King James Version

What Does James 2:26 Mean?

James 2:26 in the King James Version says “For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. spirit: or, breath — study this verse from James chapter 2 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. spirit: or, breath

James 2:26 · KJV


Context

24

Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

25

Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

26

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. spirit: or, breath


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. As the body without the spirit (pneumatos, πνεύματος) is dead, so faith without works is dead. The analogy underscores inseparability: spirit animates body; works animate faith. Without action, faith is a corpse.

Reformed spirituality insists on union of doctrine and life. James concludes the section with vivid imagery, sealing the argument that living faith necessarily acts.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

This proverb-like statement would resonate with Jewish wisdom tradition. Diaspora believers witnessing martyrdoms understood death imagery; James urges them not to settle for lifeless orthodoxy while persecution demands vibrant obedience.

Reflection Questions

  1. What would it look like if your faith lost its 'breath'?
  2. How can you keep faith and action inseparable in daily life?
  3. Who can help you monitor whether your faith remains alive?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 17 words
ὥσπερ1 of 17

as

G5618

just as, i.e., exactly like

γὰρ2 of 17

For

G1063

properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)

τὸ3 of 17
G3588

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

σῶμα4 of 17

the body

G4983

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

χωρὶς5 of 17

without

G5565

at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)

πνεύματος6 of 17

the spirit

G4151

a current of air, i.e., breath (blast) or a breeze; by analogy or figuratively, a spirit, i.e., (human) the rational soul, (by implication) vital prin

νεκρά7 of 17

dead

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

ἐστιν8 of 17

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

οὕτως9 of 17

so

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

καὶ10 of 17

also

G2532

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

11 of 17
G3588

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

πίστις12 of 17

faith

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

χωρὶς13 of 17

without

G5565

at a space, i.e., separately or apart from (often as preposition)

τῶν14 of 17
G3588

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

ἔργων15 of 17

works

G2041

toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act

νεκρά16 of 17

dead

G3498

dead (literally or figuratively; also as noun)

ἐστιν17 of 17

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are


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 2:26 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 2:26 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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