faith and works, a central theme in the epistle of James.“You have faith and I have deeds.” This statement reflects a division between faith and works, suggesting that one can possess one without the other. In the cultural context of the early church, there was a tension between Jewish Christians who emphasized adherence to the Law (deeds) and Gentile converts who focused on faith. This mirrors the broader debate in the early church about the role of the Mosaic Law, as seen in <a href="/acts/15.htm">Acts 15</a> and <a href="/galatians/2.htm">Galatians 2</a>.Show me your faith without deeds, This challenge underscores the difficulty, if not impossibility, of demonstrating genuine faith without accompanying actions. The biblical context here aligns with Jesus' teachings in <a href="/matthew/7-16.htm">Matthew 7:16-20</a>, where He states that a tree is recognized by its fruit. The idea is that true faith naturally produces good works, serving as evidence of its authenticity.and I will show you my faith by my deeds. This phrase emphasizes that deeds are the visible manifestation of faith. It aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who often highlighted the importance of actions reflecting one's beliefs, as in the parable of the Good Samaritan (<a href="/luke/10-25.htm">Luke 10:25-37</a>). Theologically, this reflects the concept that faith and works are not mutually exclusive but are integrally connected, as seen in <a href="/ephesians/2-10.htm">Ephesians 2:10</a>, which states that believers are created in Christ Jesus to do good works.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/james.htm">James</a> The author of the epistle, traditionally identified as James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Jerusalem church. He is known for his practical approach to Christian living. 2. <a href="/topical/e/early_christian_communities.htm">Early Christian Communities</a> The audience of the letter, likely Jewish Christians scattered outside of Jerusalem, facing trials and needing guidance on living out their faith. 3. <a href="/topical/f/faith_and_works_debate.htm">Faith and Works Debate</a> The ongoing theological discussion within the early church about the relationship between faith and works, which James addresses directly in this passage.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/faith_and_works_are_inseparable.htm">Faith and Works are Inseparable</a> True faith naturally produces good works. James challenges believers to demonstrate their faith through their actions, emphasizing that faith without works is dead. <a href="/topical/t/the_evidence_of_genuine_faith.htm">The Evidence of Genuine Faith</a> Just as a tree is recognized by its fruit, a believer is recognized by their deeds. Our actions should reflect our faith in Christ. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_works_in_the_christian_life.htm">The Role of Works in the Christian Life</a> Works are not the means of salvation but the evidence of it. They are the natural outflow of a transformed life in Christ. <a href="/topical/t/the_call_to_active_faith.htm">The Call to Active Faith</a> Believers are called to an active faith that impacts the world around them. This involves serving others, living out the teachings of Jesus, and being a light in the darkness.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_james_2.htm">Top 10 Lessons from James 2</a> <a href="/q/what's_the_'inner_child'_concept.htm">What actions are pleasing to God?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_a_fruitful_christian.htm">What defines a fruitful Christian?</a> <a href="/q/how_to_show_your_knowledge_well.htm">How can you demonstrate your knowledge effectively?</a> <a href="/q/what_actions_are_pleasing_to_god.htm">What actions are pleasing to God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/james/2.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(18) Yea, a man may say . . .--The bearing of this verse is commonly misunderstood; its words are those of scorn, uttered probably by some enemy of the faith--Jewish or Pagan--and are another instance, like that of the unruly tongue, by which those outside the pale of Christianity may and will judge us within. <a href="/context/james/2-18.htm" title="Yes, a man may say, You have faith, and I have works: show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.">James 2:18-22</a> are all the speech of this practical opponent of first century solifidianism. The English version, "Show me thy faith without thy works" is correct, though according to some editors (see marginal variation) it should be by or from.The sense is obvious; and whether the speaker be Christian or no, he lays claim to faith in God, the Father of all, as the efficient cause of his good deeds.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/james/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 18, 19. - (2) Second point: Even the devils believe (πιστεύουσι). How worthless, then, must be faith (πίστις) alone! Verse 18. - Yea, a man may say (ἀλλ ἐρεῖτις). The objection in <a href="/1_corinthians/15-35.htm">1 Corinthians 15:35</a> is introduced by precisely the same words. It is somewhat difficult to see their drift here, as what follows cannot be an objection, for it is just the position which St. James himself adopts. The formula must, therefore, be taken as introducing the perfectly fair retort to which the man who gives utterance to the sentiments of ver. 16 lays himself open. Without thy works. Instead of χώρις (א, A, B, C, Latt., Syriac, Coptic), the Received Text has the manifestly erroneous reading ἐκ (K, L), in which it is happily not followed by the A.V. <a href="/commentaries/james/2-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>But Ἀλλ’ (All’) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_235.htm">Strong's 235: </a> But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise. someone τις (tis) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. will say, ἐρεῖ (erei) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2046.htm">Strong's 2046: </a> Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say. “You Σὺ (Sy) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. have ἔχεις (echeis) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. faith πίστιν (pistin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4102.htm">Strong's 4102: </a> Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. and I κἀγὼ (kagō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2504.htm">Strong's 2504: </a> To also, I too, but I. From kai and ego; so also the dative case kamoi, and accusative case kame and I, me. have ἔχω (echō) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2192.htm">Strong's 2192: </a> To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold. deeds.” ἔργα (erga) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2041.htm">Strong's 2041: </a> From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act. Show δεῖξόν (deixon) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1166.htm">Strong's 1166: </a> A prolonged form of an obsolete primary of the same meaning; to show. me μοι (moi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. your σου (sou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. faith πίστιν (pistin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4102.htm">Strong's 4102: </a> Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. without χωρὶς (chōris) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_5565.htm">Strong's 5565: </a> Apart from, separately from; without. Adverb from chora; at a space, i.e. Separately or apart from. deeds, ἔργων (ergōn) Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2041.htm">Strong's 2041: </a> From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act. and I κἀγώ (kagō) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2504.htm">Strong's 2504: </a> To also, I too, but I. From kai and ego; so also the dative case kamoi, and accusative case kame and I, me. will show δείξω (deixō) Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1166.htm">Strong's 1166: </a> A prolonged form of an obsolete primary of the same meaning; to show. you σοι (soi) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4771.htm">Strong's 4771: </a> You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou. [my] τὴν (tēn) Article - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. faith πίστιν (pistin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4102.htm">Strong's 4102: </a> Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness. by ἐκ (ek) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1537.htm">Strong's 1537: </a> From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out. my μου (mou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. deeds. ἔργων (ergōn) Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2041.htm">Strong's 2041: </a> From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/james/2-18.htm">James 2:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/james/2-18.htm">James 2:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/james/2-18.htm">James 2:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/james/2-18.htm">James 2:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/james/2-18.htm">James 2:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/james/2-18.htm">James 2:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/james/2-18.htm">James 2:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/james/2-18.htm">James 2:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/james/2-18.htm">James 2:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/james/2-18.htm">James 2:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/james/2-18.htm">NT Letters: James 2:18 Yes a man will say You have (Ja Jas. Jam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/james/2-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="James 2:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="James 2:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/james/2-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="James 2:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="James 2:19" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>