James 2 14

James 2:14 kjv

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

James 2:14 nkjv

What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him?

James 2:14 niv

What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them?

James 2:14 esv

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?

James 2:14 nlt

What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don't show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone?

James 2 verses

James 2 14 Meaning

James 2:14 interrogates the efficacy of a faith that is merely professed but unaccompanied by corresponding good works. It challenges the notion that a claim of faith, without the visible evidence of deeds, can lead to genuine salvation or be considered true saving faith. The verse poses a rhetorical question, expecting a clear negative answer: such faith is indeed profitless and incapable of delivering salvation.

James 2 14 Context

James Chapter 2 is a crucial section within the Epistle of James, primarily addressing the nature of genuine faith. James, often identified as the brother of Jesus and a leader in the Jerusalem church, writes to Jewish Christians scattered abroad (James 1:1). His epistle focuses intensely on practical Christian living, ethical conduct, and genuine piety, standing in contrast to a mere intellectual assent or external profession of faith without inner transformation. This chapter begins by condemning favoritism among believers (vv. 1-13), linking it to a failure to embody the "royal law" of loving one's neighbor. Verse 14 then introduces the core argument regarding faith and works, immediately following this illustration of the necessity of practical righteousness. James confronts a likely misunderstanding or distortion of teachings, perhaps even a superficial understanding of Paul's doctrine of "justification by faith" that was misconstrued as justification by "faith alone" without any resulting change in life or behavior (antinomianism). James emphasizes that true faith is always a living, active faith that necessarily manifests in works.

James 2 14 Word analysis

• What does it profit? (τί ὄφελος, ti ophelos) - A rhetorical question signifying "of what use?" or "what good is it?". It implies a forceful negative answer: there is no profit, no benefit, no advantage whatsoever. This highlights the futility of such a purported "faith."
• my brethren (ἀδελφοί μου, adelphoi mou) - A warm, familial term of address, common for James, establishing a pastoral and fraternal tone even when issuing a strong rebuke or clarification. It signifies shared spiritual kinship.
• if someone says (ἐάν τις λέγῃ, ean tis legē) - This phrase highlights a mere verbal claim or intellectual assertion, as opposed to an authentic possession or demonstration. The emphasis is on outward declaration without inward reality.
• he has faith (πίστιν ἔχειν, pistin echein) - This refers to a stated belief or profession of faith. The core of James' argument is that this declared faith may not be saving faith if it lacks practical demonstration. It might be intellectual assent, similar to demons believing (Jam 2:19), but not transformative trust.
• but does not have works? (ἔργα δὲ μὴ ἔχῃ, erga de mē echē) - This is the critical antithesis. "Works" (ἔργα, erga) refers to deeds, actions, practical obedience, and outward manifestations of one's inner disposition. The absence of these renders the stated faith ineffective. These are the fruit of true faith, not a condition for receiving it, but a proof of its existence.
• Can that faith save him? (μὴ δύναται ἡ πίστις σῶσαι αὐτόν; mē dynatai hē pistis sōsai auton?) - Another rhetorical question, demanding a definitive "No." "That faith" specifically refers to the faith without works. "Save" (σῶσαι, sōsai) here refers to true, salvific deliverance, justification before God, or entry into eternal life. The question clarifies that a purely verbal or intellectual "faith" is insufficient for true salvation.

Words-group by words-group analysis:

• "What does it profit, my brethren": James immediately challenges his audience, using a direct rhetorical question combined with a loving address, indicating that the matter is crucial for their spiritual well-being.
• "if someone says he has faith but does not have works?": This phrasing contrasts profession with reality. It highlights the distinction between an empty declaration of belief and a vibrant, living faith. The lack of "works" (outward expressions) fundamentally discredits the claim of "faith" (inward belief).
• "Can that faith save him?": This conclusive rhetorical question encapsulates the verse's main point: a non-working faith (often termed "dead faith" in later verses of James) is fundamentally inadequate for salvation. It’s not just unhelpful, but it utterly fails to achieve the ultimate goal of salvation. The "that faith" clearly distinguishes it from true, saving faith.

James 2 14 Bonus section

The nature of "works" in James's context is crucial. Unlike the "works of the law" that Paul discusses (e.g., circumcision, dietary laws) as a means of earning righteousness, James refers to the fruits of a transformed life, spontaneous acts of obedience and love that flow from true faith, demonstrating its vitality. This type of work is a consequence and evidence of saving faith, not its prerequisite. James provides a crucial corrective to the idea that intellectual assent is sufficient for salvation, drawing a stark line between a living faith and a dead one, much like a body without breath is dead (Jam 2:26). His argument aligns with the broader biblical principle that genuine relationship with God leads to obedience and action.

James 2 14 Commentary

James 2:14 serves as an immediate, piercing challenge to superficial Christianity. It acts as a gatekeeper to the understanding of genuine faith, emphasizing that a mere declaration of belief or intellectual assent to Christian tenets, without any corresponding change in life or manifestation of good deeds, is valueless in God's eyes. This verse is not meant to contradict the Pauline doctrine of justification by grace through faith alone (e.g., Eph 2:8-9; Rom 3:28). Instead, James and Paul are addressing different facets and misinterpretations of faith. Paul stresses that works of the law (human effort to earn righteousness) cannot save. James stresses that true faith (divinely-given trust) always results in transformative "works" (obedience, righteousness, love). James clarifies that a faith that does not do is a dead faith; it is merely an empty shell. Saving faith is living and dynamic, producing fruit as its natural expression and proof. It reveals its authenticity through a lifestyle characterized by obedience to God's commands and love for others.

Examples:

• Saying you trust in a doctor but never taking the prescribed medicine.
• Professing love for someone but never showing kindness or generosity.
• Claiming to be an athlete but never exercising or participating in sports.