James 2:26
New International Version
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

New Living Translation
Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.

English Standard Version
For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

Berean Standard Bible
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

Berean Literal Bible
For just as the body apart from spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

King James Bible
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

New King James Version
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

New American Standard Bible
For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

NASB 1995
For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

NASB 1977
For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

Legacy Standard Bible
For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

Amplified Bible
For just as the [human] body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works [of obedience] is also dead.

Christian Standard Bible
For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

American Standard Version
For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead.

Contemporary English Version
Anyone who doesn't breathe is dead, and faith that doesn't do anything is just as dead!

English Revised Version
For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
A body that doesn't breathe is dead. In the same way faith that does nothing is dead.

Good News Translation
So then, as the body without the spirit is dead, also faith without actions is dead.

International Standard Version
For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without actions is also dead.

Majority Standard Bible
As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

NET Bible
For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

New Heart English Bible
For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead.

Webster's Bible Translation
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

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.

World English Bible
For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
For as the body apart from [the] spirit is dead, so also the faith apart from works is dead.

Berean Literal Bible
For 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 Translation
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For even as the body without the spirit is dead; so also faith without works is dead.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

New American Bible
For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

New Revised Standard Version
For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is also dead.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Godbey New Testament
For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith also apart from works is dead.

Haweis New Testament
For 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 from the 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? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

Cross References
Hebrews 11:6
And 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 5:6
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. What matters is faith expressing itself through love.

Matthew 7:21-23
Not 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 2:13
For 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 2:8-10
For 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 3:17-18
If 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 25:31-46
When 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 2:12-13
Therefore, 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 13:2
If 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 3:8
This 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 1:3
and 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 15:5
I 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 1:5-8
For 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 6:46-49
Why 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 6:4
We 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
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? …

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Apart Body Dead Deeds Faith Human Lifeless Obedience Spirit Unaccompanied Works
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Apart Body Dead Deeds Faith Human Lifeless Obedience Spirit Unaccompanied Works
James 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
The term "body" in this context refers to the physical, tangible aspect of human existence. In Greek, the word used is "σῶμα" (sōma), which denotes the physical form. Historically, the body was seen as the vessel for life, animated by the spirit. This analogy is powerful in illustrating the necessity of both faith and works in the Christian life. Just as a body is incomplete and lifeless without the spirit, so is faith without action.

without the spirit
The "spirit" here is translated from the Greek word "πνεῦμα" (pneuma), which can mean breath, wind, or spirit. In biblical terms, the spirit is often associated with life and vitality, the divine breath that animates the body. This reflects the creation narrative in Genesis, where God breathes life into Adam. The spirit is essential for life, just as deeds are essential for faith to be alive and active.

is dead
The Greek word for "dead" is "νεκρός" (nekros), meaning lifeless or without life. This stark term emphasizes the complete absence of life or vitality. In the same way, faith that does not manifest in action is considered lifeless and ineffective. This challenges believers to examine the authenticity of their faith, urging them to ensure it is vibrant and active.

so faith
"Faith" in this passage is translated from the Greek "πίστις" (pistis), which encompasses belief, trust, and confidence in God. In the conservative Christian perspective, faith is foundational to salvation, yet it is not meant to be passive. True faith is dynamic and transformative, leading to a life that reflects God's love and righteousness.

without deeds
The phrase "without deeds" uses the Greek "ἔργα" (erga), meaning works or actions. This highlights the necessity of tangible expressions of faith. In the historical context of James' audience, deeds were a natural outflow of genuine faith, demonstrating love and obedience to God's commandments. This aligns with the teachings of Jesus, who emphasized love and service to others as evidence of true discipleship.

is dead
Reiterating the earlier use of "dead," this phrase underscores the critical nature of the relationship between faith and works. A faith that does not result in action is as lifeless as a body without a spirit. This serves as a call to action for believers, encouraging them to live out their faith through deeds that reflect the character and love of Christ.

(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
As
ὥσπερ (hōsper)
Adverb
Strong's 5618: Just as, as, even as. From hos and per; just as, i.e. Exactly like.

the
τὸ (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.

body
σῶμα (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.

without
χωρὶς (chōris)
Preposition
Strong's 5565: Apart from, separately from; without. Adverb from chora; at a space, i.e. Separately or apart from.

[the] spirit
πνεύματος (pneumatos)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 4151: Wind, breath, spirit.

is
ἐστιν (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.

so
οὕτως (houtōs)
Adverb
Strong's 3779: Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).

faith
πίστις (pistis)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

without
χωρὶς (chōris)
Preposition
Strong's 5565: Apart from, separately from; without. Adverb from chora; at a space, i.e. Separately or apart from.

deeds
ἔργων (ergōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 2041: From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.

is
ἐστιν (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)
James 2:25
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