James 2:20 cpdv — So then, are you willing to understand, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?

Catholic Public Domain Version

"So then, are you willing to understand, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? "

— James 2:20, Catholic Public Domain Version

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James 2:20 in Other Translations

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James 2 — Context

17

Thus even faith, if it does not have works, is dead, in and of itself.

18

Now someone may say: “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without works! But I will show you my faith by means of works.

19

You believe that there is one God. You do well. But the demons also believe, and they tremble greatly.

20

So then, are you willing to understand, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?

21

Was not our father Abraham justified by means of works, by offering his son Isaac upon the altar?

22

Do you see that faith was cooperating with his works, and that by means of works faith was brought to fulfillment?

23

And so the Scripture was fulfilled which says: “Abraham believed God, and it was reputed to him unto justice.” And so he was called the friend of God.

James 2:20 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does James 2:20 say?
James 2:20 in the Catholic Public Domain Version reads: “So then, are you willing to understand, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? ”
Where is James 2:20 in the Bible?
James 2:20 is found in the New Testament, in the book of James, chapter 2, verse 20.
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 2:20.
What translation should I read James 2:20 in?
James 2:20 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 2:20?
James 2:20 reads (CPDV): “So then, are you willing to understand, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? ” 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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