King James Version
James 2:21 in the King James Version says “Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?” — study this verse from James chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?”
James 2:21 · KJV
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? Seest: or, Thou seest
And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“by”
G1537a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
“son”
G5207a "son" (sometimes of animals), used very widely of immediate, remote or figuratively, kinship
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
“upon”
G1909properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
“the altar”
G2379a place of sacrifice, i.e., an altar (special or genitive case, literal or figurative)
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.
James 2:21 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to James 2:21 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge