Translations
Modern
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.
Traditional
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.
Literal
But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show to me your faith without works, and I will show to you faith by my works.
Latin
Sed dicet quis: Tu fidem habes, et ego opera habeo: ostende mihi fidem tuam sine operibus: et ego ostendam tibi ex operibus fidem meam.
Original
Greek
English
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.
Notes
James shows that believing something is true without acting on it is pointless.
But someone will say: James offers another diatribe (see study note on 1:13). He introduces a possible argument someone might make. The imaginary person argues that different Christians might have different gifts—one person might have the gift of faith while another has the gift of works (see 1 Corinthians 12:7–9).
Parallels
Glossary
Topics
Being a Disciple Being Obedient Failures Faith without Works Faith: General Scriptures Concerning Good Works in the Judgment, Will be an Evidence of Faith Hypocrisy: General Scriptures Concerning Keeping Faith Religion: True Righteousness: Fruits of Service Taking Action Works: Good in the Judgment, Will be an Evidence of Faith