Keraia
James 2

James 2:16

Faith and Works · James 2:14–26
Read James 2

Translations

Modern
If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?
Traditional
And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
Literal
…and anyone of you says to them, “Go in peace; be warmed and be filled,” but does not give to them the needful things for the body, what is the gain?
Latin
…dicat autem aliquis ex vobis illis: Ite in pace, calefacimini et saturamini: non dederitis autem eis quæ necessaria sunt corpori, quid proderit?

Original

Greek
English
If one of you tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed,” but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?

Notes

James 2:15–16

  • Suppose: In 2:2–4, James gives an example of "faith" that is useless.

  • without clothes and daily food: In first-century Palestine and the Roman world, many people who were poor lacked basic needs.

  • stay warm and well-fed: This probably assumes that God will provide for the poor. The speaker might think that believing it will happen is enough. But without action, it is just an empty hope.

James 2:14–26

James explains why Christians should care about how God will judge their actions (2:12–13): Good deeds must accompany true faith (see 1:22–25).

Parallels

Galatians 3:1–9

Glossary

Body Book of Habakkuk Brother Compassion Letter of James Mercy Obedience Peace Poor, the

Topics

Beneficence: General Scriptures Concerning Faith: General Scriptures Concerning Good Works in the Judgment, Will be an Evidence of Faith Hypocrisy: General Scriptures Concerning Liberality: Lack of a Proof of not Having Faith Poor: Duty To Religion: True Righteousness: Fruits of Selfishness: General Scriptures Concerning The Poor: Neglect Towards Is: A Proof of Unbelief Works: Good in the Judgment, Will be an Evidence of Faith