Bible Strands
James 2:19
You believe that God is one. Good for you! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — James addresses a hypothetical interlocutor in a debate over the relationship between belief and action. He speaks to a person claiming that doctrinal assent alone constitutes valid faith.
The words — The Greek πιστεύεις (pisteueis) literally means "you believe," while καλῶς (kalōs) translates to "well" or "good." James uses these terms to acknowledge correct doctrine while immediately contrasting it with demonic reaction.
The thread — The demon’s fearful recognition of divine identity appears in Luke 4:34, Mark 1:24, and Matthew 8:29. These passages record spirits acknowledging Jesus, with Matthew 8:29 specifically using the title "Son of God."
Why it lands — The text demands that intellectual agreement with monotheism must produce transformed behavior rather than mere terror. A reader must examine whether their belief generates obedience or only provokes dread.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
Cross-references
- Luke 4:34 “Ha! What do You want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”
- Mark 1:24 “What do You want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have You come to destroy us? I know who You are—the Holy One of God!”
- Matthew 8:29 “What do You want with us, Son of God?” they shouted. “Have You come here to torture us before the appointed time?”
- Acts 16:17 This girl followed Paul and the rest of us, shouting, “These men are servants of the Most High God, who are proclaiming to you the way of salvation!”
- Deuteronomy 6:4 Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One.
- Acts 19:15 But one day the evil spirit responded, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?”
- Galatians 3:20 A mediator is unnecessary, however, for only one party; but God is one.
- Isaiah 44:8 Do not tremble or fear. Have I not told you and declared it long ago? You are My witnesses! Is there any God but Me? There is no other Rock; I know not one.”
- Mark 5:7 And he shouted in a loud voice, “What do You want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg You before God not to torture me!”
- Isaiah 46:9 Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like Me.