James 2:19

Modern

You believe that God is one. Good for you! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

Traditional

Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Literal

You believe that God is one. You do well! Even the demons believe that, and shudder!

Latin

Tu credis quoniam unus est Deus: bene facis: et dæmones credunt, et contremiscunt.

Greek

English

You believe that God is one. Good for you! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

that God is one (or there is one God): This is the core belief of Israel's faith (see Deuteronomy 6:4).
the demons believe: They know there is one God, and he is their enemy (Mark 1:24).

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).

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).

Theme notes and profiles

Luke 4:34
“Ha! What do You want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”
Mark 1:24
“What do You want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”
Matthew 8:29
“What do You want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have You come here to torture us before the appointed time?”
Acts 16:17
This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation!”
Deuteronomy 6:4
Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One.
Galatians 3:20
A mediator is unnecessary, however, for only one party; but God is one.
Acts 19:15
But one day the evil spirit responded, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?”
Isaiah 44:8
Do not tremble or fear. Have I not told you and declared it long ago? You are My witnesses! Is there any God but Me? There is no other Rock; I know not one.”
Mark 5:7
And he shouted in a loud voice, “What do You want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You before God not to torture me!”
Isaiah 46:9
Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me.
Zechariah 14:9
On that day the LORD will become King over all the earth—the LORD alone, and His name alone.
1 Timothy 2:5
For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,