ヤコブの手紙 2:20 JCB

The Pulpit Commentary - James 2:20-26

Justification by faith and works. The meaning of this notable passage has been much contested, because its teaching seems to many minds to contradict the doctrine of justification by faith. It was this apparent antagonism which led Martin Luther for a time to denounce the whole Epistle of James as a mere handful of "straw." Since his day, however, good men have been coming more and. more to see that Paul and James, so far from opposing one another, are in reality presenting different sides... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - James 2:20

But wilt thou know - Will you have a full demonstration of it; will you have the clearest proof in the case. The apostle evidently felt that the instances to which he was about to refer, those of Abraham and Rahab, were decisive.O vain man - The reference by this language is to a man who held an opinion that could not be defended. The word “vain” here used (κενε kene) means properly “empty,” as opposed to “full” - as empty hands, having nothing in them; then fruitless, or without utility or... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - James 2:18-20

James 2:18-20. Yea, a man Who judges better; may say To such a vain talker, in order to bring matters to a short issue; thou hast faith Thou sayest; and I make it appear by my life and conversation that I have works Which naturally spring from that principle. Show me thy faith without thy works If thou canst. Or, εκ των εργων σου , by thy works, as the most and the best copies read it, and as it is read in the margin. And I will show thee my faith by my works Let us, without... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - James 2:14-26

Proof of genuine faith (2:14-26)The Christian faith is not merely a mental belief, but something that is practised. Those who say they have faith must give evidence of it by their behaviour. In the case of the poor Christians just referred to, it is useless to talk sympathetically to them but not give them food and clothing. A professed faith must produce a corresponding change in behaviour, otherwise it is dead and useless (14-17).Genuine faith will prove itself by good deeds. The simple... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - James 2:20

wilt . App-102 . know . App-132 . dead . In the Textus Receptus the same as James 2:17 , but the texts read argos, idle or barren. See Matthew 12:36 and 2 Peter 1:8 . read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - James 2:20

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith apart from works is barren?On this verse, Barclay noted that "The fact that Christianity must be ethically demonstrated is an essential part of the Christian faith throughout the New Testament."[40] Barclay's affirmation, however, does not go far enough. It is precisely in restricting James' teaching on works to the ethical field that Solifidianism stumbles. The importance of the great Christian ordinances of baptism and the Lord's supper, along with... read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - James 2:20

James 2:20. O vain man!— The word Κενε answers to the Syriac word Raca, Mat 5:22 which is there condemned, when it proceeded from unjust anger, and was used by way of insult and reproach; but here it is used out of compassion and good will to the person, and as a grave and just reproof of a very dangerous error. Many words and actions may be right or wrong, according to the temper of mind, or the principles or views from which they proceed. read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - James 2:20

20. wilt thou know—"Vain" men are not willing to know, since they have no wish to "do" the will of God. James beseeches such a one to lay aside his perverse unwillingness to know what is palpable to all who are willing to do. vain—who deceivest thyself with a delusive hope, resting on an unreal faith. without works—The Greek, implies separate from the works [ALFORD] which ought to flow from it if it were real. is dead—Some of the best manuscripts read, "is idle," that is, unavailing to effect... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - James 2:14-26

B. The Importance of Vital Faith 2:14-26Some have seen this section as dealing with a new subject, the relationship of faith and works, whereas the previous one dealt with partiality (James 2:1-13). It seems to me and to others, however, that this section relates to the preceding one in the same way James 1:19-27 relates to James 1:2-18. It deals with a larger, more basic issue that connects with and underlies the practical problem just discussed."In this section St. James proceeds to enlarge... read more