James 2:20

Wilt. Gr. thelō, “to be determined,” “to desire.” The clause may be translated “do you desire to know?” James appeals to the intellect, for often the real obstacle to the reception of truth is willful ignorance.

Know. Gr. ginoskō, “to understand appreciatively.”

Vain. Gr. kenos, “empty of content,” “deficient” (see on 1 Cor. 15:14). A dead faith is an empty faith because it will save no one. James, in solemn warning, pleads with those church members who have a faith no more effective than that possessed by demons.

Without. Gr. chōris, “apart from” (cf. v. 18). The idea is not that works cause faith to live, but that a living faith produces living works.

Dead. Important textual evidence may be cited (cf. p. 10) for the reading “unproductive,” “barren,” “ineffective.” Regardless of which reading is accepted, the meaning is clear — a mere profession of faith is profitless (see on vs. 14, 16) both to its owner and to those in need.