King James Version

What Does James 2:16 Mean?

James 2:16 in the King James Version says “And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things wh... — study this verse from James chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

James 2:16 · KJV


Context

14

What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

15

If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

16

And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

17

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone . alone: Gr. by itself

18

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. without: some copies read, by


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Saying, "Go in peace, be warmed and filled" (thermainesthe, θερμαίνεσθε; chortazesthe, χορτάζεσθε) without supplying necessities is empty. Words devoid of deeds betray hypocrisy. Blessings without provision are worthless.

James critiques superficial piety that cloaks indifference. Reformed believers emphasize that Word and deed must cohere—compassionate speech must be accompanied by sacrificial action.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Traditional Jewish blessings often included such phrases; James warns against using them as substitutes for action. In diaspora communities, some may have offered kind words to avoid financial cost. John's exhortation in 1 John 3:17 echoes this warning.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where might you offer words of comfort without practical aid?
  2. How can you structure follow-up to ensure promises become deeds?
  3. What resources can you mobilize to warm and fill needy saints?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 23 words
εἴπῃ1 of 23

say

G2036

to speak or say (by word or writing)

δὲ2 of 23

And

G1161

but, and, etc

τις3 of 23

one

G5100

some or any person or object

αὐτοῖς4 of 23

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ἐξ5 of 23

of

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

ὑμῶν6 of 23

you

G5216

of (from or concerning) you

Ὑπάγετε7 of 23

Depart

G5217

to lead (oneself) under, i.e., withdraw or retire (as if sinking out of sight), literally or figuratively

ἐν8 of 23

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

εἰρήνῃ9 of 23

peace

G1515

peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity

θερμαίνεσθε10 of 23

be ye warmed

G2328

to heat (oneself)

καὶ11 of 23

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

χορτάζεσθε12 of 23

filled

G5526

to fodder, i.e., (generally) to gorge (supply food in abundance)

μὴ13 of 23

not

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

δῶτε14 of 23

ye give

G1325

to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)

δὲ15 of 23

And

G1161

but, and, etc

αὐτοῖς16 of 23

them

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

τὰ17 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἐπιτήδεια18 of 23

those things which are needful

G2006

serviceable, i.e., (by implication) requisite

τοῦ19 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

σώματος20 of 23

to the body

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

τί21 of 23

what

G5101

an interrogative pronoun, who, which or what (in direct or indirect questions)

τὸ22 of 23
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ὄφελος23 of 23

doth it profit

G3786

gain


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of James. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

James 2:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to James 2:16 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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