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James 2:21 Cross References
Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
Uncover the Rich Themes and Topics of This Bible Verse
Listed below are the Bible themes associated with James 2:21. We invite you to explore each theme to gain deeper insights into the Scriptures.
James 2:21 Cross Reference Verses
This section features a detailed cross-reference designed to enrich your understanding of the Scriptures. Below, you will find carefully selected verses that echo the themes and teachings related to James 2:21 KJV. Click on any image to explore detailed analyses of related Bible verses and uncover deeper theological insights.
Genesis 22:16 (KJV) »
And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the LORD, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only son:
Genesis 22:9 (KJV) »
And they came to the place which God had told him of; and Abraham built an altar there, and laid the wood in order, and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar upon the wood.
Matthew 12:37 (KJV) »
For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.
Isaiah 51:2 (KJV) »
Look unto Abraham your father, and unto Sarah that bare you: for I called him alone, and blessed him, and increased him.
James 2:18 (KJV) »
Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
Romans 4:16 (KJV) »
Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
Romans 3:20 (KJV) »
Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Romans 4:1 (KJV) »
What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?
Romans 4:12 (KJV) »
And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.
Acts 7:2 (KJV) »
And he said, Men, brethren, and fathers, hearken; The God of glory appeared unto our father Abraham, when he was in Mesopotamia, before he dwelt in Charran,
John 8:53 (KJV) »
Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself?
John 8:39 (KJV) »
They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham.
Joshua 24:3 (KJV) »
And I took your father Abraham from the other side of the flood, and led him throughout all the land of Canaan, and multiplied his seed, and gave him Isaac.
Luke 16:30 (KJV) »
And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
Matthew 3:9 (KJV) »
And think not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, that God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.
Psalms 143:2 (KJV) »
And enter not into judgment with thy servant: for in thy sight shall no man living be justified.
Matthew 25:31 (KJV) »
When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:
Luke 16:24 (KJV) »
And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
James 2:21 Verse Analysis and Similar Verses
Meaning of James 2:21
Verse: "Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?" - James 2:21
Understanding the Context
The Apostle James emphasizes the relationship between faith and works, illustrating that true faith is evidenced by actions. In this particular verse, he references Abraham’s act of offering Isaac as a supreme example of faith in action.
Commentary Insights
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Matthew Henry:
Henry notes that Abraham was "justified by works" in the sense that his faith was made manifest through his obedience to God. This act was not merely a display but a fulfillment of faith. It showcases that genuine faith compels believers to act in accordance with God’s commands.
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Albert Barnes:
Barnes highlights that the faith of Abraham was active and productive. The works Abraham performed—specifically, his willingness to sacrifice Isaac—demonstrated the sincerity and depth of his faith, solidifying his position as a model believer.
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Adam Clarke:
Clarke elaborates on the nature of justification, indicating that it is not just a one-time event but an ongoing process that involves both faith and obedience. Abraham’s actions serve as a profound example of how faith is coupled with works.
Cross-References
This verse connects with several other important scriptures:
- Genesis 15:6: "And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness."
- Genesis 22:1-2: The account of God testing Abraham with Isaac.
- Romans 4:2-3: Discussed faith as leading to righteousness.
- Hebrews 11:17-19: Highlights Abraham's faith in the resurrection as he offers Isaac.
- Matthew 7:16: "Ye shall know them by their fruits," connecting works to true faith.
- Ephesians 2:8-10: "For by grace are ye saved through faith... we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works."
- 1 John 2:4: "He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar," linking faith and obedience.
Thematic Connections
James 2:21 serves as a vital link in the wider dialogue within the Scriptures about the interplay between faith and works. It aligns with several themes in the Bible:
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Faith and Works:
Exploring how genuine faith manifests through one’s actions, particularly in the life of Abraham.
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Obedience:
The call to obey God’s commands as a demonstration of faith, as shown through Abraham’s response to God’s test.
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Justification:
Understanding that being justified involves both faith and works, a significant theme explored throughout the New Testament.
Conclusion
James 2:21 is a compelling verse illustrating the relationship between faith and works, emphasizing that true faith results in actionable obedience. The cross-references deepen our understanding by linking it to other key scriptural texts, enriching our interpretative journey through the Bible.
Utilizing tools for Bible cross-referencing, such as a Bible concordance or cross-reference guide, can aid in identifying further connections between biblical themes and verses. The insights from Matthew Henry, Albert Barnes, and Adam Clarke contribute substantially in understanding how James interweaves these principles into his epistle.