James was not saying that a person who responds to another Christian"s need, as in James 2:15-16, shows that he has failed to exercise saving faith and is devoid of eternal life. He was saying that faith, if work (i.e, obedience to the Word of God) does not accompany it, is dead (i.e, inactive). [source][source][source]
"We can make statements in all sincerity of mind and emotion: "I feel sorry for the poor; I don"t condone racism." But James will say, "What good is that if you aren"t doing something to help the poor or to heal the distrust and injustice between races?" Some Christians attempt a stance of personal belief without personal action, saying, for example, "I personally disagree with abortion, but I won"t try to change others" minds." James persists in asking us: What are you doing to protect the victims-both the victimized baby and the victimized mother?" [1] "Dead" does not mean non-existent but inactive, no longer vital, dormant, useless (cf. James 2:14). This is a very important point. [source][source][source]
"It has not usually been considered too deeply why James chose the term "dead" to describe a faith that is not working. But the moment we relate this to the controlling theme of "saving the life," everything becomes plain. The issue that concerns James is an issue of life or death. (He is not discussing salvation from hell!) The truth which he has in mind is that of Proverbs: "Righteousness tendeth to life ... he that pursueth evil pursueth it to his own death." [2] Can a dead faith save the Christian from death? The question answers itself. The choice of the adjective "dead" is perfectly suited to James" argument." [3][source]
Context Summary
James 2:14-26 - Deeds The Evidence Of Faith
The Apostle is speaking here of a faith that does not result in a changed life. It is the faith which believes about Jesus Christ, as distinguished from that which believes in Him. We may believe about Him as we do about Luther or Washington, but such faith will not avail, either here or hereafter. It can no more affect our condition than the pious wish that a shivering beggar may be warmed, and fed will make him either one or the other.
The presence or absence of results in life and conduct is the real test of faith, as the green shoot of a living seed. James calls these results works. We are justified by works, because they prove our faith to be the real faith. Real faith binds the soul to the living Christ, produces deep penitence and humility, and brings about an absolutely new sort of behavior-as when Abraham was willing to offer Isaac, and Rahab received and assisted the spies. To reckon on God is to be a friend of God. [source]
Chapter Summary: James 2
1Do not regard the rich and despise the poor brothers; 13rather we are to be loving and merciful; 14and not to boast of faith without deeds; 17because faith without deeds is useless; 19as is the faith of the demons; 21however, Abraham displayed both faith and actions; 25as did Rahab
Greek Commentary for James 2:17
If it have not works [εαν μη εχηι εργα] Another condition of the third class with εαν ean and μη mē and the present active subjunctive of εχω echō “if it keep on not having works.” [source]
In itself [κατ εαυτην] In and of itself (according to itself), inwardly and outwardly dead Same idiom in Acts 28:16; Romans 14:22. It is a dead faith. [source]
Being alone [καθ ' ἑαυτήν] Wrong. Rev., correctly, in itself. The phrase belongs to dead. It is dead, not merely in reference to something else, but absolutely. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for James 2:17
Hebrews 6:1Wherefore [διο] Because of the argument already made about the difficulty of the subject and the dulness of the readers. Let us cease to speak Second aorist active participle of απιημι aphiēmi to leave off or behind. Of the first principles of Christ Objective genitive Χριστου Christou (about Christ). “Leaving behind the discussion of the beginning about Christ,” another way of saying again τα στοιχεια της αρχης των λογιων του τεου ta stoicheia tēs archēs tōn logiōn tou theou of Hebrews 5:12. And press on Volitive present subjunctive passive, “Let us be borne on” (both the writer and the readers). The Pythagorean Schools use περωμετα pherōmetha in precisely this sense of being borne on to a higher stage of instruction. Bleek quotes several instances of Greek writers using together as here of απεντες περωμετα aphentes pherōmetha (Eurip., Androm. 393, for instance). Unto perfection Old word from τελειος teleios mature, adults as in Hebrews 5:14. Only twice in N.T. (here and Colossians 3:14). Let us go on to the stage of adults, not babes, able to masticate solid spiritual food. The writer will assume that the readers are adults in his discussion of the topic. Not laying again the foundation The regular idiom for laying down the foundation of a building The metaphor is common (1 Corinthians 3:11) and the foundation is important, but one cannot be laying the foundation always if he is to build the house. There are six items mentioned here as part of the “foundation,” though the accusative διδαχην didachēn in apposition with τεμελιον themelion may mean that there are only four included in the τεμελιον themelion Two are qualitative genitives after τεμελιον themelion What is meant by “dead works” There are frequent allusions to the deadening power of sin (James 2:17,James 2:26; John 7:25; Romans 6:1,Romans 6:11; Romans 7:8; Colossians 2:13; Ephesians 2:1,Ephesians 2:5). The use of repentance and faith together occurs also elsewhere (Mark 1:15; Acts 20:21; 1 Thessalonians 1:9). [source]
1 Peter 1:3The God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ [ο τεος και πατηρ του κυριου ημων Ιησου Χριστου] This precise language in 2 Corinthians 1:3; Ephesians 1:3; and part of it in 2 Corinthians 11:31; Romans 15:6. See John 20:17 for similar language by Jesus.Great (πολυ polu). Much.Begat us again First aorist active articular The Stoics used αναγεννησις anagennēsis for παλινγενεσια palingenesia (Titus 3:5). If ανωτεν anōthen in John 3:3 be taken to mean “again,” the same idea of regeneration is there, and if “from above” it is the new birth, anyhow.Unto a living hope (εις ελπιδα ζωσαν eis elpida zōsan). Peter is fond of the word “living” (present active participle of ζαω zaō) as in 1 Peter 1:23; 1 Peter 2:4,1 Peter 2:5,1 Peter 2:24; 1 Peter 4:5,1 Peter 4:6. The Pharisees cherished the hope of the resurrection (Acts 23:6), but the resurrection of Jesus gave it proof and permanence (1 Corinthians 15:14,1 Corinthians 15:17). It is no longer a dead hope like dead faith (James 2:17,James 2:26). This revival of hope was wrought “by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (δια αναστασεως dia anastaseōs). Hope rose up with Christ from the dead, though the disciples (Peter included) were slow at first to believe it. [source]
1 Peter 1:3Begat us again [αναγεννησας ημας] First aorist active articular The Stoics used αναγεννησις anagennēsis for παλινγενεσια palingenesia (Titus 3:5). If ανωτεν anōthen in John 3:3 be taken to mean “again,” the same idea of regeneration is there, and if “from above” it is the new birth, anyhow.Unto a living hope (εις ελπιδα ζωσαν eis elpida zōsan). Peter is fond of the word “living” (present active participle of ζαω zaō) as in 1 Peter 1:23; 1 Peter 2:4,1 Peter 2:5,1 Peter 2:24; 1 Peter 4:5,1 Peter 4:6. The Pharisees cherished the hope of the resurrection (Acts 23:6), but the resurrection of Jesus gave it proof and permanence (1 Corinthians 15:14,1 Corinthians 15:17). It is no longer a dead hope like dead faith (James 2:17,James 2:26). This revival of hope was wrought “by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (δια αναστασεως dia anastaseōs). Hope rose up with Christ from the dead, though the disciples (Peter included) were slow at first to believe it. [source]
1 Peter 1:3Unto a living hope [εις ελπιδα ζωσαν] Peter is fond of the word “living” (present active participle of ζαω zaō) as in 1 Peter 1:23; 1 Peter 2:4,1 Peter 2:5,1 Peter 2:24; 1 Peter 4:5,1 Peter 4:6. The Pharisees cherished the hope of the resurrection (Acts 23:6), but the resurrection of Jesus gave it proof and permanence (1 Corinthians 15:14,1 Corinthians 15:17). It is no longer a dead hope like dead faith (James 2:17,James 2:26). This revival of hope was wrought “by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” Hope rose up with Christ from the dead, though the disciples (Peter included) were slow at first to believe it. [source]
Revelation 3:1That hath the seven Spirits of God [ο εχων τα επτα πνευματα του τεου] For which picture of the Holy Spirit see Revelation 1:4.And the seven stars (και τους επτα αστερας kai tous hepta asteras). As in Revelation 1:16,Revelation 1:20.A name that thou livest A name in contrast with reality. The οτι hoti clause in apposition with ονομα onoma thou art dead “The paradox of death under the name of life” (Swete). Not complete (a nucleus of life) death (Revelation 3:2), but rapidly dying. See the picture in James 2:17; 2 Corinthians 6:9; 2 Timothy 3:5. [source]
Revelation 3:1A name that thou livest [ονομα οτι ζηις] A name in contrast with reality. The οτι hoti clause in apposition with ονομα onoma thou art dead “The paradox of death under the name of life” (Swete). Not complete (a nucleus of life) death (Revelation 3:2), but rapidly dying. See the picture in James 2:17; 2 Corinthians 6:9; 2 Timothy 3:5. [source]
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular
Root: πίστις
Sense: conviction of the truth of anything, belief; in the NT of a conviction or belief respecting man’s relationship to God and divine things, generally with the included idea of trust and holy fervour born of faith and joined with it.
Greek Commentary for James 2:17
Another condition of the third class with εαν ean and μη mē and the present active subjunctive of εχω echō “if it keep on not having works.” [source]
In and of itself (according to itself), inwardly and outwardly dead Same idiom in Acts 28:16; Romans 14:22. It is a dead faith. [source]
Wrong. Rev., correctly, in itself. The phrase belongs to dead. It is dead, not merely in reference to something else, but absolutely. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for James 2:17
Because of the argument already made about the difficulty of the subject and the dulness of the readers. Let us cease to speak Second aorist active participle of απιημι aphiēmi to leave off or behind. Of the first principles of Christ Objective genitive Χριστου Christou (about Christ). “Leaving behind the discussion of the beginning about Christ,” another way of saying again τα στοιχεια της αρχης των λογιων του τεου ta stoicheia tēs archēs tōn logiōn tou theou of Hebrews 5:12. And press on Volitive present subjunctive passive, “Let us be borne on” (both the writer and the readers). The Pythagorean Schools use περωμετα pherōmetha in precisely this sense of being borne on to a higher stage of instruction. Bleek quotes several instances of Greek writers using together as here of απεντες περωμετα aphentes pherōmetha (Eurip., Androm. 393, for instance). Unto perfection Old word from τελειος teleios mature, adults as in Hebrews 5:14. Only twice in N.T. (here and Colossians 3:14). Let us go on to the stage of adults, not babes, able to masticate solid spiritual food. The writer will assume that the readers are adults in his discussion of the topic. Not laying again the foundation The regular idiom for laying down the foundation of a building The metaphor is common (1 Corinthians 3:11) and the foundation is important, but one cannot be laying the foundation always if he is to build the house. There are six items mentioned here as part of the “foundation,” though the accusative διδαχην didachēn in apposition with τεμελιον themelion may mean that there are only four included in the τεμελιον themelion Two are qualitative genitives after τεμελιον themelion What is meant by “dead works” There are frequent allusions to the deadening power of sin (James 2:17, James 2:26; John 7:25; Romans 6:1, Romans 6:11; Romans 7:8; Colossians 2:13; Ephesians 2:1, Ephesians 2:5). The use of repentance and faith together occurs also elsewhere (Mark 1:15; Acts 20:21; 1 Thessalonians 1:9). [source]
This precise language in 2 Corinthians 1:3; Ephesians 1:3; and part of it in 2 Corinthians 11:31; Romans 15:6. See John 20:17 for similar language by Jesus.Great (πολυ polu). Much.Begat us again First aorist active articular The Stoics used αναγεννησις anagennēsis for παλινγενεσια palingenesia (Titus 3:5). If ανωτεν anōthen in John 3:3 be taken to mean “again,” the same idea of regeneration is there, and if “from above” it is the new birth, anyhow.Unto a living hope (εις ελπιδα ζωσαν eis elpida zōsan). Peter is fond of the word “living” (present active participle of ζαω zaō) as in 1 Peter 1:23; 1 Peter 2:4, 1 Peter 2:5, 1 Peter 2:24; 1 Peter 4:5, 1 Peter 4:6. The Pharisees cherished the hope of the resurrection (Acts 23:6), but the resurrection of Jesus gave it proof and permanence (1 Corinthians 15:14, 1 Corinthians 15:17). It is no longer a dead hope like dead faith (James 2:17, James 2:26). This revival of hope was wrought “by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (δια αναστασεως dia anastaseōs). Hope rose up with Christ from the dead, though the disciples (Peter included) were slow at first to believe it. [source]
First aorist active articular The Stoics used αναγεννησις anagennēsis for παλινγενεσια palingenesia (Titus 3:5). If ανωτεν anōthen in John 3:3 be taken to mean “again,” the same idea of regeneration is there, and if “from above” it is the new birth, anyhow.Unto a living hope (εις ελπιδα ζωσαν eis elpida zōsan). Peter is fond of the word “living” (present active participle of ζαω zaō) as in 1 Peter 1:23; 1 Peter 2:4, 1 Peter 2:5, 1 Peter 2:24; 1 Peter 4:5, 1 Peter 4:6. The Pharisees cherished the hope of the resurrection (Acts 23:6), but the resurrection of Jesus gave it proof and permanence (1 Corinthians 15:14, 1 Corinthians 15:17). It is no longer a dead hope like dead faith (James 2:17, James 2:26). This revival of hope was wrought “by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” (δια αναστασεως dia anastaseōs). Hope rose up with Christ from the dead, though the disciples (Peter included) were slow at first to believe it. [source]
Peter is fond of the word “living” (present active participle of ζαω zaō) as in 1 Peter 1:23; 1 Peter 2:4, 1 Peter 2:5, 1 Peter 2:24; 1 Peter 4:5, 1 Peter 4:6. The Pharisees cherished the hope of the resurrection (Acts 23:6), but the resurrection of Jesus gave it proof and permanence (1 Corinthians 15:14, 1 Corinthians 15:17). It is no longer a dead hope like dead faith (James 2:17, James 2:26). This revival of hope was wrought “by the resurrection of Jesus Christ” Hope rose up with Christ from the dead, though the disciples (Peter included) were slow at first to believe it. [source]
For which picture of the Holy Spirit see Revelation 1:4.And the seven stars (και τους επτα αστερας kai tous hepta asteras). As in Revelation 1:16, Revelation 1:20.A name that thou livest A name in contrast with reality. The οτι hoti clause in apposition with ονομα onoma thou art dead “The paradox of death under the name of life” (Swete). Not complete (a nucleus of life) death (Revelation 3:2), but rapidly dying. See the picture in James 2:17; 2 Corinthians 6:9; 2 Timothy 3:5. [source]
A name in contrast with reality. The οτι hoti clause in apposition with ονομα onoma thou art dead “The paradox of death under the name of life” (Swete). Not complete (a nucleus of life) death (Revelation 3:2), but rapidly dying. See the picture in James 2:17; 2 Corinthians 6:9; 2 Timothy 3:5. [source]