James 2:21 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)21 Was not our forefather Abraham made right with God by deeds [of obedience] when he offered his son Isaac [as a sacrifice] on the Altar? Ver CapítuloMás versionesKing James Version (Oxford) 176921 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Ver CapítuloAmplified Bible - Classic Edition21 Was not our forefather Abraham [shown to be] justified (made acceptable to God) by [his] works when he brought to the altar as an offering his [own] son Isaac? [Gen. 22:1-14.] Ver CapítuloAmerican Standard Version (1901)21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, in that he offered up Isaac his son upon the altar? Ver CapítuloCommon English Bible21 What about Abraham, our father? Wasn’t he shown to be righteous through his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? Ver CapítuloCatholic Public Domain Version21 Was not our father Abraham justified by means of works, by offering his son Isaac upon the altar? Ver Capítulo |
For this reason, the promise [i.e., of being made right with God] comes through faith [in God], according to His unearned favor, so that it may be [given] with certainty to all of Abraham’s descendants. The promise is given not only to those [who live] under the law [i.e., the Jews], but also to [all] those [who live] by faith, like Abraham. Abraham is the [spiritual] father of all of us [believers],
This is because no human being can be considered right with God by [obeying] the requirements of a law. [Note: It is difficult to determine the exact sense in which “law” is used in these verses. It may be law generally, or the Law of Moses specifically. See Bruce, pages 52-58]. For the knowledge of what sin is comes from the Law of Moses.