SIL Translator’s Notes on James 2012 – Page 5

SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:7

2:7a–b

Are they not the ones who blaspheme the noble name by which you have been called?: This is a rhetorical question. James used this rhetorical question to emphasize that it was the rich people, not the poor, who were speaking against Christ.

Some ways to translate this emphasis are:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

Do they not blaspheme the good name of the one you belong to? (NET Bible)
-or-
They are the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong, right?

• As a statement. For example:

They are the ones who speak evil of that good name which has been given to you. (Good News Translation)

Translate this emphasis in a way that is natural in your language.

2:7a

blaspheme: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as blaspheme means “speaking evil of someone” or “insulting and saying bad things about someone.”

Some other ways to translate this word are:

insulting
-or-
profaning
-or-
speaking evil against
-or-
disgracing

This same Greek word is also translated as “slandering” (as in the New International Version (2011 Revision)).

2:7b

the noble name by which you have been called: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the noble name by which you have been called is literally “the noble name that has been called upon/over you.” This “name that has been called over you” is the name that Jesus has given to you. Jesus gave his name to you to show that you belong to him. In other words, you/we are now in special relation to Jesus and part of his family.

The phrase the noble name refers to the name of Jesus Christ. His name is noble in the sense that it is a good, excellent, or honorable name. He is the one to whom James’ readers belong.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

the honorable/good name of Jesus, the one to whom you belong
-or-
the praiseworthy name of Jesus Christ. He is the one to whom you belong
-or-
the holy name of the one who is our master, Jesus Christ
-or-
the excellent name of Jesus Christ, whose people you became when you trusted in him

General Comment on 2:7a–b

In some languages, it is more natural to change the order of 2:7a and 2:7b. For example:

^7bYou belong to him who has a noble name. ^7aAre they not slandering his name?

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:8

Paragraph 2:8–11

This paragraph indicates that showing favor to rich people is breaking God’s law. God told us to love everyone as we love ourselves. If we do not treat poor people as well as we treat rich people, we are not loving poor people. So we are not loving everyone as we love ourselves. As a result, we break God’s law.

2:8a

If you really fulfill the royal law: There are at least three ways to interpret the Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as really:

(1) It indicates a contrast with 2:9. It means “^2:8if, on the one hand, you keep the royal law…. ^2:9But if, on the other hand, you show favoritism….” Some versions show this contrast only at the beginning of 2:9. For example, the Good News Translation says:

^8dYou will be doing the right thing ^8aif you obey the law of the Kingdom,…^9aBut if you…

(2) It indicates that something is true, and it indicates it with emphasis. It can be translated as “really,” “truly,” or “in fact.”

(Berean Standard Bible, Revised Standard Version, New International Version (2011 Revision), English Standard Version, New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

(3) It indicates a contrast with what comes before. In this context, it contrasts with showing partiality against poor people as described in 2:1–7 and explicitly noted in 2:6a, “you have insulted the poor.” It can be translated as “but” or “however.” For example, the New American Standard Bible says:

If, however, you are fulfilling the royal law…

(New American Standard Bible, Revised English Bible, NET Bible)

In the case of interpretations (2) and (3), some scholars also think that this conjunction indicates some irony. In other words, James implies that people are not really keeping the royal law. (See, for example: Davids (1982), page 114; McCartney, pages 147–148; Tasker, page 60.)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). It is certain that the conjunction shows contrast with 2:9. It may also show contrast with what goes before or emphasize the truth of the statement (or show irony), but this is less certain. And these should be clear from the context with or without a conjunction.

In most languages, it will be enough to mark the contrast at the beginning of 2:9. So it may not be necessary to translate the conjunction here. Or you may have a way to show that a pair of things are being contrasted. For example:

on the one hand,…on the other hand

fulfill: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as fulfill means “obey.” Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

If you obey the royal law
-or-
If you do what God said in the royal law

the royal law: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as the royal law is literally “kingly law.” This law comes from a king and is the law of the kingdom. Here the king is God.

This phrase refers to the whole of God’s law, and it consists of many commands. It does not refer specifically to the command that follows (“Love your neighbor as yourself”) though that is one very important command within God’s law.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

the law of the Kingdom (Good News Translation)
-or-
the law of God the/our King
-or-
law from the highest authority (God’s Word)

2:8b

stated in Scripture: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as stated in Scripture is literally “according to the Scripture” (as in the Revised Standard Version). The royal law is written in the Scripture.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

in the Scripture
-or-
written in Scripture
-or-
as God said in the Scripture
-or-
by keeping in particular God’s command which says

Scripture: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Scripture is used in a special way in the New Testament. It refers to words that God directed someone to write. Such writings had authority because God guided a person to write them. In the New Testament the word Scripture almost always refers to something that was written in the Old Testament. Here it refers to the verse which follows, quoted from Leviticus 19:18.

Some other ways to translate Scripture are:

God’s written words
-or-
this word of God that someone/Moses wrote
-or-
God’s written command

2:8c

Love your neighbor as yourself: In Greek, the word Love is singular. The word neighbor is also singular. However, this command was intended for everyone. It was also intended to command us to love all our neighbors, not just one. In many languages, it will be more natural to use plurals here. For example:

Love(sing) your neighbors as yourself
-or-
Love^(plur) your neighbors as you^(plur) love yourselves
-or-
People should love their neighbors as they love themselves

This command also occurs in Matthew 19:19; Mark 12:31; Luke 10:27; and Romans 13:9. You should translate it here as you did in these other passages.

Love: In this context, Love refers to seeking the well-being of others. It does not refer to having warm feelings towards them. It also does not refer to romantic love.

Some other ways to translate this are:

Do what is best for
-or-
Act lovingly toward
-or-
Do good things that show you care for

neighbor: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as neighbor literally refers to someone who lives nearby. It also refers to someone of the same social group or someone who speaks the same language. It can also refer to anyone you interact with.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

person who is near you
-or-
fellow human being
-or-
people you interact with

General Comment on 2:8a–d

In some languages, it is more natural to change the order of 2:8a–d. For example:

^8bIn Scripture, ^8athe royal law is/says, ^8c“Love your neighbor as yourself.” ^8aIf you really keep this law, ^8dyou do well.
-or-
^8bThe Scripture says, ^8c“Love your neighbor as yourself.” ^8aThis is the royal law. If you keep this law, ^8dyou do well.

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:9

2:9a

But: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as But introduces a contrast. The contrast is between loving your neighbor and thus keeping the law (in 2:8) and showing favoritism and thus breaking the law (in 2:9).

if you show favoritism: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as show favoritism refers to treating some people better than others because of their wealth or position in society.

The form of the Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as you show favoritism implies the person is habitually showing favoritism. This verb is from the same root as the noun that the Berean Standard Bible translates as favoritism in 2:1b. See the notes there for translation advice.

2:9b

you sin: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as you sin is literally “you do a sin.” In some languages, it may be more natural to translate this using the verb sin (as the Berean Standard Bible does).

Here James wrote that when a person shows favoritism, he disobeys God and God’s law. That is a sin.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

you do what is wrong/evil
-or-
you offend/disobey God
-or-
you are doing things against God

See also the note on “sin” at 1:15b.

are convicted by the law: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as convicted means “shown or proven to be guilty.” This is a passive verb. There are at least two ways to translate it:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

are convicted by the law (NET Bible)
-or-
are shown to be guilty by the law

• Use an active verb. For example:

the Law condemns you (Good News Translation)
-or-
the Scriptures teach that you have sinned (Contemporary English Version)

the law: The phrase the law refers to the same law that was called “the royal law” in 2:8a. Notice that in this verse the law is personified. This means that James said that the law did something as if it were a person. It “convicts” somebody just as a judge or prosecutor proves that somebody disobeyed a law of the government.

In some languages, it may be more natural not to personify the word law. If this is the case in your language, you could say something like:

You are guilty of breaking the law (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
you deserve punishment for disobeying God’s commands

as transgressors: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as transgressors means “people who do things contrary to what God commanded in the law.” It refers to people who deliberately disobey the law. In some languages, it may be more natural to translate this noun as a phrase. For example:

people who disobey God’s laws
-or-
a person who does not do what God told people to do
-or-
those who violate God’s laws

In some languages, it may be possible to translate the phrase “are convicted by the law” and the phrase “as lawbreakers” as one phrase. For example:

You are guilty of not obeying the law.

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:10

2:10–11

Verses 2:10–11 explain how someone who favors rich people is a lawbreaker. When someone shows favoritism, he is not keeping the part of the law that tells him to love his neighbor as himself. He has broken this one commandment in the law, so he has broken all the law.

In some languages, James’ explanation will be clearer if some clauses in 2:10–11 are reordered. See the General Comment on 2:10–11 at the end of 2:11e for an example.

2:10a

In Greek, 2:10 begins with a conjunction that most English versions translate as “for.” The Greek word introduces an explanation of 2:9. The Berean Standard Bible has left this conjunction implicit. Consider whether you need a conjunction or phrase in your language to make the relationship between 2:9 and 2:10–11 clear.

Some other ways to translate this conjunction are:

Because
-or-
The reason I said this is

the whole law: The phrase the whole law refers to all the commands and instructions that are part of God’s law. See the note at 2:8a where God’s law is called “the royal law.”

2:10b

stumbles: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as stumbles is used figuratively. Here in the context of following God’s laws and rules, it means “does not obey every one of God’s commands” or “does something wrong.”

Some other ways to translate this word are:

fails to obey (New Century Version)
-or-
does not keep
-or-
does not do what God has said

just one point: The phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as just one point refers to any one commandment of the law. The way in which this person has gone wrong is that he has broken only one out of all the commandments.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

only one commandment/law
-or-
only one part
-or-
in one single matter

2:10c

is guilty: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as is guilty is literally “has become guilty” (as in the Revised Standard Version). The verb “has become” emphasizes the person’s situation. It can also be translated as “is” (as in the Berean Standard Bible).

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

is responsible
-or-
has become accountable (English Standard Version)

of breaking all of it: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as all of it is literally “all.” It refers to breaking/disobeying the law as a whole or as a unit (even though the law as a whole is made up of individual commands).

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

of disobeying the whole law
-or-
of failing to keep the entire law of God
-or-
of breaking God’s laws/commands

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:11

2:11a–b

“Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.”: The Greek phrases that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Do not commit adultery and Do not murder are commands. Here these commands are singular just as they are in the Old Testament in Hebrew. God gave these commands to each Israelite.

In some languages, people do not use a singular form to give a general command like this. Use whatever form is natural in your language for giving this type of general command. For example:

You^(plur) must not commit adultery. You^(plur) must not murder.
-or-
People must not commit adultery. People must not murder.

Also, in some languages, it may be more natural to use indirect speech here. For example:

The same God who told us to be faithful in marriage also told us not to murder. (Contemporary English Version)

2:11a

For: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as For introduces an example of the statement that James made in 2:10. That statement is, “If you break one law, you are guilty of breaking all the law.”

In some languages, a conjunction will not be necessary here.

He who said: The word He refers to God. Some other ways to translate this clause are:

For the same God who said (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
Because God said both

“Do not commit adultery,”: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as commit adultery refers to a man or woman having sexual relations with someone who is married to someone else. It also refers to a married person having sexual relations with anyone other than their spouse.

Many languages have hidden ways of saying adultery that are understood but do not embarrass people when it is read in public. For example:

do not behave immorally with one not your spouse
-or-
be faithful in marriage (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
Do not have sexual relations with anyone who is not your spouse

The same word occurs in Matthew 5:27; Luke 18:20; and Romans 13:9.

2:11b

“Do not murder.”: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as murder means “kill someone deliberately.” Some ways to translate this phrase are:

Do not kill
-or-
Do not purposefully cause someone to die
-or-
Do not intentionally slay someone

2:11c–e

If you do not commit adultery, but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker: James used an “if” clause to begin a specific example of his principle in 2:10. (The principle is that someone who breaks one point of the law breaks the entire law.) In some languages, it may be more natural to begin a specific example without using an “if” clause. For example:

^11cSomeone who does not commit adultery, ^11dbut commits murder, ^11eis still a lawbreaker.

2:11e

you have become a lawbreaker: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as you have become could also be translated as “you are.” It emphasizes the person’s situation.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

you are a breaker of the law (Revised English Bible)
-or-
you are guilty of breaking God’s law
-or-
you are a person who does not obey God’s laws
-or-
you are a person who does not do what God says to do

General Comment on 2:11c–e

In some languages, it may be natural to reorder these verse parts as the Revised English Bible has done:

^11cIf you commit murder ^11eyou are a breaker of the law, ^11deven if you do not commit adultery as well.

General Comment on 2:10–11

In some languages, James’ explanation will be clearer if some clauses in 2:10 and 2:11 are reordered. His explanation may also be clearer if some information is made explicit. For example:

^10bAnyone who stumbles at just one point of the law ^10cis guilty of breaking all of it ^10aeven if he keeps the rest of the law. ^11dFor example, if someone commits murder ^11cbut never commits adultery, ^11ehe is a lawbreaker ^11bbecause God told us both not to murder and ^11anot to commit adultery. So that is why, when you show favoritism, you are breaking the law. You are not following God’s command to love your neighbor as yourself.

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:12

Paragraph 2:12–13

In this paragraph, James warned his readers that God will judge all people based on how they act toward others. He requires his people to be merciful to others. This is a conclusion to 2:1–11.

In some languages, it will be natural to begin this paragraph with a conjunction indicating that it is a conclusion. For example:

So (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
Therefore

2:12a

Speak and act: The verbs Speak and act refer to normal, everyday conversation and behavior. Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

Talk and behave
-or-
So whatever you say or whatever you do (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
In everything you say and do (New Century Version)

as those who are going to be judged: The Greek clause that the Berean Standard Bible translates as as those who are going to be judged indicates that people will be judged. A future judgment is certain to happen. The word as does not mean that people should just behave “as if” judgment were going to happen.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

like people who will be judged (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
remember that you will be judged (New Century Version)
-or-
because you are going to be judged

those who are going to be judged: This is a passive verb phrase. There are at least two ways to translate it:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

people who will be judged (Contemporary English Version)

• Use an active verb. For example:

people whom God will judge

be judged: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as be judged is a legal word. It describes the work of a judge in court. A judge:

(a) examines and considers the evidence

(b) pronounces the person innocent or guilty

In this verse, God is the judge, and the focus is probably on (a) and (b) above. God will evaluate whether each person has kept his law. On that basis, he will decide whether the person is innocent or guilty. (Many commentators (see, for example, Lenski, pages 574–575; McCartney, page 150; Mitton, pages 95–96; Moo (2000), pages 116 and 118) in looking at the wider context of Scripture take the position that this judgment does not lead directly to a verdict of guilt or innocence before God based on the law. Rather obedience to the law is evidence that someone has been shown grace. Their actions and particularly their actions of grace and mercy to all people demonstrate that they are truly saved.) Those who have obeyed his law, in particular the law which says to love your neighbor (2:8), will be judged to be righteous. Those who have not obeyed his law will be judged to be guilty.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

be examined/evaluated
-or-
God will consider the evidence and decide whether they are innocent or guilty

2:12b

by the law: The phrase by the law indicates that the law is the standard by which, or according to which, God will judge us.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

according to the law
-or-
using the law

As in 1:25, the word law refers to the complete set of instructions and commands from God. It does not refer to just one law. So in some languages, it is more natural to use the plural “laws” here. For example:

by laws (God’s Word)

that gives freedom: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as that gives freedom describes what the law does for people who obey it. It sets them free from sin.

Some other ways to translate the expression the law that gives freedom are:

the law that sets us/you free
-or-
the law that makes people free (New Century Version)
-or-
the law that frees people from sin

In some languages, it may be natural to translate this phrase as a separate sentence. For example:

^12aSpeak and act as those who are going to be judged ^12bby the law. This law gives freedom to do what God wants us to do.

See the note “of freedom” in 1:25a, where the same Greek expression occurs.

General Comment on 2:12a–b

In some languages, it may be more natural to change the order of some of the clauses in this verse. For example:

^12aYou are going to be judged ^12baccording to the law that gives freedom. ^12aSo be careful to speak and act appropriately.
-or-
^12bGod will use the law that gives freedom ^12ato decide whether we are innocent or guilty. Therefore, speak and act well.

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:13

2:13a

For: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as For introduces the reason why we should speak and act as it says in 2:12. We should speak and act mercifully (2:12a) because God will judge us without mercy if we are not merciful to others (2:13a).

judgment without mercy will be shown: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as judgment without mercy will be shown is literally “the merciless judgment.” There is no verb in Greek here, so most languages will have to supply a verb. The Berean Standard Bible has supplied the words will be shown to make the Greek phrase a natural English clause.

Some ways to translate this phrase are:

• Use the verb “is” in the present or future. For example:

judgment is merciless (NET Bible)
-or-
judgment will be without mercy (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
on the day of judgment there will be no pity (Contemporary English Version)

• Use a verb that goes with “mercy” or “judgment.” For example:

God will not show mercy when he judges (Good News Translation)
-or-
God will render judgment without mercy

• Translate judgment as a verb. For example:

God will judge without mercy

judgment: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as judgment is literally “the judgment.” It refers back to the fact that God will judge people (2:12).

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

God will judge you
-or-
God will decide if you are righteous or guilty

without mercy: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as without mercy refers to God’s choosing to withhold mercy. When God evaluates and decides if a person is righteous or not, he will not show mercy when deciding.

The word mercy means to show kindness toward people who are in need. Here it specifically means kindness beyond what a person deserves.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

there will be no pity (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
without kindness
-or-
will not use grace (when he judges)

to anyone who has not been merciful: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as to anyone who has not been merciful is literally “to the one who has not done mercy.” Here “mercy” refers to kindness shown to those who are suffering or in need, such as the poor believers mentioned in 2:1–6.

James was referring to an entire group of people. So in many languages, it may be more natural to translate this phrase in the plural. For example:

those who have not shown mercy to others.

merciful: Here the word merciful refers to the kindness that people show to their fellow human beings who are suffering or in need. Merciful people show this kindness whether or not their fellow human beings have offended them.

Here the sense of mercy is slightly different than the same word in the phrase “judgment without mercy.” There “mercy” refers to kindness that God shows to people who have offended him and deserve judgment/punishment.

What is common to both senses is the idea of being kind to people in need. If possible, you should try to use the same word or expression both times. If your language would normally use different words or expressions for these two senses, try to see if you can translate this in a way to show the connection between the two words. For example:

At the time of judgment, God will not be kind to those who have not been kind to others who are in need.

General Comment on 2:12a–13a

In some languages, it may be more natural to put the reason in 2:13a before the result in 2:12a. For example:

^13aJudgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. ^12aSo speak and act as those who are going to be judged ^12bby the law that gives freedom.

2:13b

There is a contrast between 2:13a and 2:13b. The contrast is between judgment without mercy (2:13a) and mercy triumphing over judgment (2:13b). Verse 2:13a is something that no one desires. Verse 2:13b is desirable. In some languages, it may be natural to use a conjunction that shows contrast. For example:

but (Good News Translation)

Mercy triumphs over judgment: This is a type of proverb. It is stated in a few words using abstract nouns. In this proverb, Mercy is personified. This means that Mercy is spoken of as if it were a person. This person triumphs over his opponent. This means that he has victory over him.

Some ways to translate this sentence are:

• Translate this like a proverb and keep the abstract nouns mercy and judgment and the personification. For example:

Mercy triumphs over judgment. (God’s Word)
-or-
Mercy is confident when it confronts judgment.
-or-
Mercy is more powerful than judgment.

• Translate it like a proverb but without the personification. (There is an interpretation issue that comes into play in any attempt to make the meaning of this proverbial expression more explicit. The question is whether mercy refers to people showing mercy/compassion to others or to God’s mercy shown toward merciful people. The majority view (see, for example, Moo (2000), page 118; Ropes, page 202; Translator’s Handbook, page 81; SSA, page 72; New Living Translation (2004 Revision); New Century Version) is clearly that mercy refers to people showing mercy or compassion to others. This follows the same sense of mercy as it was last used in 2:13a “to anyone who has not been merciful.” It expresses in positive terms what 2:13a has expressed in negative terms, and it lines up well with other verses about mercy such as Matthew 5:7. The weakness of this view is that James’ choice of verb seems unusual to express such a meaning: mercy (shown by man) boasts/triumphs over God’s judgment. The minority view is found in Martin, page 72, and the Contemporary English Version.) For example:

The person who shows mercy can be confident on the day when God judges everyone.
-or-
A man who is merciful to others does not need to have fear on the day when God will judge people.

• Translate the meaning. For example:

If you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you. (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
When anyone is merciful to others, God will judge him with mercy.

Mercy: Mercy here probably refers to the kindness or compassion that a person shows to others who are suffering or in need. It refers to how believers should be treating poor people in their congregation.

The same word with the same meaning occurs at the end of 2:13a.

triumphs over: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible here translates as triumphs over probably means that a person is joyfully confident even though something threatens him. “Mercy” (personified) knows that it is superior to judgment and so is not afraid of judgment. In other words, a merciful person is not afraid that God will condemn him. For ways to translate this word, see the examples above.

judgment: Here judgment refers to God’s act of judging people. It has the same meaning as in 2:12a and 2:13a.

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:14

Section 2:14–26

Faith without good deeds is useless

In this section, James emphasized that true faith in Jesus is a matter of both believing and doing good deeds. There is no such thing as faith without good deeds to go with it. It is the good deeds that demonstrate that there is true faith. Faith without good deeds is not true faith at all.

James used examples from the lives of Rahab and Abraham to show that faith and good deeds always go together.

Some other possible headings for this section are:

Faith and good deeds
-or-
If you really believe/trust you will also do good deeds
-or-
Real faith is proved by good deeds.

Paragraph 2:14–17

In this paragraph, James used three rhetorical questions to emphasize that faith without good deeds is useless.

2:14

What good is it, my brothers, if someone claims to have faith, but has no deeds?: This is a rhetorical question. James used this rhetorical question to emphasize that faith without good deeds “is certainly no good” or “is no good at all.”

Some ways to translate this emphasis are:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

My brothers and sisters, what good does it do if someone claims to have faith but doesn’t do any good things? (God’s Word)
-or-
My brothers, if a person claims to have faith but has no deeds, what good is it?
-or-
My brothers, if a person claims to have faith but has no deeds, that kind of faith is useless, right?

• As an emphatic negative statement. For example:

My brothers and sisters, if people say they have faith, but do nothing, their faith is worth nothing. (New Century Version)

Translate this emphasis in a way that is natural in your language to say that something is definitely worthless or useless.

2:14a

What good is it: In some languages, it will be more natural to put the clause What good is it at the end of the rhetorical question. For example:

My brothers, if a person claims to have faith but has no deeds, what good is it?

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

…is that real faith?
-or-
…what use/value is that?

If you translate the rhetorical question as a statement, you can translate this phrase as:

That kind of faith is useless.
-or-
That is not faith that will save you.
-or-
That is not real faith.

my brothers: The phrase my brothers also occurs in 1:2a. For advice on translating this phrase, see the note there.

The Berean Standard Bible places the phrase my brothers after the phrase “What good is it.” This follows the Greek text. In some languages, it is more natural to place it at the beginning of the verse. For example:

My friends, what good is it (Good News Translation)

2:14b

someone: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as someone refers to either a man or woman. It does not refer to any particular person.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

one of you (Good News Translation)
-or-
a person

claims to have faith: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as claims to have faith is literally “says he has faith” (as in the English Standard Version). James did not say whether or not the person was telling the truth.

In some languages, a word like faith requires an object. If that is true in your language, use “Jesus Christ” or “our Lord Jesus Christ.”

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

says that he has faith in Jesus Christ
-or-
says that he believes/trusts in our Lord Jesus Christ
-or-
says that he relies/depends on the Lord Jesus Christ
-or-
says that he has committed himself to Jesus Christ

For more help on translating the word faith, see the note on “faith” at 2:5c.

2:14c

has no deeds: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as deeds means “actions.” (Older English versions translate it as “works.”) This word refers to “good deeds.” It refers to good activities that people do out of love for God or for other people. An example of a good deed is in 2:25.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

doesn’t do any good things (God’s Word)
-or-
actions do not prove it (Good News Translation)
-or-
his actions do nothing to show it (Revised English Bible)

General Comment on 2:14a–c

In some languages, 2:14 may be clearer if the order is changed. For example:

My brothers, ^14bif a man says that he has faith ^14cbut he does no good deeds, ^14awhat good is that kind of faith?
-or-
My fellow believers, ^14bif a person says that he believes in Jesus Christ, ^14cbut he does no good actions, ^14athat type of belief is no good.

2:14d

Can such faith save him?: This is a rhetorical question. James used this rhetorical question to emphasize that faith without good deeds certainly cannot save a person.

Some ways to translate this emphasis are:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

Can that faith save him? (Revised English Bible)
-or-
That faith cannot save him, right?

• As a negative statement. For example:

Such faith certainly cannot save him.

Translate this emphasis in a way that is natural in your language.

such faith: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as such faith is literally “the faith.” This phrase refers back to the phrase “have faith but has no deeds” in 2:14b–c. The Berean Standard Bible translates this phrase as such faith because it is more natural in English than “the faith.”

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

his faith (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
that faith (Revised English Bible)
-or-
this kind of faith (God’s Word)

save: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as save means “rescue from danger or trouble.” In this context, it refers to rescuing someone from the spiritual dangers of sin and from spiritual death which is the punishment that results from sinning.

In some languages, it may be necessary to make explicit what the person is saved from. For example:

save him from sin.
-or-
rescue him from punishment for sin.

This word also occurs in 1:21d.

him: The pronoun him refers to any person who has faith but no good deeds. This is the person James referred to in 2:14b as “someone.” It does not refer to a particular person. Consider which pronoun or noun is natural in your language in this context.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

anyone (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
you (Good News Translation)
-or-
them (New Century Version)
-or-
people

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

Step into the multitudes of languages of the Bible and join the worldwide conversation!

Source: SIL Translator's Notes on James 2012

SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:7

SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:8

SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:9

SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:10

SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:11

SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:12

SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:13

SIL Translator's Notes on James 2:14

Step into the multitudes of languages of the Bible and join the worldwide conversation!

American Bible Society