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17 So too, faith, if it does not have works [to back it up], is by itself dead [inoperative and ineffective].

18 But someone may say, “You [claim to] have faith and I have [good] works; show me your [alleged] faith without the works [if you can], and I will show you my faith by my works [that is, by what I do].” 19 You believe that [a]God is one; you do well [to believe that]. The demons also believe [that], and shudder and bristle [in awe-filled terror—they have seen His wrath]!(A) 20 But are you willing to recognize, you foolish [spiritually shallow] person, that faith without [good] works is useless?

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Footnotes

  1. James 2:19 A reference to the Shema, the Jewish confession of faith.

17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.(A)

18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.”

Show me your faith without deeds,(B) and I will show you my faith(C) by my deeds.(D) 19 You believe that there is one God.(E) Good! Even the demons believe that(F)—and shudder.

20 You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless[a]?(G)

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Footnotes

  1. James 2:20 Some early manuscripts dead