2:22

his faith was active along with his works: James is apparently using a play on the Greek words for “was active along with” and “works,” and the whole phrase could be translated “his faith was working together with his works.” James’ point is that faith and works should combine to complement and support each other. Abraham believed in God’s promise, recorded at Ge 12:1-3, from the time he first received it. He then showed his faith by obeying God’s command to go out from his land; he “went just as Jehovah had told him.” (Ge 12:4) Abraham based the whole course of his life on his faith that God’s promises were sure to be fulfilled.

and his faith was perfected by his works: The Greek word rendered “was perfected” can mean “to make something complete” or “to cause it to reach its goal.” One lexicon says that in this context, the word conveys the idea that Abraham’s faith was “made such as it ought to be.” For faith to be real, genuine, or complete, it must be accompanied by good deeds and obedience to God. Abraham had faith that “God was able to raise [Isaac] up even from the dead” and fulfill His promises involving Isaac and his promised offspring. (Heb 11:19 and study note) Without such faith, Abraham would surely not have attempted to offer up his son. (Heb 11:17) It was by Abraham’s works, carried out in complete obedience to God, that “his faith was perfected,” or made complete.​—Compare Heb 12:2 and study note.