Bible Strands
James 2:21
Was not our father Abraham justified by what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — James addresses a hypothetical interlocutor in a letter to early Christian communities, posing this rhetorical question immediately after declaring that faith without deeds is worthless.
The words — ἐξ ἔργων (ex ergōn) literally means "out of works," and ἐδικαιώθη (edikaiōthē) is a passive aorist verb meaning "was justified." James places these terms together to tie Abraham’s righteous status directly to his physical action.
The thread — The narrative originates in Genesis 22:9–16, where Abraham builds an altar and offers Isaac without withholding his only son. Jesus later references Abraham’s lineage and deeds in John 8:39 to define true spiritual childrenship.
Why it lands — The text demands that a reader verify professed belief through visible obedience. It requires the reader to accept that righteousness is demonstrated through concrete action, not merely claimed.
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
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Cross-references
- Genesis 22:16 saying, “By Myself I have sworn, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your only son,
- Genesis 22:9 When they arrived at the place God had designated, Abraham built the altar there and arranged the wood. He bound his son Isaac and placed him on the altar, atop the wood.
- John 8:39 “Abraham is our father,” they replied. “If you were children of Abraham,” said Jesus, “you would do the works of Abraham.
- Matthew 12:37 For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.”
- Romans 4:16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may rest on grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.
- Joshua 24:3 But I took your father Abraham from beyond the Euphrates and led him through all the land of Canaan, and I multiplied his descendants. I gave him Isaac,
- Psalms 143:2 Do not bring Your servant into judgment, for no one alive is righteous before You.
- Isaiah 51:2 Look to Abraham your father, and to Sarah who gave you birth. When I called him, he was but one; then I blessed him and multiplied him.
- Matthew 3:9 And do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that out of these stones God can raise up children for Abraham.
- Matthew 25:31 When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne.