James 2:18 net — But someone will say,“You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith without works and I will show you faith by m…

NET Bible

"But someone will say,“You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith without works and I will show you faith by my works."

— James 2:18, NET Bible

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James 2:18 in Other Translations

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James 2 — Context

15

If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacks daily food,

16

and one of you says to them,“Go in peace, keep warm and eat well,” but you do not give them what the body needs, what good is it?

17

So also faith, if it does not have works, is dead being by itself.

18

But someone will say,“You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith without works and I will show you faith by my works.

19

You believe that God is one; well and good. Even the demons believe that– and tremble with fear.

20

But would you like evidence, you empty fellow, that faith without works is useless?

21

Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?

James 2:18 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does James 2:18 say?
James 2:18 in the NET Bible reads: “But someone will say,“You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith without works and I will show you faith by my works.”
Where is James 2:18 in the Bible?
James 2:18 is found in the New Testament, in the book of James, chapter 2, verse 18.
Who wrote James?
James is traditionally attributed to James, half-brother of Jesus, leader of the Jerusalem church. It was written c. AD 44–49.
What is the book of James about?
James is the New Testament's closest cousin to Old-Testament wisdom literature — pungent, practical, and uncompromising. Faith without works is dead. The tongue is a fire. The prayers of a righteous man avail much. It calls Christians to walk their talk.
What are the major themes of James?
James explores themes including Faith and Works, Wisdom, Speech, Suffering, Prayer. These themes shape the meaning and context of James 2:18.
What translation should I read James 2:18 in?
James 2:18 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize James 2:18?
James 2:18 reads (NET): “But someone will say,“You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith without works and I will show you faith by my works.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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