Jak 2,18 a jeho interpretace

The Letter of James is the most puzzling book of the New Testament, as it contains a number of enigmatic places. One of these places is James 2:18, which has been called the crux interpretum and which is rated as one of the most difficult places in the New Testament. The exegetical explanations of James 2:18 are manifold and not one of these explanations entirely satisfies. Our verse is part of the textual unit James 2:18‒20, which attempts to clarify that works, are a sign of faith. To clarify this fact, James uses arguments that are dialogical in nature. First, he introduces the topic: “Let’s admit that someone would say, you have faith, and I have works.” The pronouns “you” (James 2:18aβ) and “I” (James 2:18aγ) do not associate with the discussion partner or the author of James’ letter, but refer to two hypothetical persons who, through dialogue, represent a typical case of separation of faith and deeds, i.e. between “having faith” (James 18aβ) and “having works” (James 2:18aγ). At this point, in accordance with the customs of the dialogue, the author of the letter intervenes in order to refute the presented statement in a clear and concise manner. In his answer, which includes two sentences joined together by a double chiasm (James 2:18bα‒β), James declares that faith without works cannot be shown or proved. For the author of the letter, faith is inseparable from deeds, just as a word must be inextricably linked to a specific action that includes prompt and effective assistance to those who experience misery, unjust violence, and find themselves without protection (cf. James 1:21, 23‒25,26‒27).