New International VersionAs the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
New Living TranslationJust as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.
English Standard VersionFor as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
Berean Standard BibleAs the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
Berean Literal BibleFor just as the body apart from spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
King James BibleFor as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
New King James VersionFor as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
New American Standard BibleFor just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
NASB 1995For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
NASB 1977For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
Legacy Standard BibleFor just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
Amplified BibleFor just as the [human] body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works [of obedience] is also dead.
Christian Standard BibleFor just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
Holman Christian Standard BibleFor just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
American Standard VersionFor as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead.
Contemporary English VersionAnyone who doesn't breathe is dead, and faith that doesn't do anything is just as dead!
English Revised VersionFor as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead.
GOD'S WORD® TranslationA body that doesn't breathe is dead. In the same way faith that does nothing is dead.
Good News TranslationSo then, as the body without the spirit is dead, also faith without actions is dead.
International Standard VersionFor just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without actions is also dead.
NET BibleFor just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
New Heart English BibleFor as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead.
Webster's Bible TranslationFor as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Weymouth New TestamentFor just as a human body without a spirit is lifeless, so also faith is lifeless if it is unaccompanied by obedience. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.
World English BibleFor as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead. Literal Translations Literal Standard VersionFor as the body apart from [the] spirit is dead, so also the faith apart from works is dead.
Berean Literal BibleFor just as the body apart from spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
Young's Literal Translation for as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also the faith apart from the works is dead.
Smith's Literal TranslationFor as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor even as the body without the spirit is dead; so also faith without works is dead.
Catholic Public Domain VersionFor just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
New American BibleFor just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
New Revised Standard VersionFor just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
Aramaic Bible in Plain EnglishJust as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Godbey New TestamentFor as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith also apart from works is dead.
Haweis New TestamentFor as the body without breath is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Mace New Testament
as the body then without the soul is a meer carcase, so faith without its effects is lifeless.
Weymouth New Testament
For just as a human body without a spirit is lifeless, so also faith is lifeless if it is unaccompanied by obedience.
Worrell New Testament
For as the body apart fromthe spirit is dead, so faith apart from works is dead.
Worsley New Testament
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Additional Translations ... Audio Bible
Context Faith and Works… 25In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute justified by her actions when she welcomed the spies and sent them off on another route? 26Asthebodywithoutthe spiritisdead,sofaithwithoutdeedsisdead.
Cross References Hebrews 11:6And without faith it is impossible to please God. For anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.
Galatians 5:6For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. What matters is faith expressing itself through love.
Matthew 7:21-23Not 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!’
Romans 2:13For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but it is the doers of the law who will be declared righteous.
Ephesians 2:8-10For 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.
1 John 3:17-18If 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.
Matthew 25:31-46When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. / All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. / He will place the sheep on His right and the goats on His left. ...
Philippians 2:12-13Therefore, 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.
1 Corinthians 13:2If 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.
Titus 3:8This 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.
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.
John 15:5I am the vine and you are the branches. The one who remains in Me, and I in him, will bear much fruit. For apart from Me you can do nothing.
2 Peter 1:5-8For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith virtue; and to virtue, knowledge; / and to knowledge, self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance, godliness; / and to godliness, brotherly kindness; and to brotherly kindness, love. ...
Luke 6:46-49Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but do not do what I say? / I will show you what he is like who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them: / He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid his foundation on the rock. When the flood came, the torrent crashed against that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. ...
Romans 6:4We were therefore buried with Him through baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may walk in newness of life.
Treasury of Scripture For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. as. Job 34:14,15 If he set his heart upon man,if he gather unto himself his spirit and his breath; … Psalm 104:29 Thou hidest thy face, they are troubled: thou takest away their breath, they die, and return to their dust. Psalm 146:4 His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish. spirit. James 2:14,17,20 Whatdoth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? … Jump to Previous ApartBodyDeadDeedsFaithHumanLifelessObedienceSpiritUnaccompaniedWorksJump to Next ApartBodyDeadDeedsFaithHumanLifelessObedienceSpiritUnaccompaniedWorksJames 2 1.Do not regard the rich and despise the poor brothers;13.rather we are to be loving and merciful;14.and not to boast of faith without deeds;17.because faith without deeds is useless;19.as is the faith of the demons;21.however, Abraham displayed both faith and actions;25.as did Rahab.As the body without the spirit is deadThis phrase draws a parallel between physical life and spiritual life. In biblical anthropology, the body (Greek: "soma") is considered lifeless without the spirit (Greek: "pneuma"), which is the breath of life given by God ( Genesis 2:7). The imagery here is vivid, emphasizing that just as a body cannot function without the spirit, faith cannot be alive without works. This reflects the Hebrew understanding of life, where the spirit is essential for vitality. Theologically, it underscores the belief that true faith must manifest in action, aligning with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized the importance of bearing fruit ( John 15:5-8). so faith without deeds is dead
This statement is a central theme in the Epistle of James, emphasizing the necessity of works as evidence of genuine faith. The historical context of this letter addresses early Christian communities struggling with the balance between faith and works. James argues against a passive faith, which was a concern in the early church, as seen in debates over the role of the Law and works (Galatians 5:6). This teaching complements Paul's writings, which stress that faith is not nullified by works but is demonstrated through them (Ephesians 2:8-10). Theologically, this reflects the holistic view of salvation, where faith and works are inseparable, much like the relationship between the body and spirit. This passage challenges believers to live out their faith actively, echoing Jesus' call to love and serve others (Matthew 25:31-46). Persons / Places / Events 1. JamesThe author of the epistle, traditionally identified as James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Jerusalem church. He is known for his practical approach to faith and emphasis on living out one's beliefs. 2. Early Christian CommunitiesThe recipients of the letter, likely Jewish Christians scattered outside of Palestine, facing trials and needing guidance on living out their faith authentically. 3. Faith and WorksCentral themes in this passage, representing the belief in Christ (faith) and the actions that demonstrate that belief (works). Teaching Points The Necessity of Works in FaithGenuine faith is evidenced by actions. Just as a body without the spirit is lifeless, faith without works is ineffective and dead. The Interdependence of Faith and WorksFaith and works are not mutually exclusive but are interdependent. Works are the fruit of faith, demonstrating its authenticity and vitality. Living Faith in Daily LifeBelievers are called to live out their faith in practical ways, serving others and reflecting Christ's love in their actions. The Role of the Holy SpiritThe Holy Spirit empowers believers to perform good works, transforming their faith into tangible expressions of God's love and grace. Evaluating Personal FaithChristians should regularly assess whether their lives reflect their professed beliefs, ensuring that their faith is active and alive. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1.What is the meaning of James 2:26?
2.How does James 2:26 define the relationship between faith and works?
3.What practical steps can demonstrate "faith without deeds is dead" in daily life?
4.How does James 2:26 connect with Ephesians 2:10 about good works?
5.Why is it important to balance faith and works according to James 2:26?
6.How can you ensure your faith is alive and active in your community?
7.How does James 2:26 challenge the belief in faith alone for salvation?
8.What historical context influenced the writing of James 2:26?
9.How does James 2:26 relate to the concept of works in Christian theology?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from James 2?
11.What does the Bible say about Death and Hades?
12.What defines physical death?
13.What happens to you after death?
14.What inspires you to live a faithful life?What Does James 2:26 Mean As the body without the spirit is deadJames opens with a picture everyone recognizes: a lifeless body. Scripture consistently ties physical life to the presence of the spirit God gives. •Genesis 2:7: “Then the LORD God formed man from the dust of the ground and breathed the breath of life into his nostrils, and the man became a living being.” Dust plus breath equals life; remove the breath and only dust remains. •Psalm 146:4 echoes the same truth: “When his spirit departs, he returns to the ground; on that very day his plans perish.” Plans, dreams, potential—all collapse when the spirit leaves. •1 Kings 17:21-22 records Elijah praying and “the boy’s life returned to him,” showing that the re-entry of the spirit restores genuine vitality. The body without that animating spirit lies motionless, unresponsive, incapable of even the simplest action. It can neither speak nor move; it certainly cannot fulfill its God-given purpose.
so faith without deeds is deadJames now draws his spiritual parallel. A profession of faith that produces no obedient action is as useless as a corpse. • Earlier in the chapter he asks, “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have deeds? Can such faith save him?” (James 2:14). Merely “saying” is empty when “doing” is absent. • He restates the principle inJames 2:17: “So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead.” • Jesus taught the same standard inMatthew 7:17-20: “Every good tree bears good fruit…by their fruit you will recognize them.” A fruitless tree is cut down; a deedless faith is lifeless. • Paul complements James inEphesians 2:10: “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance as our way of life.” Works are not optional add-ons; they are the path God designed. •Galatians 5:6 clarifies the motive: “The only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love.” Love-driven deeds prove that faith is authentic and active. •1 John 3:17 gives a concrete test: closing one’s heart to a brother in need contradicts the claim that God’s love dwells within. Living faith breathes, moves, serves, gives, obeys. Deeds do not replace faith; they reveal it. Absence of visible obedience signals the absence of spiritual life, just as a motionless chest signals the absence of breath.
summaryJames 2:26 anchors the entire discussion with a vivid comparison. Just as a body is only alive when enlivened by the spirit, faith is only alive when it naturally produces deeds. Works are the pulse of genuine belief. Where obedience, love, compassion, and righteous action flow, faith is proven living and real; where such deeds are absent, faith is exposed as a hollow shell. (26) As the body without the spirit . . .--A closing simile of much force, As the body without the spirit, so faith without works. But the term "without" is hardly strong enough to represent the Greek "apart from." Of our own human wisdom we had been rather inclined to say that works were likest to the body, and faith to the breath or animation thereof. "The Apostle's view," says Alford, "seems to be this, Faith is the body, the sum and substance of the Christian life; works (= obedience) the moving and quickening of that body, just as the spirit is the moving and quickening principle of the natural body. So that 'as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead.' " Verse 26.- Conclusion of the whole matter: "As the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead."
Parallel Commentaries ...
Greek Asὥσπερ(hōsper)Adverb
Strong's 5618:Just as, as, even as. From hos and per; just as, i.e. Exactly like.theτὸ(to)Article - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588:The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.bodyσῶμα(sōma)Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4983:Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively.withoutχωρὶς(chōris)Preposition
Strong's 5565:Apart from, separately from; without. Adverb from chora; at a space, i.e. Separately or apart from.[the] spiritπνεύματος(pneumatos)Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151:Wind, breath, spirit.isἐστιν(estin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.dead,νεκρόν(nekron)Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3498:(a) adj: dead, lifeless, subject to death, mortal, (b) noun: a dead body, a corpse. From an apparently primary nekus; dead.soοὕτως(houtōs)Adverb
Strong's 3779:Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).faithπίστις(pistis)Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102:Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.withoutχωρὶς(chōris)Preposition
Strong's 5565:Apart from, separately from; without. Adverb from chora; at a space, i.e. Separately or apart from.deedsἔργων(ergōn)Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 2041:From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.isἐστιν(estin)Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510:I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.dead.νεκρά(nekra)Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3498:(a) adj: dead, lifeless, subject to death, mortal, (b) noun: a dead body, a corpse. From an apparently primary nekus; dead.
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NT Letters: James 2:26 For as the body apart (Ja Jas. Jam) |
