James 2:23

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
James 2:23 stands as a cornerstone in the Apostle James’s treatise on the active nature of genuine faith, citing the patriarch Abraham as a prime example. The verse declares that "the scripture was fulfilled" when Abraham's belief in God was "imputed unto him for righteousness," drawing directly from Genesis 15:6. This foundational act of faith was not merely intellectual assent but a dynamic trust that culminated in obedience, leading to the profound declaration that Abraham "was called the Friend of God," a title signifying unparalleled intimacy and partnership with the Almighty.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** James 2:23 is strategically placed within James's robust argument against a "dead faith" that lacks corresponding works. Beginning in [James 2:14](/james/2-14 "James 2:14 - Faith Without Works Is Dead"), James challenges the notion that mere intellectual belief is sufficient for salvation, asserting that "faith without works is dead" ([James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works")). He then introduces Abraham as the quintessential biblical illustration. James 2:21-22 highlights Abraham's willingness to offer Isaac ([Genesis 22:1-18](/genesis/22-1-18 "Genesis 22 - The Testing of Abraham")) as the act that "perfected" or brought his faith to completion, demonstrating its genuineness. Verse 23 then links this active obedience back to the foundational declaration of Abraham's righteousness in [Genesis 15:6](/genesis/15-6 "Genesis 15:6 - Abraham Believes God"), showing that his works were the natural, necessary outflow and evidence of his true, living faith, not a separate means of earning salvation. This entire section serves to clarify that true saving faith is always active and transformative.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** For James's predominantly Jewish-Christian audience, Abraham was the revered father of their faith, the paradigm of righteousness and covenant relationship. The concept of "imputed righteousness" from [Genesis 15:6](/genesis/15-6 "Genesis 15:6 - Abraham's Faith") was well-known. The title "Friend of God" carried immense weight in the ancient Near East, signifying a privileged relationship of trust, counsel, and partnership between a king and his trusted advisor or ally. For Abraham to be called God's friend ([2 Chronicles 20:7](/2_chronicles/20-7 "2 Chronicles 20:7 - Abraham, God's Friend") and [Isaiah 41:8](/isaiah/41-8 "Isaiah 41:8 - Abraham, My Friend")) was an extraordinary honor, indicating a unique level of intimacy and mutual commitment. James uses this deeply respected figure to demonstrate that even the patriarch's faith, which was credited as righteousness, was not static but dynamic, proving its reality through obedient action.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within James and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **active faith and righteousness**, emphasizing that genuine belief is never passive but always expresses itself through obedience and good works. Abraham's faith was not merely a mental assent but a profound trust that shaped his entire life and actions. Secondly, it clarifies the **nature of justification**, demonstrating that while righteousness is indeed imputed by faith, this faith is validated and brought to maturity through works. James's argument complements, rather than contradicts, Paul's teaching on justification by faith alone ([Romans 4:3-5](/romans/4-3-5 "Romans 4:3-5 - Justification by Faith")), as Paul speaks of the root of salvation (faith), while James speaks of its fruit (works as evidence). Lastly, the verse highlights the theme of **friendship with God**, portraying it as the ultimate privilege and blessing of a life lived in faithful obedience. This intimacy is a direct result of a dynamic, trusting relationship with the Almighty.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Imputed (Greek, _logízomai'_):** From G3049, meaning "to take an inventory, i.e. estimate (literally or figuratively):--conclude, (ac-)count (of), + despise, esteem, impute, lay, number, reason, reckon, suppose, think (on)." In this context, it signifies that God officially recognized, credited, or reckoned 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 righteousness to believers.
* **Righteousness (Greek, _dikaiosýnē'_):** From G1343, meaning "equity (of character or act); specially (Christian) justification:--righteousness." This term denotes a state of being right with God, a moral uprightness or conformity to God's standard. For Abraham, this righteousness was not achieved through perfect adherence to law (which didn't yet exist in its Mosaic form) but was graciously granted by God on the basis of his faith.
* **Friend (Greek, _phílos'_):** From G5384, properly meaning "dear, i.e. a friend; actively, fond, i.e. friendly (still as a noun, an associate, neighbor, etc.):--friend." This term conveys a deep, intimate, and trusted relationship. For Abraham to be called God's friend underscores a unique covenantal bond and mutual affection, a relationship built on trust and demonstrated through obedience.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the scripture was fulfilled which saith,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine authority and prophetic nature of Abraham's life. James asserts that Abraham's actions, particularly his willingness to offer Isaac, did not contradict but rather perfectly illustrated and brought to completion the truth declared in [Genesis 15:6](/genesis/15-6 "Genesis 15:6 - Abraham's Faith Credited as Righteousness"). His works were the visible manifestation that validated the internal reality of his faith, thereby "fulfilling" what the scripture had already declared.
* **"Abraham believed God,"**: This is the direct quotation from [Genesis 15:6](/genesis/15-6 "Genesis 15:6 - Abraham Believes God"). It highlights the foundational act of Abraham's faith: his absolute trust in God's promises, even when they seemed humanly impossible (e.g., having a son in old age, becoming the father of many nations). This belief was the initial, internal act that God recognized.
* **"and it was imputed unto him for righteousness:"**: This phrase explains the divine response to Abraham's belief. God "imputed" or credited righteousness to Abraham. This means God declared Abraham to be in a right standing with Him, not because of any inherent merit in Abraham, but solely on the basis of his faith. This declaration of righteousness was a gracious act of God, acknowledging Abraham's trust as the proper response to His divine character and promises.
* **"and he was called the Friend of God."**: This concluding declaration is a profound theological statement and a testament to the depth of Abraham's relationship with God. This title, found elsewhere in [2 Chronicles 20:7](/2_chronicles/20-7 "2 Chronicles 20:7 - Abraham, God's Friend") and [Isaiah 41:8](/isaiah/41-8 "Isaiah 41:8 - Abraham, My Friend"), signifies an unparalleled intimacy, trust, and partnership. It implies that Abraham's faith and subsequent obedience led to a personal, reciprocal relationship with the Creator, where God confided in him ([Genesis 18:17](/genesis/18-17 "Genesis 18:17 - The Lord Shares His Plans with Abraham")) and Abraham responded with unwavering loyalty.

#### Literary Devices
James employs several powerful literary devices in this verse. The most prominent is **Quotation**, directly citing [Genesis 15:6](/genesis/15-6 "Genesis 15:6 - Abraham's Faith Credited as Righteousness") to ground his theological argument in the authoritative Old Testament scriptures. This serves to validate his point by appealing to a shared, revered text. Furthermore, James uses **Allusion** to other Old Testament passages (like [2 Chronicles 20:7](/2_chronicles/20-7 "2 Chronicles 20:7 - Abraham, God's Friend") and [Isaiah 41:8](/isaiah/41-8 "Isaiah 41:8 - Abraham, My Friend")) by referring to Abraham as "the Friend of God." This enriches the meaning, drawing on the full biblical portrait of Abraham's intimate relationship with the Almighty. The entire passage in [James 2](/james/2 "James 2 - Faith and Works") functions as an **Exemplum**, using Abraham as a concrete, historical example to illustrate the abstract theological principle of active faith. Finally, James's argument throughout this chapter, culminating in this verse, demonstrates skillful **Rhetoric**, as he meticulously builds his case for the necessity of works as evidence of true faith, anticipating and addressing potential misunderstandings of justification.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
James 2:23 is pivotal in reconciling the apparent tension between Paul's emphasis on justification by faith alone and James's insistence on works. It clarifies that true, saving faith is never barren; it is a dynamic, living trust that inevitably expresses itself in obedience and good works. Abraham's experience demonstrates that God's declaration of righteousness (imputation) is based on faith, but that faith is validated and perfected by the actions it produces. The "Friend of God" title further emphasizes that a deep, intimate relationship with the Creator is forged through this active, trusting obedience, reflecting a partnership where human faith responds to divine initiative. This verse teaches that while salvation is by grace through faith, that faith is evidenced by a transformed life.

* [Romans 4:3](/romans/4-3 "Romans 4:3 - Abraham Believed God")
* [Hebrews 11:8](/hebrews/11-8 "Hebrews 11:8 - Abraham's Obedience by Faith")
* [Galatians 5:6](/galatians/5-6 "Galatians 5:6 - Faith Working Through Love")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
James 2:23 serves as a profound mirror, inviting believers to examine the authenticity and vitality of their own faith. It challenges us to move beyond mere intellectual assent to a dynamic, living trust in God that actively shapes our decisions, our relationships, and our very way of life. Like Abraham, our faith should be so profound that it leads to radical obedience, even when circumstances are challenging or the path is unclear. This verse reminds us that true faith is not passive but productive, manifesting in love for God and neighbor, a commitment to justice, and a pursuit of holiness. The ultimate aspiration of being called "the Friend of God" should inspire us to cultivate a deeper, more intimate relationship with our Creator, one characterized by trust, obedience, and joyful partnership in His kingdom work. Our works, therefore, are not a means to earn salvation but a natural, undeniable evidence of the saving faith that God has graciously imputed to us.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what practical ways does my faith in God manifest itself through my actions and choices?**
* **How does Abraham's title as "Friend of God" inspire me to cultivate a deeper, more intimate relationship with the Lord?**
* **What specific areas of my life might God be calling me to demonstrate a more active and obedient faith?**

### FAQ
**Does James 2:23 contradict Paul's teaching on justification by faith alone?**

Answer: No, James 2:23 does not contradict Paul's teaching on justification by faith alone; rather, it complements it. Paul, particularly in [Romans 3-4](/romans/3-4 "Romans 3-4 - Justification by Faith"), emphasizes that salvation and righteousness are freely given by God through faith in Christ, apart from works of the law. He focuses on the *means* by which a person is declared righteous before God. James, on the other hand, is concerned with the *nature* of true faith. He argues that genuine, saving faith is never barren but always produces good works as its natural fruit and evidence. For James, works do not earn salvation but demonstrate that one's faith is alive and real. Abraham was justified by faith when he believed God ([Genesis 15:6](/genesis/15-6 "Genesis 15:6 - Abraham's Faith")), and this faith was later *demonstrated* and *perfected* by his willingness to offer Isaac ([James 2:21-22](/james/2-21-22 "James 2:21-22 - Abraham's Faith Perfected by Works")). Thus, Paul speaks of the root of salvation, while James speaks of its fruit, both agreeing that true faith is the foundation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
James 2:23, while focusing on Abraham, ultimately points to Christ as the perfect fulfillment of imputed righteousness and the ultimate "Friend of God." Abraham's faith was credited as righteousness, foreshadowing the greater reality that believers today are declared righteous not by their own works, but by faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ ([Romans 3:21-26](/romans/3-21-26 "Romans 3:21-26 - Righteousness Through Faith in Christ")). Christ Himself is the one in whom all God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises in Christ")). He perfectly embodied active faith and obedience, fulfilling all righteousness on our behalf ([Matthew 3:15](/matthew/3-15 "Matthew 3:15 - Jesus Fulfills All Righteousness")). Moreover, Jesus is the ultimate "Friend of God," sharing unparalleled intimacy with the Father ([John 10:30](/john/10-30 "John 10:30 - Jesus and the Father Are One")). Through His atoning sacrifice, He reconciles us to God, transforming us from enemies into friends ([Romans 5:10](/romans/5-10 "Romans 5:10 - Reconciled to God Through Christ")). By faith in Christ, we not only receive imputed righteousness but also enter into a new covenant relationship where, like Abraham, we can be called friends of God, invited into His presence and purposes through the Mediator, Jesus Christ ([John 15:15](/john/15-15 "John 15:15 - Jesus Calls His Disciples Friends")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

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.