James 2:23

And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

And {G2532} the scripture {G1124} was fulfilled {G4137} which saith {G3004},{G1161} Abraham {G11} believed {G4100} God {G2316}, and {G2532} it was imputed {G3049} unto him {G846} for {G1519} righteousness {G1343}: and {G2532} he was called {G2564} the Friend {G5384} of God {G2316}.

and the passage of the Tanakh was fulfilled which says, “Avraham had faith in God, and it was credited to his account as righteousness.” He was even called God’s friend.

And the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called a friend of God.

and the scripture was fulfilled which saith, And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned unto him for righteousness; and he was called the friend of God.

James 2:23 is a pivotal verse in the Apostle James' argument concerning the relationship between faith and works. Here, James quotes Genesis 15:6, which states that Abraham's belief in God was "imputed unto him for righteousness." He then adds the significant title, "Friend of God," drawing from Old Testament references like 2 Chronicles 20:7 and Isaiah 41:8. This verse serves to demonstrate that Abraham's faith was not merely intellectual assent but an active, living faith that manifested in obedience, thereby fulfilling the scripture.

Context

This verse is part of James' broader discussion in James chapter 2, where he challenges the notion of a "faith" that produces no corresponding actions. He argues that such faith is "dead" (James 2:17). James uses Abraham as a primary example, showing that Abraham was "justified by works" when he offered Isaac on the altar (James 2:21). Verse 23 then links this act of obedience back to the foundational declaration of Abraham's faith in Genesis 15:6, illustrating that his works were the natural outflow and evidence of his genuine belief, not a separate means of earning salvation. This complements, rather than contradicts, Paul's teaching on justification by faith alone, as Paul speaks of the root of salvation, while James speaks of its fruit.

Key Themes

  • Active Faith and Righteousness: The verse highlights that Abraham's faith was dynamic. His belief in God's promises was so profound that it led to radical obedience, such as being willing to sacrifice his son. This active faith was the basis upon which God "imputed" or credited righteousness to him. It underscores that true faith is never barren but always productive.
  • The Nature of Justification: James clarifies that while righteousness is imputed by faith, this faith is validated and made perfect through works. Abraham's willingness to obey God's command to offer Isaac demonstrated the genuineness and completeness of his faith, thus "fulfilling" the scripture that declared him righteous by belief.
  • Friendship with God: Being called "the Friend of God" signifies an unparalleled intimacy and trust. This title was earned through a life of faithful obedience and a deep, personal relationship with the Almighty. It speaks to the privilege and blessing of those whose faith leads to genuine partnership with God.

Linguistic Insights

The key term "imputed" comes from the Greek word logizomai (λογίζομαι), which means "to reckon," "to count," "to credit," or "to put to one's account." In this context, it signifies that God officially recognized and declared Abraham as righteous based on his belief. It's not that Abraham earned righteousness, but that God graciously attributed it to him because of his faith. This concept is foundational to understanding biblical justification, where God credits Christ's righteousness to believers.

Practical Application

James 2:23 challenges believers today to examine the nature of their own faith. Is our faith merely intellectual assent, or is it a living, active force that shapes our decisions and actions? Like Abraham, our faith should lead to demonstrable obedience and a deeper relationship with God. This verse encourages us to:

  • Demonstrate Our Faith: True faith is not passive; it manifests in our love for God and others, our obedience to His commands, and our pursuit of righteousness.
  • Cultivate Intimacy with God: Abraham's title as "Friend of God" reminds us that a life of obedient faith can lead to a profound and personal relationship with our Creator.
  • Trust God's Promises: Abraham believed God even when circumstances seemed impossible. This encourages us to trust God's word and promises, knowing that He is faithful to fulfill them.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Genesis 15:6

    And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

  • Isaiah 41:8

    But thou, Israel, [art] my servant, Jacob whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.

  • 2 Chronicles 20:7

    [Art] not thou our God, [who] didst drive out the inhabitants of this land before thy people Israel, and gavest it to the seed of Abraham thy friend for ever?

  • Galatians 3:6

    ¶ Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.

  • Romans 4:22

    And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

  • Romans 4:24

    But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;

  • Exodus 33:11

    And the LORD spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend. And he turned again into the camp: but his servant Joshua, the son of Nun, a young man, departed not out of the tabernacle.

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