The use of the plural "you" in this verse in the Greek text shows that James had completed his response to the objector. He was now addressing his readers directly again (cf. James 2:14-17). [source][source][source]
Works declare us righteous (Gr. present passive indicative of dikaioo) in the sense that our works testify to onlookers that we have exercised saving faith. They are the external fruit that bears witness to the eternal life within. "You see ... by [1] works." However, James previously said that not every believer will bear visible fruit ( James 2:17; cf. John 15:2). Such a believer"s faith is not productive but "dead." Nevertheless he has faith. Some unbelievers appear to bear the fruit of saving faith, but God will one day expose their "wheat" as "tares" ( Matthew 13:30). [source][source][source]
". . . Paul and James are best understood as addressing quite dissimilar situations ... Whereas Paul"s audience is in danger of relying on "works" for salvation, James" readers are excusing themselves from good works, thereby showing only a faith that is dead ..." [2][source]
One writer argued for the view that the vindication in view here is universal and is stated in a salvific context. [3] My view is that the vindication is only before others and is not in a salvific context. [source][source][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 2:24
Ye see [ορατε] Present indicative active of οραω horaō Now he uses the plural again as in James 2:14. [source]
Is justified [δικαιουται] Present passive indicative of δικαιοω dikaioō here not “is made righteous,” but “is shown to be righteous.” James is discussing the proof of faith, not the initial act of being set right with God (Paul‘s idea in Romans 4:1-10).And not only by faith (και ουκ εκ πιστεως μονον kai ouk ek pisteōs monon). This phrase clears up the meaning of James. Faith (live faith) is what we must all have (James 2:18), only it must shew itself also in deeds as Abraham‘s did. [source]
And not only by faith [και ουκ εκ πιστεως μονον] This phrase clears up the meaning of James. Faith (live faith) is what we must all have (James 2:18), only it must shew itself also in deeds as Abraham‘s did. [source]
What do the individual words in James 2:24 mean?
You seethatbyworksis justifieda manandnotbyfaithalone
Parse: Noun, Genitive 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 2:24
Present indicative active of οραω horaō Now he uses the plural again as in James 2:14. [source]
Present passive indicative of δικαιοω dikaioō here not “is made righteous,” but “is shown to be righteous.” James is discussing the proof of faith, not the initial act of being set right with God (Paul‘s idea in Romans 4:1-10).And not only by faith (και ουκ εκ πιστεως μονον kai ouk ek pisteōs monon). This phrase clears up the meaning of James. Faith (live faith) is what we must all have (James 2:18), only it must shew itself also in deeds as Abraham‘s did. [source]
This phrase clears up the meaning of James. Faith (live faith) is what we must all have (James 2:18), only it must shew itself also in deeds as Abraham‘s did. [source]