Jam 2:14 | RWP | e4.org | What doth it profit? ( τ οφελοσ; ). Rhetorical question, almost of impatience. Old word from οφελλω , to increase, in N.T. only here, verse ; . " Τ οφελος was a common expression in the vivacious style of a moral diatribe" (Ropes). If a man say ( εαν λεγη τις ). Condition of third class with εαν and the present active subjunctive of λεγω , "if one keep on saying." He hath faith ( πιστιν εχειν ). Infinitive in indirect assertion after λεγη . But have not works ( εργα δε μη εχη ). Third-class condition continued, "but keeps on not having ( μη and present active subjunctive εχη ) works." It is the spurious claim to faith that James here condemns. Can that faith save him? ( μη δυνατα η πιστις σωσα αυτον; ). Negative answer expected ( μη ). Effective aorist active infinitive σωσα (from σωζω ). The article η here is almost demonstrative in force as it is in origin, referring to the claim of faith without works just made.

‏ James 2:14

What doth it profit? ( τ οφελοσ; ). Rhetorical question, almost of impatience. Old word from οφελλω, to increase, in N.T. only here, verse 16; 1Co 15:32. " Τ οφελος was a common expression in the vivacious style of a moral diatribe" (Ropes).

If a man say ( εαν λεγη τις ). Condition of third class with εαν and the present active subjunctive of λεγω, "if one keep on saying."

He hath faith ( πιστιν εχειν ). Infinitive in indirect assertion after λεγη.

But have not works ( εργα δε μη εχη ). Third-class condition continued, "but keeps on not having ( μη and present active subjunctive εχη ) works." It is the spurious claim to faith that James here condemns.

Can that faith save him? ( μη δυνατα η πιστις σωσα αυτον; ). Negative answer expected ( μη ). Effective aorist active infinitive σωσα (from σωζω ). The article η here is almost demonstrative in force as it is in origin, referring to the claim of faith without works just made.