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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - James 2:14 - 2:14
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
What doth it profit? (ti ophelos̱). Rhetorical question, almost of impatience. Old word from ophellō, to increase, in N.T. only here, Jam 2:16; 1Co 15:32. “Ti ophelos was a common expression in the vivacious style of a moral diatribe” (Ropes).
If a man say (ean legēi tis). Condition of third class with ean and the present active subjunctive of legō, “if one keep on saying.”
He hath faith (pistin echein). Infinitive in indirect assertion after legēi.
But have not works (erga de mē echēi). Third-class condition continued, “but keeps on not having (mē and present active subjunctive echēi) works.” It is the spurious claim to faith that James here condemns.
Can that faith save him? (mē dunatai hē pistis sōsai autoṉ). Negative answer expected (mē). Effective aorist active infinitive sōsai (from sōzō). The article hē here is almost demonstrative in force as it is in origin, referring to the claim of faith without works just made.