King James Version
James 2:23 in the King James Version says “And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he...” — study this verse from James chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“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.”
James 2:23 · KJV
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.
Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
KJV Study — Public Domain
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“was fulfilled”
G4137to make replete, i.e., (literally) to cram (a net), level up (a hollow), or (figuratively) to furnish (or imbue, diffuse, influence), satisfy, execute
“which saith”
G3004properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
“believed”
G4100to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e., credit; by implication, to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to ch
“God”
G2316a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“it was imputed”
G3049to take an inventory, i.e., estimate (literally or figuratively)
“unto him”
G846the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“for”
G1519to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
“righteousness”
G1343equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
“And”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“the Friend”
G5384actively, fond, i.e., friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.)
“God”
G2316a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
“he was called”
G2564to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise)
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 2:23 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 2:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge