James 2:17
BSB · Public Domain (CC0)“So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.”
What this verse means
Faith without works is dead. James insists that true saving faith always shows itself in a changed life — like a body without breath is no body at all.
Read the full meaningCompare translations
BSBPD
“So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.”
Berean Standard Bible · Public Domain (CC0)KJVPD
“Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”
King James Version · Public DomainASVPD
“Even so faith, if it have not works, is dead in itself.”
American Standard Version · Public DomainYLTPD
“so also the faith, if it may not have works, is dead by itself.”
Young's Literal Translation · Public DomainCross references
Other passages that echo James 2:17 — 8 related verses from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 1 Corinthians 13:3If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing.
- 1 Corinthians 13:13And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love; but the greatest of these is love.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:3and continually recalling before our God and Father your work of faith, your labor of love, and your enduring hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
- 1 Timothy 1:5The goal of our instruction is the love that comes from a pure heart, a clear conscience, and a sincere faith.
- James 2:14What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds? Can such faith save him?
- James 2:19You believe that God is one. Good for you! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
- James 2:26As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
- 2 Peter 1:5For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge;
Cross-reference data: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (public domain) via OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0).
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