James 2:23 kjv
And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
James 2:23 nkjv
And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God.
James 2:23 niv
And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend.
James 2:23 esv
and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness" ? and he was called a friend of God.
James 2:23 nlt
And so it happened just as the Scriptures say: "Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith." He was even called the friend of God.
James 2 23 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| Gen 15:6 | And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness. | Source of James' primary quote. |
| Gen 22:1-18 | ...take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love... and offer him. | Abraham's work that "fulfilled" his faith. |
| 2 Chr 20:7 | ...didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever? | Abraham called God's friend (OT source). |
| Isa 41:8 | But you, Israel, My servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the descendants of Abraham My friend... | Abraham called God's friend (OT source). |
| Rom 3:28 | For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. | Paul on justification by faith. |
| Rom 4:1-5 | What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? | Paul uses Abraham to explain faith-righteousness. |
| Rom 4:22 | And therefore "it was accounted to him for righteousness." | Paul's emphasis on faith's accounting. |
| Gal 2:16 | ...yet we know that a person is not justified by works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ. | Paul on justification apart from legal works. |
| Eph 2:8-10 | For by grace you have been saved through faith... not of works... For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works. | Saved unto good works by grace through faith. |
| Titus 3:5 | Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us. | Salvation not by meritorious human works. |
| Matt 7:17-20 | Even so, every good tree bears good fruit... you will know them by their fruits. | True inner nature revealed by outward acts. |
| Heb 11:6 | But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe... | Faith is foundational to pleasing God. |
| Heb 11:17-19 | By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac... | Abraham's act of faith detailed in Hebrews. |
| 1 Jn 2:3-6 | Now by this we know that we know Him, if we keep His commandments. | Knowledge of God proven by obedience. |
| John 15:14 | You are My friends if you do whatever I command you. | Christ links friendship with obedience. |
| Jas 2:14 | What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? | James introduces the faith and works topic. |
| Jas 2:17 | Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. | Dead faith versus living faith. |
| Jas 2:20 | But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? | Faith without works is profitless. |
| Jas 2:24 | You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. | James' concluding statement on justification. |
| Jas 4:4 | Adulterers and adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? | Contrasting friendship with God vs. world. |
| Luke 6:46 | But why do you call Me 'Lord, Lord,' and not do the things which I say? | Calls out hypocrisy and lack of obedience. |
| Rev 20:12 | ...and the dead were judged according to their works... | Final judgment considers deeds as evidence. |
| Ps 25:14 | The secret of the Lord is with those who fear Him... | Intimacy with God tied to reverent obedience. |
James 2 verses
James 2 23 Meaning
James 2:23 declares that the Scripture stating "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness" was definitively fulfilled, meaning it was demonstrated and confirmed, when Abraham's faith produced works, specifically his willingness to offer Isaac. This act proved the genuine, living nature of his belief, thereby evidencing his righteous standing with God. As a consequence and testament to his obedient faith, Abraham was also given the distinguished title "friend of God," signifying an intimate and trusting relationship based on mutual faithfulness.
James 2 23 Context
James 2:23 is nestled within a larger argument (Jas 2:14-26) where James clarifies the nature of saving faith, particularly for Jewish Christians struggling with practical applications of their belief amidst social disparities and doctrinal debates. James addresses a potential misunderstanding of the concept of "faith" that reduced it to mere intellectual assent without corresponding action. His aim is to correct an antinomian or apathetic attitude that claimed faith as sufficient for salvation while ignoring its behavioral consequences. By referencing Abraham, a revered figure foundational to their heritage, James demonstrates that even Abraham's belief, though accounted as righteousness, was authenticated and "fulfilled" through his ultimate act of obedience. This immediate context underscores James' emphasis on works as the necessary fruit and evidence of a living, justifying faith.
James 2 23 Word analysis
- And: (Greek: kai) Connects this verse to the preceding statements in James 2, particularly Abraham's faith being made perfect by works (v. 22). It emphasizes a logical progression of thought within James' argument.
- the Scripture: (Greek: hē graphē) Refers specifically to the Old Testament, denoting its divine authority and unquestionable truth. This term consistently highlights God's word as the ultimate arbiter.
- was fulfilled: (Greek: eplērōthē) An aorist passive verb meaning "was brought to completion," "was demonstrated," or "was confirmed." In this context, it signifies that Abraham's actions, particularly offering Isaac (Gen 22), perfectly exemplified or demonstrated the truth of Genesis 15:6. It is not necessarily a predictive prophecy coming true, but a truth being made fully evident in experience.
- which says: (Greek: hē legousa) Introduces a direct quotation, emphasizing the exact wording and divine origin of the biblical statement.
- Abraham: The revered patriarch of Israel, whose life served as a prototype of faith. His example carries immense weight and authority for James' Jewish Christian audience.
- believed: (Greek: episteusen) An aorist active verb, indicating a decisive, foundational act of trust and reliance on God, not just intellectual assent. It implies committing oneself to God and His promises.
- God: The object of Abraham's faith, highlighting the divine nature and trustworthiness of the One Abraham trusted.
- and it was accounted to him for righteousness: (Greek: kai elogisthē autō eis dikaiosynēn) Directly quotes Gen 15:6. "Accounted" (elogisthē) is a forensic or commercial term, meaning "credited" or "reckoned." It implies a declarative act by God, crediting Abraham with a righteous status. "For righteousness" (eis dikaiosynēn) signifies a right standing with God, a justified status.
- and he was called 'friend of God': (Greek: kai philos Theou eklēthē) This additional title, found in passages like 2 Chr 20:7 and Isa 41:8, signifies a unique and intimate relationship with God. Being called a "friend of God" indicates close fellowship, trust, and even participation in God's plans. It implies not just a legal status but a deep relational reality, a bond nurtured through faithfulness and obedience, reflecting the true nature of Abraham's justification. This "calling" was not just a title, but a recognition of his relational posture of loyalty and intimacy.
Words-group analysis:
- "And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, 'Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness,'...": This phrase connects Abraham's initial declaration of faith (Gen 15:6) with his subsequent active obedience (Gen 22:9-10). James asserts that the latter act demonstrated the true, living quality of the former, thereby "fulfilling" or giving concrete expression to the abstract concept of faith being "accounted for righteousness." True justification is not merely an inward belief but one that is manifested outwardly through righteous living.
- "...and he was called 'friend of God.'": This serves as a climactic affirmation of Abraham's unique relationship with God. It indicates that the righteous standing granted to Abraham was not passive but active and reciprocal, characterized by a deep and enduring fellowship (friendship) which necessitated obedience (as friends act in loyalty to one another's will and purpose). It solidifies James' point that genuine faith results in an active, loving relationship that bears the fruit of obedience.
James 2 23 Bonus section
The apparent "contradiction" between Paul's "justification by faith" and James' "justification by works" has been a significant point of theological discussion. A prevalent understanding among scholars is that Paul addresses the root of salvation (what initially puts one in a right standing with God) which is faith apart from meritorious human effort or adherence to the Law as a means of earning salvation. James, on the other hand, addresses the fruit or evidence of salvation (what demonstrates and vindicates that one possesses genuine, living faith) which manifests through works that naturally flow from that faith. They are speaking of different aspects of justification and using "works" in slightly different senses (Paul refers to works of the Mosaic Law as a basis for earning, James refers to ethical actions as proof of saving faith). Therefore, Abraham's life perfectly illustrates both: he was justified by faith (Gen 15:6), and his faith was shown to be genuine by his works (Gen 22:9-10). The two concepts are complementary and essential for a holistic biblical understanding of faith and salvation.
James 2 23 Commentary
James 2:23 is a pivotal verse that encapsulates James' robust understanding of justifying faith. By stating that Abraham's faith was "fulfilled" by his works, James clarifies that genuine belief is not a static mental assent but a dynamic force that impels action. His willingness to offer Isaac did not earn his righteousness, but it powerfully demonstrated that the faith he expressed in Gen 15:6 was real, active, and capable of obeying even the most challenging divine commands. This living faith, productive of works, validates the forensic declaration of "accounted righteousness." The subsequent designation of Abraham as "friend of God" further underscores this active, relational dynamic. Friendship with God implies a shared purpose and reciprocal trust, demanding fidelity and obedience—a bond that truly active faith cultivates. James is thus not contradicting Paul's emphasis on faith alone for initial justification, but rather describing how authentic, saving faith inherently evidences itself through works, which publicly confirm and mature one's justified status and intimate relationship with God.