James 2:20 Explained in Context

Verse 14. ¹⁴ What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?

Verse 15. ¹⁵ If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

Verse 16. ¹⁶ And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?

Verse 17. ¹⁷ Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Verse 18. ¹⁸ Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.

Verse 19. ¹⁹ Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Verse 20. ²⁰ But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

Verse 21. ²¹ Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

Verse 22. ²² Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

Verse 23. ²³ And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

Verse 24. ²⁴ Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

Verse 25. ²⁵ Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

Verse 26. ²⁶ For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.