James 2:17 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

In the same way, if [your] faith does not have [good] deeds [to accompany it], it is dead, [because it stands] alone.

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

So also faith, if it does not have works (deeds and actions of obedience to back it up), by itself is destitute of power (inoperative, dead).

American Standard Version (1901)

Even so faith, if it have not works, is dead in itself.

Common English Bible

In the same way, faith is dead when it doesn’t result in faithful activity.

Catholic Public Domain Version

Thus even faith, if it does not have works, is dead, in and of itself.

Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version

So faith also, if it have not works, is dead in itself.

James 2:17 Cross References

1 Corinthians 13:13

But now [i.e., since the temporary gifts are to pass away], these three things remain: faith, hope and love; and the most important of them is love.

1 Corinthians 13:3

And if I donate all my possessions to feed poor people, and if I surrender my body to be burned [Note: This probably refers to becoming a martyr, but some manuscripts read, “that I may be able to boast”], but do not have love [for people], it is no benefit to me.

Galatians 5:6

For in [our relationship with] Christ neither the practice of circumcision nor refraining from its practice matters in any way; but [all that really matters is having a genuine] faith [in Christ] that causes us to work [for Him] out of a genuine love [for Him and others].

1 Thessalonians 1:3

We continually remember, in the presence of our God and Father, the work produced by your faith, the labor prompted by your love, and your endurance motivated by your hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.

1 Timothy 1:5

But the goal of this instruction is [to] love [God and people] from a pure heart, a good conscience and a sincere faith.

James 2:14

What good is it, my brothers [and sisters], if a person says he has faith but does not have [good] deeds? Can such faith save him?

James 2:26

For as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without [good] deeds is dead.