James 2:26 (KJV)

Passage

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

Nearby Context

James 2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

James 2:25 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?

James 2:26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Study Lenses

The verse centers on "Spirit", "faith", "body", "without", "dead", and "works". 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.