James 2:1-23 ▼

1 My brothers (and sisters), as you⁺ hold out your faith in our glorious Lord {Kyriou} Jesus (YHWH saves) Christ (the Anointed One), do not show favoritism.

2 Suppose a man comes into your⁺ meeting \your synagogue/ wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in.

3 If you⁺ lavish attention on the man in fine clothes and say, “Here is a seat of honor, but say to the poor man, “You must stand or “Sit at my feet,

4 have you⁺ not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?

5 Listen, my beloved {agapētoi} brothers (and sisters): Has not God {Theos} chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom He promised those who love {agapōsin} Him?

6 But you⁺ have dishonored the poor. Is it not the rich who oppress you⁺ and drag you⁺ into court?

7 Are they not the ones who blaspheme the noble name by which you⁺ have been called (the noble name invoked upon you)?

8 If you⁺ really fulfill the royal law stated in Scripture, “Love {Agapēseis} your neighbor as yourself ,” you⁺ are doing well.

9 But if you⁺ show favoritism, you⁺ sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

10 Whoever keeps the whole law but stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.

11 For He who said, “Do not commit adultery ,” also said, “Do not murder .” If you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.

12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom (liberty).

13 For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy (compassion) triumphs over judgment.

14 What good is it, my brothers (and sisters), if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds (acts)? Can such faith save him?

15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.

16 If one of you⁺ tells him, “Go in peace; stay warm and well fed, but does not provide for his physical needs, what good is that?

17 So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action \if it does not have works/, is dead.

18 But someone will say, “You have faith and I have deeds (acts). Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds.

19 You believe that God {Theos} is one (that there is one God). Good for you! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

20 O foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds (acts) is worthless [dead]?

21 Was not our father {patēr} Abraham (father of many) justified (rendered innocent) by what he did when he offered his son Isaac (he will laugh) on the altar?

22 You see that his faith was working with his actions (acts), and his faith was perfected by what he did.

23 And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham (father of many) believed (had faith) God {Theō}, and it was credited to him as righteousness ,” and he was called a friend of God .