CINXE.COM

<!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 2:20 O foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is worthless?</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/james/2-20.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/2/59_Jas_02_20.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="James 2:20 - Faith and Works" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="O foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is worthless?" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/james/2-20.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/james/2-20.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/james/">James</a> > <a href="/james/2.htm">Chapter 2</a> > Verse 20</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad20.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/james/2-19.htm" title="James 2:19">◄</a> James 2:20 <a href="/james/2-21.htm" title="James 2:21">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/james/2.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/james/2.htm">New International Version</a> You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? <a href="/nlt/james/2.htm">New Living Translation</a> How foolish! Can’t you see that faith without good deeds is useless? <a href="/esv/james/2.htm">English Standard Version</a> Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? <a href="/bsb/james/2.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> O foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is worthless? <a href="/blb/james/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But do you want to come to know, O foolish man, that faith apart from works is worthless? <a href="/kjv/james/2.htm">King James Bible</a> But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? <a href="/nkjv/james/2.htm">New King James Version</a> But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? <a href="/nasb_/james/2.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> But are you willing to acknowledge, you foolish person, that faith without works is useless? <a href="/nasb/james/2.htm">NASB 1995</a> But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? <a href="/nasb77/james/2.htm">NASB 1977 </a> But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? <a href="/lsb/james/2.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless? <a href="/amp/james/2.htm">Amplified Bible</a> But are you willing to recognize, you foolish [spiritually shallow] person, that faith without [good] works is useless? <a href="/csb/james/2.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Senseless person! Are you willing to learn that faith without works is useless? <a href="/hcsb/james/2.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Foolish man! Are you willing to learn that faith without works is useless? <a href="/asv/james/2.htm">American Standard Version</a> But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith apart from works is barren? <a href="/cev/james/2.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Does some stupid person want proof that faith without deeds is useless? <a href="/erv/james/2.htm">English Revised Version</a> But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith apart from works is barren? <a href="/gwt/james/2.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> You fool! Do you have to be shown that faith which does nothing is useless? <a href="/gnt/james/2.htm">Good News Translation</a> You fool! Do you want to be shown that faith without actions is useless? <a href="/isv/james/2.htm">International Standard Version</a> Do you want proof, you foolish person, that faith without actions is worthless? <a href="/msb/james/2.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> O foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is dead? <a href="/net/james/2.htm">NET Bible</a> But would you like evidence, you empty fellow, that faith without works is useless? <a href="/nheb/james/2.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> But do you want to know, foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? <a href="/wbt/james/2.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? <a href="/wey/james/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But, idle boaster, are you willing to be taught how it is that faith apart from obedience is worthless? Take the case of Abraham our forefather. <a href="/web/james/2.htm">World English Bible</a> But do you want to know, vain man, that faith apart from works is dead? <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/james/2.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> And do you wish to know, O vain man, that faith apart from works is dead? <a href="/blb/james/2.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> But do you want to come to know, O foolish man, that faith apart from works is worthless? <a href="/ylt/james/2.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> And dost thou wish to know, O vain man, that the faith apart from the works is dead? <a href="/slt/james/2.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> And wilt thou know, O empty man, that faith without works is dead?<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/james/2.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? <a href="/cpdv/james/2.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> So then, are you willing to understand, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? <a href="/nabre/james/2.htm">New American Bible</a> Do you want proof, you ignoramus, that faith without works is useless? <a href="/nrsvce/james/2.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Do you want to be shown, you senseless person, that faith apart from works is barren?<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/james/2.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Would you know, O weak man, that faith without works is dead? <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/james/2.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Are you willing to know, oh feeble man, that faith without works is dead?<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/james/2.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> But will you know, vain man, that faith without works is dead?<CM> <a href="/godbey/james/2.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Do you wish to know, O vain man, that faith apart from works is inefficient? <a href="/haweis/james/2.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? <a href="/mace/james/2.htm">Mace New Testament</a> Vain man, must I show you how lifeless a thing faith is, without its effects? <a href="/wey/james/2.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> But, idle boaster, are you willing to be taught how it is that faith apart from obedience is worthless? Take the case of Abraham our forefather. <a href="/worrell/james/2.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> But are you willing to know, O vain man, that faith apart from works is worthless? <a href="/worsley/james/2.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> But desirest thou to know, O vain man, that faith without works, is dead? <a href="/parallel/james/2-20.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=408" 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> …19You believe that God is one. Good for you! Even the demons believe that—and shudder. 20<a href="/greek/5599.htm" title="5599: ō (I) -- A primary interjection; as a sign of the vocative case, O; as a note of exclamation, oh.">O</a> <a href="/greek/2756.htm" title="2756: kene (Adj-VMS) -- Apparently a primary word; empty.">foolish</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpe (N-VMS) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">man,</a> <a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/2309.htm" title="2309: Theleis (V-PIA-2S) -- To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. ">do you want</a> <a href="/greek/1097.htm" title="1097: gnōnai (V-ANA) -- A prolonged form of a primary verb; to know in a great variety of applications and with many implications.">evidence</a> <a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">that</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- 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: pistis (N-NFS) -- 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/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/692.htm" title="692: argē (Adj-NFS) -- Idle, lazy, thoughtless, unprofitable, injurious. (by implication) lazy, useless.">worthless?</a> 21Was not our father Abraham justified by what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?…<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="/romans/4-2.htm">Romans 4:2-5</a> If Abraham was indeed justified by works, he had something to boast about, but not before God. / For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” / Now the wages of the worker are not credited as a gift, but as an obligation. ... <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="/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/7-21.htm">Matthew 7:21-23</a> Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of My Father in heaven. / Many will say to Me on that day, ‘Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in Your name, and in Your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?’ / Then I will tell them plainly, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you workers of lawlessness!’ <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. <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="/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="/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="/philippians/2-12.htm">Philippians 2:12-13</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. / For it is God who works in you to will and to act on behalf of His good purpose. <a href="/genesis/15-6.htm">Genesis 15:6</a> Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness. <a href="/isaiah/58-6.htm">Isaiah 58:6-7</a> Isn’t this the fast that I have chosen: to break the chains of wickedness, to untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and tear off every yoke? / Isn’t it to share your bread with the hungry, to bring the poor and homeless into your home, to clothe the naked when you see him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood? <a href="/micah/6-8.htm">Micah 6:8</a> He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? <a href="/proverbs/21-3.htm">Proverbs 21:3</a> To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice. <a href="/ezekiel/18-5.htm">Ezekiel 18:5-9</a> Now suppose a man is righteous and does what is just and right: / He does not eat at the mountain or look to the idols of the house of Israel. He does not defile his neighbor’s wife or approach a woman during her period. / He does not oppress another, but restores the pledge to the debtor. He does not commit robbery, but gives his bread to the hungry and covers the naked with clothing. ...</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>But will you know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?O vain.<a href="/james/1-26.htm">James 1:26</a> If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.<a href="/job/11-11.htm">Job 11:11,12</a> For he knoweth vain men: he seeth wickedness also; will he not then consider it? … <a href="/psalms/94-8.htm">Psalm 94:8-11</a> Understand, ye brutish among the people: and ye fools, when will ye be wise? … that.<a href="/james/2-14.htm">James 2:14</a> What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/11-19.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/james/2-18.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-11.htm">Barren</a> <a href="/job/15-24.htm">Boaster</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-2.htm">Case</a> <a href="/james/2-17.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-5.htm">Evidence</a> <a href="/james/2-18.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/james/2-8.htm">Fellow</a> <a href="/titus/3-9.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-10.htm">Forefather</a> <a href="/titus/1-12.htm">Idle</a> <a href="/james/2-17.htm">Obedience</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/13-6.htm">Recognize</a> <a href="/james/2-13.htm">Shown</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-7.htm">Taught</a> <a href="/james/1-26.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-23.htm">Want</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-18.htm">Willing</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-12.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/james/2-18.htm">Works</a> <a href="/james/1-26.htm">Worthless</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/james/2-21.htm">Abraham</a> <a href="/james/2-26.htm">Apart</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-8.htm">Barren</a> <a href="/job/15-24.htm">Boaster</a> <a href="/james/4-16.htm">Case</a> <a href="/james/2-26.htm">Dead</a> <a href="/james/5-3.htm">Evidence</a> <a href="/james/2-22.htm">Faith</a> <a href="/james/4-12.htm">Fellow</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-18.htm">Foolish</a> <a href="/numbers/26-58.htm">Forefather</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-8.htm">Idle</a> <a href="/james/2-26.htm">Obedience</a> <a href="/1_john/3-1.htm">Recognize</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-14.htm">Shown</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-12.htm">Taught</a> <a href="/james/4-5.htm">Vain</a> <a href="/james/4-2.htm">Want</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-10.htm">Willing</a> <a href="/3_john/1-6.htm">Wilt</a> <a href="/james/2-21.htm">Works</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-4.htm">Worthless</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>O foolish man This phrase addresses the reader directly, emphasizing the lack of wisdom in the argument being made. In biblical terms, "foolish" often refers to someone who lacks spiritual insight or understanding. The book of Proverbs frequently contrasts the wise and the foolish, highlighting the importance of seeking wisdom from God (<a href="/proverbs/1-7.htm">Proverbs 1:7</a>). The term "foolish" here is not merely an insult but a call to self-examination and repentance, urging the reader to reconsider their understanding of faith.do you want evidence The request for evidence suggests a rational approach to understanding faith. In the context of James, this reflects the Jewish tradition of seeking signs or proofs, as seen in the Gospels where Jesus addresses the demand for signs (<a href="/matthew/12-38.htm">Matthew 12:38-39</a>). The use of "evidence" implies that faith is not blind but should be demonstrable through actions. This aligns with the broader biblical narrative that faith and works are interconnected, as seen in <a href="/hebrews/11.htm">Hebrews 11</a>, where faith is shown through the actions of the patriarchs.that faith without deeds This phrase underscores the central theme of the epistle of James: the inseparability of faith and works. The historical context of James addresses a community that may have misunderstood Paul's teachings on justification by faith, leading to a complacency in moral and ethical behavior. James emphasizes that genuine faith naturally produces good works, echoing Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (<a href="/matthew/7-16.htm">Matthew 7:16-20</a>) about recognizing true followers by their fruits.is worthless? The term "worthless" indicates something that lacks value or purpose. In the cultural context of the early church, faith was expected to manifest in tangible ways, such as caring for the poor and living a life of holiness. This is consistent with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the importance of love and service (<a href="/john/13-34.htm">John 13:34-35</a>). Theologically, this statement challenges believers to examine the authenticity of their faith, as true faith is transformative and active, not passive or empty.<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 writes to Jewish Christians scattered among the nations, addressing practical aspects of living out their faith. 2. <a href="/topical/j/jewish_christians.htm">Jewish Christians</a> The primary audience of the letter, who were facing trials and needed guidance on living out their faith in a way that aligns with their beliefs. 3. <a href="/topical/e/early_church.htm">Early Church</a> The context in which James writes, where the integration of faith and works was a significant issue, especially in light of the teachings of Jesus and the apostles.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/f/faith_and_works_are_inseparable.htm">Faith and Works are Inseparable</a> True faith in Christ naturally results in actions that reflect His teachings. A profession of faith without corresponding deeds is incomplete and ineffective. <a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_works_in_the_believer's_life.htm">The Role of Works in the Believer's Life</a> Works are not the means of salvation but the evidence of a transformed life. They demonstrate the reality of one's faith to the world. <a href="/topical/a/avoiding_spiritual_complacency.htm">Avoiding Spiritual Complacency</a> Believers are called to examine their lives continually to ensure that their faith is active and producing fruit. This involves a commitment to living out the teachings of Jesus in practical ways. <a href="/topical/u/understanding_worthless_faith.htm">Understanding Worthless Faith</a> The Greek word for "worthless" (argos) implies something that is idle or inactive. Faith that does not result in action is ineffective and does not fulfill its intended purpose. <a href="/topical/e/encouragement_to_live_out_faith.htm">Encouragement to Live Out Faith</a> James encourages believers to be doers of the word, not just hearers. This involves actively seeking opportunities to serve others and demonstrate Christ's love.<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_does_'examine_yourself'_mean.htm">What does "Examine Yourself to See if You Are in the Faith" mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'faith_without_works'_mean.htm">What does "faith without works is dead" mean?</a> <a href="/q/why_is_love_the_greatest_virtue.htm">How does 1 Corinthians 13:13 declare love as the greatest virtue, when other passages elevate faith or obedience above everything else?</a> <a href="/q/how_can_i_gain_eternal_life.htm">What must I do to inherit eternal life?</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>(20) But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?--"Vain," i.e., empty and useless. Some copies have a word which means idle, fruitless, workless, in place of that translated "dead"; but the sense is the same either way. "If," says Bishop Beveridge, "I see fruit growing upon a tree, I know what tree it is upon which such fruit grows. And so, if I saw how a man lives, I know how he believes. If his faith be good, his works cannot but be good too; and if his works be bad, his faith cannot but be bad too: for, wheresoever there is a justifying faith, there are also good works; and wheresoever there are no good works, there is no justifying faith." Works are the natural fruit of faith; and without them it is evident the tree is dead, perhaps at the very roots, ready to be cut down and cast into the fire.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/james/2.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 20-24. - (3) Third point: Proof from the example of Abraham that a man is justified by works and not by faith only. In <a href="/genesis/15-6.htm">Genesis 15:6</a> we read of Abraham that "he believed in the Lord; and he accounted it to him for righteousness" (LXX., Ἐπίστευσεν Αβραμ τῷ Θεῷ καὶ ἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ εἰς δικαιοσύνην, quoted by St. Paul in <a href="/romans/4-3.htm">Romans 4:3</a>; <a href="/galatians/3-6.htm">Galatians 3:6</a>). But years after this we find that God "tested Abraham" (<a href="/genesis/22-1.htm">Genesis 22:1</a>). To this trial St. James refers as that by which Abraham's faith was "perfected" (ἐτελειώθη), and by which the saying of earlier years found a more complete realization (cf. Ecclus. 44:20, 21, "Abraham... kept the Law of the Most High, and was in covenant with him... and when he was proved, he was found faithful. Therefore he assured him by an oath, that he would bless the nations in his seed," etc.). Verse 20. - Faith without works is dead. The Received Text, followed by the A.V., reads νεκρά, with א, A, C3, K, L, Syriac, Vulgate (Clementine). The Revisers, following B, C1, if, read ἀργή, "barren" (so Vulgate Amiat. by a correction, otiosa). <a href="/commentaries/james/2-20.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>O ὦ (ō) Interjection <a href="/greek/strongs_5599.htm">Strong's 5599: </a> A primary interjection; as a sign of the vocative case, O; as a note of exclamation, oh. foolish κενέ (kene) Adjective - Vocative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2756.htm">Strong's 2756: </a> Apparently a primary word; empty. man, ἄνθρωπε (anthrōpe) Noun - Vocative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. do you want Θέλεις (Theleis) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2309.htm">Strong's 2309: </a> To will, wish, desire, be willing, intend, design. evidence γνῶναι (gnōnai) Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active <a href="/greek/strongs_1097.htm">Strong's 1097: </a> A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications. that ὅτι (hoti) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because. faith πίστις (pistis) Noun - Nominative 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. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. worthless? ἀργή (argē) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_692.htm">Strong's 692: </a> Idle, lazy, thoughtless, unprofitable, injurious. (by implication) lazy, useless. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/james/2-20.htm">James 2:20 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/james/2-20.htm">James 2:20 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/james/2-20.htm">James 2:20 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/james/2-20.htm">James 2:20 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/james/2-20.htm">James 2:20 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/james/2-20.htm">James 2:20 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/james/2-20.htm">James 2:20 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/james/2-20.htm">James 2:20 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/james/2-20.htm">James 2:20 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/james/2-20.htm">James 2:20 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/james/2-20.htm">NT Letters: James 2:20 But do you want to know vain (Ja Jas. Jam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/james/2-19.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="James 2:19"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="James 2:19" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/james/2-21.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="James 2:21"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="James 2:21" /></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>