James 2:26 (GNV)

Passage

For as the body without ye spirit is dead, euen so the faith without workes is dead.

Nearby Context

James 2:24 Ye see then howe that of workes a man is iustified, and not of faith onely.

James 2:25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot iustified through workes, when she had receiued ye messengers, and sent them out another way?

James 2:26 For as the body without ye spirit is dead, euen so the faith without workes is dead.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "Spirit", "faith", "body", "without", "dead", "euen", and "workes". It is saying that the verse draws attention to "Spirit" and "faith", so its meaning should be read from those terms before moving to application.

The prior verse says "Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot...", giving immediate footing for "Spirit" and "faith". In James context, the local focus is Christ, faith, and discipleship.

A plain takeaway is to answer the verse's own emphasis on "Spirit" and "faith" with trust shaped by these words, not by a vague optimism outside the passage.