James 2:18
New International Version
But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.

New Living Translation
Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds.” But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”

English Standard Version
But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

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

Berean Literal 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.

King James Bible
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

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

New American Standard Bible
But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”

NASB 1995
But someone may well say, “You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”

NASB 1977
But someone may well say, “You have faith, and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works.”

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

Amplified Bible
But someone may say, “You [claim to] have faith and I have [good] works; show me your [alleged] faith without the works [if you can], and I will show you my faith by my works [that is, by what I do].”

Christian Standard 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.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without works, and I will show you faith from my works.

American Standard Version
Yea, a man will say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith apart from thy works, and I by my works will show thee my faith.

Contemporary English Version
Suppose someone disagrees and says, "It is possible to have faith without doing kind deeds." I would answer, "Prove that you have faith without doing kind deeds, and I will prove that I have faith by doing them."

English Revised Version
Yea, a man will say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith apart from thy works, and I by my works will shew thee my faith.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Another person might say, "You have faith, but I do good things." Show me your faith apart from the good things you do. I will show you my faith by the good things I do.

Good News Translation
But someone will say, "One person has faith, another has actions." My answer is, "Show me how anyone can have faith without actions. I will show you my faith by my actions."

International Standard Version
But someone may say, "You have faith, and I have actions." Show me your faith without any actions, and I will show you my faith by my actions.

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

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.

New Heart English Bible
But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without works, and I by my works will show you my faith.

Webster's Bible Translation
Also a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith by my works.

Weymouth New Testament
Nay, some one will say, "You have faith, I have actions: prove to me your faith apart from corresponding actions and I will prove mine to you by my actions.

World English Bible
Yes, a man will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith by my works.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
But someone may say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without works, and I will show you my faith out of works.

Berean Literal 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.

Young's Literal Translation
But say may some one, Thou hast faith, and I have works, shew me thy faith out of thy works, and I will shew thee out of my works my faith:

Smith's Literal Translation
But certain will say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: show me thy faith without thy works, and I will show thee my faith from my works.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But some man will say: Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without works; and I will shew thee, by works, my faith.

Catholic Public Domain Version
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.

New American Bible
Indeed someone may say, “You have faith and I have works.” Demonstrate your faith to me without works, and I will demonstrate my faith to you from my works.

New Revised Standard Version
But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For a man may say, You have faith, and I have works: show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For a man may say to you, “You and I have faith; I have works. Show me your faith without works, and I shall show you my faith by my works.”
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But some one will say, You have faith, and I have works; show me your faith by your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

Godbey New Testament
But one will say, You have faith, and I have works: Show me your faith apart from works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

Haweis New Testament
Perhaps a man will say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith by thy works, and I will shew thee by my works my faith.

Mace New Testament
it will be said, "you have a speculative faith, but mine is practical, where is your faith, if no effects appear? as for me, my actions will vouch for my faith.

Weymouth New Testament
Nay, some one will say, "You have faith, I have actions: prove to me your faith apart from corresponding actions and I will prove mine to you by my actions.

Worrell New Testament
But some one will say, "You have faith, and I have works": show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

Worsley New Testament
But one may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith by thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Faith and Works
17So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead. 18But someone will say, “You have faith and I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19You believe that God is one. Good for you! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.…

Cross References
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.

Matthew 7:16-20
By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? / Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. / A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. ...

Galatians 5:6
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision has any value. What matters is faith expressing itself through love.

Hebrews 11:17-19
By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac on the altar. He who had received the promises was ready to offer his one and only son, / even though God had said to him, “Through Isaac your offspring will be reckoned.” / Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and in a sense, he did receive Isaac back from death.

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.

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 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

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.

Philippians 2:12
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.

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.

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. ...

John 15:14
You are My friends if you do what I command you.

Luke 6:46
Why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ but do not do what I say?

Romans 3:28
For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the law.


Treasury of Scripture

Yes, a man may say, You have faith, and I have works: show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works.

Thou.

James 2:14,22
What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? …

Romans 14:23
And he that doubteth is damned if he eat, because he eateth not of faith: for whatsoever is not of faith is sin.

1 Corinthians 13:2
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.

without thy works.

and I will.

James 2:22-25
Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? …

James 3:13
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

Matthew 7:17
Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

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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.














But someone will say
This phrase introduces a hypothetical interlocutor, a common rhetorical device used by James to anticipate objections or questions from his audience. The Greek word for "someone" (τις, tis) suggests an indefinite person, representing any believer who might challenge the relationship between faith and works. This sets the stage for a discussion on the practical demonstration of faith.

You have faith and I have deeds
Here, James presents a dichotomy often perceived between faith and works. The Greek word for "faith" (πίστις, pistis) refers to a deep trust or belief in God, while "deeds" (ἔργα, erga) implies actions or works that are tangible expressions of that faith. Historically, this reflects a tension in early Christianity regarding the role of faith versus works in salvation, a theme that resonates throughout the New Testament.

Show me your faith without deeds
The challenge here is profound. The Greek word for "show" (δείκνυμι, deiknymi) means to demonstrate or prove. James is emphasizing that faith, if genuine, cannot be invisible or abstract. The phrase "without deeds" suggests an impossibility, as true faith naturally results in action. This echoes the teachings of Jesus, who often linked faith with obedience and action (e.g., Matthew 7:21).

and I will show you my faith by my deeds
James asserts that deeds are the evidence of faith. The repetition of "show" underscores the necessity of visible proof of one's beliefs. The phrase "by my deeds" indicates that actions are the natural outflow of a living faith. This aligns with the conservative Christian perspective that faith and works are not mutually exclusive but are integrally connected. The historical context of James, likely addressing Jewish Christians familiar with the Law, reinforces the idea that faith is completed and perfected by works (James 2:22).

(18) Yea, a man may say . . .--The bearing of this verse is commonly misunderstood; its words are those of scorn, uttered probably by some enemy of the faith--Jewish or Pagan--and are another instance, like that of the unruly tongue, by which those outside the pale of Christianity may and will judge us within. James 2:18-22 are all the speech of this practical opponent of first century solifidianism. The English version, "Show me thy faith without thy works" is correct, though according to some editors (see marginal variation) it should be by or from.

The sense is obvious; and whether the speaker be Christian or no, he lays claim to faith in God, the Father of all, as the efficient cause of his good deeds.

Verses 18, 19. -

(2) Second point: Even the devils believe (πιστεύουσι). How worthless, then, must be faith (πίστις) alone! Verse 18. - Yea, a man may say (ἀλλ ἐρεῖτις). The objection in 1 Corinthians 15:35 is introduced by precisely the same words. It is somewhat difficult to see their drift here, as what follows cannot be an objection, for it is just the position which St. James himself adopts. The formula must, therefore, be taken as introducing the perfectly fair retort to which the man who gives utterance to the sentiments of ver. 16 lays himself open. Without thy works. Instead of χώρις (א, A, B, C, Latt., Syriac, Coptic), the Received Text has the manifestly erroneous reading ἐκ (K, L), in which it is happily not followed by the A.V.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
Ἀλλ’ (All’)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

someone
τις (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

will say,
ἐρεῖ (erei)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2046: Probably a fuller form of rheo; an alternate for epo in certain tenses; to utter, i.e. Speak or say.

“You
Σὺ (Sy)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

have
ἔχεις (echeis)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

faith
πίστιν (pistin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

and I
κἀγὼ (kagō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2504: To also, I too, but I. From kai and ego; so also the dative case kamoi, and accusative case kame and I, me.

have
ἔχω (echō)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2192: To have, hold, possess. Including an alternate form scheo skheh'-o; a primary verb; to hold.

deeds.”
ἔργα (erga)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 2041: From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.

Show
δεῖξόν (deixon)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 1166: A prolonged form of an obsolete primary of the same meaning; to show.

me
μοι (moi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

your
σου (sou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

faith
πίστιν (pistin)
Noun - Accusative 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.

and I
κἀγώ (kagō)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Nominative 1st Person Singular
Strong's 2504: To also, I too, but I. From kai and ego; so also the dative case kamoi, and accusative case kame and I, me.

will show
δείξω (deixō)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1166: A prolonged form of an obsolete primary of the same meaning; to show.

you
σοι (soi)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 2nd Person Singular
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.

[my]
τὴν (tēn)
Article - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

faith
πίστιν (pistin)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4102: Faith, belief, trust, confidence; fidelity, faithfulness.

by
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

my
μου (mou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Singular
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

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


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NT Letters: James 2:18 Yes a man will say You have (Ja Jas. Jam)
James 2:17
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