Lectionary Calendar
Tuesday, August 5th, 2025
the Week of Proper 13 / Ordinary 18
the Week of Proper 13 / Ordinary 18
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Read the Bible
THE MESSAGE
James 2:25
The same with Rahab, the Jericho harlot. Wasn't her action in hiding God's spies and helping them escape—that seamless unity of believing and doing—what counted with God? The very moment you separate body and spirit, you end up with a corpse. Separate faith and works and you get the same thing: a corpse.
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Bible Study Resources
Concordances:
- Nave'sDictionaries:
- AmericanEncyclopedias:
- CondensedParallel Translations
Christian Standard Bible®
In the same way, wasn’t Rahab the prostitute also justified by works in receiving the messengers and sending them out by a different route?
In the same way, wasn’t Rahab the prostitute also justified by works in receiving the messengers and sending them out by a different route?
King James Version (1611)
Likewise also, was not Rahab the harlot iustified by works, when she had receiued the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
Likewise also, was not Rahab the harlot iustified by works, when she had receiued the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
King James Version
Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
English Standard Version
And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?
And in the same way was not also Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?
New American Standard Bible
In the same way, was Rahab the prostitute not justified by works also when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?
In the same way, was Rahab the prostitute not justified by works also when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?
New Century Version
Another example is Rahab, a prostitute, who was made right with God by something she did. She welcomed the spies into her home and helped them escape by a different road.
Another example is Rahab, a prostitute, who was made right with God by something she did. She welcomed the spies into her home and helped them escape by a different road.
New American Standard Bible (1995)
In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?
In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?
Berean Standard Bible
In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute justified by her actions when she welcomed the messengers and sent them off on another route?
In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute justified by her actions when she welcomed the messengers and sent them off on another route?
Contemporary English Version
For example, Rahab had been a prostitute. But she pleased God when she welcomed the spies and sent them home by another way.
For example, Rahab had been a prostitute. But she pleased God when she welcomed the spies and sent them home by another way.
Complete Jewish Bible
Likewise, wasn't Rachav the prostitute also declared righteous because of actions when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by another route?
Likewise, wasn't Rachav the prostitute also declared righteous because of actions when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by another route?
Darby Translation
But was not in like manner also Rahab the harlot justified on the principle of works, when she had received the messengers and put [them] forth by another way?
But was not in like manner also Rahab the harlot justified on the principle of works, when she had received the messengers and put [them] forth by another way?
Easy-to-Read Version
Another example is Rahab. She was a prostitute, but she was made right with God by something she did. She helped those who were spying for God's people. She welcomed them into her home and helped them escape by a different road.
Another example is Rahab. She was a prostitute, but she was made right with God by something she did. She helped those who were spying for God's people. She welcomed them into her home and helped them escape by a different road.
Geneva Bible (1587)
Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot iustified through workes, when she had receiued ye messengers, & sent them out another way?
Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot iustified through workes, when she had receiued ye messengers, & sent them out another way?
George Lamsa Translation
Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot, justified by works, when she welcomed the spies, and sent them out another way?
Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot, justified by works, when she welcomed the spies, and sent them out another way?
Good News Translation
It was the same with the prostitute Rahab. She was put right with God through her actions, by welcoming the Israelite spies and helping them to escape by a different road.
It was the same with the prostitute Rahab. She was put right with God through her actions, by welcoming the Israelite spies and helping them to escape by a different road.
Lexham English Bible
And likewise was not Rahab the prostitute also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by a different route?
And likewise was not Rahab the prostitute also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by a different route?
Literal Translation
But in the same way Rahab the harlot was also justified out of works, having received the messengers, and sending them out by another way.
But in the same way Rahab the harlot was also justified out of works, having received the messengers, and sending them out by another way.
Amplified Bible
In the same way, was Rahab the prostitute not justified by works too, when she received the [Hebrew] spies as guests and protected them, and sent them away [to escape] by a different route?
In the same way, was Rahab the prostitute not justified by works too, when she received the [Hebrew] spies as guests and protected them, and sent them away [to escape] by a different route?
American Standard Version
And in like manner was not also Rahab the harlot justified by works, in that she received the messengers, and sent them out another way?
And in like manner was not also Rahab the harlot justified by works, in that she received the messengers, and sent them out another way?
Bible in Basic English
And in the same way, was not the righteousness of Rahab, the loose woman, judged by her works, when she took into her house those who were sent and let them go out by another way?
And in the same way, was not the righteousness of Rahab, the loose woman, judged by her works, when she took into her house those who were sent and let them go out by another way?
Hebrew Names Version
In like manner wasn't Rachav the prostitute also justified by works, in that she received the messengers, and sent them out another way?
In like manner wasn't Rachav the prostitute also justified by works, in that she received the messengers, and sent them out another way?
International Standard Version
Likewise, Rahab the prostitute was justified by works when she welcomed the messengersspies">[fn] and sent them away on a different road, wasn't she?Joshua 2:1; Hebrews 11:31;">[xr]
Likewise, Rahab the prostitute was justified by works when she welcomed the messengersspies">[fn] and sent them away on a different road, wasn't she?Joshua 2:1; Hebrews 11:31;">[xr]
Etheridge Translation
So also Rachab the harlot, was she not by works justified when she received the spies, and by another way sent them forth?
So also Rachab the harlot, was she not by works justified when she received the spies, and by another way sent them forth?
Murdock Translation
So also Rahab, the harlot, was not she justified by works, when she entertained the spies, and sent them forth by another way?
So also Rahab, the harlot, was not she justified by works, when she entertained the spies, and sent them forth by another way?
Bishop's Bible (1568)
Lykewyse also, was not Rahab the harlot iustified through workes, when she had receaued the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
Lykewyse also, was not Rahab the harlot iustified through workes, when she had receaued the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
English Revised Version
And in like manner was not also Rahab the harlot justified by works, in that she received the messengers, and sent them out another way?
And in like manner was not also Rahab the harlot justified by works, in that she received the messengers, and sent them out another way?
World English Bible
In like manner wasn't Rahab the prostitute also justified by works, in that she received the messengers, and sent them out another way?
In like manner wasn't Rahab the prostitute also justified by works, in that she received the messengers, and sent them out another way?
Wesley's New Testament (1755)
In like manner Rahab the harlot also was justified by works, having received the messengers and sent them out another way?
In like manner Rahab the harlot also was justified by works, having received the messengers and sent them out another way?
Weymouth's New Testament
In the same way also was not the notorious sinner Rahab declared to be righteous because of her actions when she welcomed the spies and hurriedly helped them to escape another way?
In the same way also was not the notorious sinner Rahab declared to be righteous because of her actions when she welcomed the spies and hurriedly helped them to escape another way?
Wycliffe Bible (1395)
In lijk maner, and whether also Raab, the hoore, was not iustified of werkis, and resseyuede the messangeris, and sente hem out bi anothir weie?
In lijk maner, and whether also Raab, the hoore, was not iustified of werkis, and resseyuede the messangeris, and sente hem out bi anothir weie?
Update Bible Version
And in like manner wasn't also Rahab the prostitute justified by works, in that she received the messengers, and sent them out another way?
And in like manner wasn't also Rahab the prostitute justified by works, in that she received the messengers, and sent them out another way?
Webster's Bible Translation
Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent [them] out another way?
Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent [them] out another way?
New English Translation
And similarly, was not Rahab the prostitute also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by another way?
And similarly, was not Rahab the prostitute also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by another way?
New King James Version
Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
New Living Translation
Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road.
Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road.
New Life Bible
The same was true with Rahab, the woman who sold the use of her body. She became right with God by what she did in helping the men who had been sent to look through the country and sent them away by another road.
The same was true with Rahab, the woman who sold the use of her body. She became right with God by what she did in helping the men who had been sent to look through the country and sent them away by another road.
New Revised Standard
Likewise, was not Rahab the prostitute also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by another road?
Likewise, was not Rahab the prostitute also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by another road?
J.B. Rotherham Emphasized Bible
And, in like manner also, Rahab the harlot, Was it not, by works, she was declared righteous, when she gave welcome unto the messengers, and, by another way, urged them forth?
And, in like manner also, Rahab the harlot, Was it not, by works, she was declared righteous, when she gave welcome unto the messengers, and, by another way, urged them forth?
Douay-Rheims Bible
And in like manner also Rahab the harlot, was not she justified by works, receiving the messengers and sending them out another way?
And in like manner also Rahab the harlot, was not she justified by works, receiving the messengers and sending them out another way?
Revised Standard Version
And in the same way was not also Rahab the harlot justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
And in the same way was not also Rahab the harlot justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?
Tyndale New Testament (1525)
Lyke wyse also was not Raab the harlot iustifyed thorow workes when she receaved the messengers and sent the out another waye?
Lyke wyse also was not Raab the harlot iustifyed thorow workes when she receaved the messengers and sent the out another waye?
Young's Literal Translation
and in like manner also Rahab the harlot -- was she not out of works declared righteous, having received the messengers, and by another way having sent forth?
and in like manner also Rahab the harlot -- was she not out of works declared righteous, having received the messengers, and by another way having sent forth?
Miles Coverdale Bible (1535)
Likewise also was not Raab the harlot iustified thorow workes, when she receaued the messengers, and sent them out another waye?
Likewise also was not Raab the harlot iustified thorow workes, when she receaued the messengers, and sent them out another waye?
Mace New Testament (1729)
was it not likewise for her actions, that Rahab, formerly a loose liver, was accounted as just, for having entertain'd the messengers of Joshuah, and dismiss'd them the securest way?
was it not likewise for her actions, that Rahab, formerly a loose liver, was accounted as just, for having entertain'd the messengers of Joshuah, and dismiss'd them the securest way?
Simplified Cowboy Version
Even Rahab the hooker was made right in the Boss's eyes because she helped out the Israelite spies and kept them safe.
Even Rahab the hooker was made right in the Boss's eyes because she helped out the Israelite spies and kept them safe.
Contextual Overview
14Dear friends, do you think you'll get anywhere in this if you learn all the right words but never do anything? Does merely talking about faith indicate that a person really has it? For instance, you come upon an old friend dressed in rags and half-starved and say, "Good morning, friend! Be clothed in Christ! Be filled with the Holy Spirit!" and walk off without providing so much as a coat or a cup of soup—where does that get you? Isn't it obvious that God-talk without God-acts is outrageous nonsense? 18 I can already hear one of you agreeing by saying, "Sounds good. You take care of the faith department, I'll handle the works department." Not so fast. You can no more show me your works apart from your faith than I can show you my faith apart from my works. Faith and works, works and faith, fit together hand in glove. 19Do I hear you professing to believe in the one and only God, but then observe you complacently sitting back as if you had done something wonderful? That's just great. Demons do that, but what good does it do them? Use your heads! Do you suppose for a minute that you can cut faith and works in two and not end up with a corpse on your hands? 21Wasn't our ancestor Abraham "made right with God by works" when he placed his son Isaac on the sacrificial altar? Isn't it obvious that faith and works are yoked partners, that faith expresses itself in works? That the works are "works of faith"? The full meaning of "believe" in the Scripture sentence, "Abraham believed God and was set right with God," includes his action. It's that mesh of believing and acting that got Abraham named "God's friend." Is it not evident that a person is made right with God not by a barren faith but by faith fruitful in works? 25The same with Rahab, the Jericho harlot. Wasn't her action in hiding God's spies and helping them escape—that seamless unity of believing and doing—what counted with God? The very moment you separate body and spirit, you end up with a corpse. Separate faith and works and you get the same thing: a corpse.
Bible Verse Review
from Treasury of Scripure Knowledge
was: Joshua 2:1, Matthew 1:5
the harlot: Matthew 21:31
justified: James 2:18, James 2:22
when: Joshua 2:19-21, Joshua 6:17, Joshua 6:22-25, Hebrews 11:31
Reciprocal: Joshua 6:25 - because Song of Solomon 1:8 - go
Cross-References
Genesis 2:10
A river flows out of Eden to water the garden and from there divides into four rivers. The first is named Pishon; it flows through Havilah where there is gold. The gold of this land is good. The land is also known for a sweet-scented resin and the onyx stone. The second river is named Gihon; it flows through the land of Cush. The third river is named Hiddekel and flows east of Assyria. The fourth river is the Euphrates.
A river flows out of Eden to water the garden and from there divides into four rivers. The first is named Pishon; it flows through Havilah where there is gold. The gold of this land is good. The land is also known for a sweet-scented resin and the onyx stone. The second river is named Gihon; it flows through the land of Cush. The third river is named Hiddekel and flows east of Assyria. The fourth river is the Euphrates.
Genesis 3:7
Immediately the two of them did "see what's really going on"—saw themselves naked! They sewed fig leaves together as makeshift clothes for themselves.
Immediately the two of them did "see what's really going on"—saw themselves naked! They sewed fig leaves together as makeshift clothes for themselves.
Exodus 32:25
Moses saw that the people were simply running wild—Aaron had let them run wild, disgracing themselves before their enemies. He took up a position at the entrance to the camp and said, "Whoever is on God 's side, join me!" All the Levites stepped up.
Moses saw that the people were simply running wild—Aaron had let them run wild, disgracing themselves before their enemies. He took up a position at the entrance to the camp and said, "Whoever is on God 's side, join me!" All the Levites stepped up.
Psalms 25:3
I've thrown in my lot with you; You won't embarrass me, will you? Or let my enemies get the best of me? Don't embarrass any of us Who went out on a limb for you. It's the traitors who should be humiliated.
I've thrown in my lot with you; You won't embarrass me, will you? Or let my enemies get the best of me? Don't embarrass any of us Who went out on a limb for you. It's the traitors who should be humiliated.
Isaiah 44:9
All those who make no-god idols don't amount to a thing, and what they work so hard at making is nothing. Their little puppet-gods see nothing and know nothing—they're total embarrassments! Who would bother making gods that can't do anything, that can't "god"? Watch all the no-god worshipers hide their faces in shame. Watch the no-god makers slink off humiliated when their idols fail them. Get them out here in the open. Make them face God-reality.
All those who make no-god idols don't amount to a thing, and what they work so hard at making is nothing. Their little puppet-gods see nothing and know nothing—they're total embarrassments! Who would bother making gods that can't do anything, that can't "god"? Watch all the no-god worshipers hide their faces in shame. Watch the no-god makers slink off humiliated when their idols fail them. Get them out here in the open. Make them face God-reality.
Mark 8:38
"If any of you are embarrassed over me and the way I'm leading you when you get around your fickle and unfocused friends, know that you'll be an even greater embarrassment to the Son of Man when he arrives in all the splendor of God, his Father, with an army of the holy angels."
"If any of you are embarrassed over me and the way I'm leading you when you get around your fickle and unfocused friends, know that you'll be an even greater embarrassment to the Son of Man when he arrives in all the splendor of God, his Father, with an army of the holy angels."
Romans 10:11
Scripture reassures us, "No one who trusts God like this—heart and soul—will ever regret it." It's exactly the same no matter what a person's religious background may be: the same God for all of us, acting the same incredibly generous way to everyone who calls out for help. "Everyone who calls, ‘Help, God!' gets help."
Scripture reassures us, "No one who trusts God like this—heart and soul—will ever regret it." It's exactly the same no matter what a person's religious background may be: the same God for all of us, acting the same incredibly generous way to everyone who calls out for help. "Everyone who calls, ‘Help, God!' gets help."
Gill's Notes on the Bible
Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot,....
:- justified by works; this woman was an instance of the grace of God in calling the chief of sinners, and was a true believer; and what she did, she did in faith, Hebrews 11:31 and her faith was shown by her works to be true and genuine; and it was manifest that she was a justified person. This instance is produced with the other, to show, that wherever there is true faith, whether in Jew or Gentile, in man or woman, in greater or lesser believers, or in such who have been greater or lesser sinners, there will be good works; and therefore that person is a vain man that talks and boasts of his faith, and depends upon it, and slights and rejects good works as unnecessary to be done.
When she had received the messengers: the spies that Joshua sent, into her house, with peace and safety:
and had sent them out another way; than they came in, even through the window upon the town wall, Joshua 2:1.
Barnes' Notes on the Bible
Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works? - In the same sense in which Abraham was, as explained above - showing by her act that her faith was genuine, and that it was not a mere cold and speculative assent to the truths of religion. Her act showed that she truly believed God. If that act had not been performed, the fact would have shown that her faith was not genuine, and she could not have been justified. God saw her faith as it was; he saw that it would produce acts of obedience, and he accepted her as righteous. The act which she performed was the public manifestation of her faith, the evidence that she was justified. See the case of Rahab fully explained in the notes at Hebrews 11:31. It may be observed here, that we are not to suppose that everything in the life and character of this woman is commended. She is commended for her faith, and for the fair expression of it; a faith which, as it induced her to receive the messengers of the true God, and to send them forth in peace, and as it led her to identify herself with the people of God, was also influential, we have every reason to suppose, in inducing her to abandon her former course of life. When we commend the faith of a man who has been a profane swearer, or an adulterer, or a robber, or a drunkard, we do not commend his former life, or give a sanction to it. We commend that which has induced him to abandon his evil course, and to turn to the ways of righteousness. The more evil his former course has been, the more wonderful, and the more worthy of commendation, is that faith by which he is reformed and saved.
Clarke's Notes on the Bible
Verse 25. Rahab the harlot — Joshua 2:1, c., and "Hebrews 11:31", &c. Rahab had the approbation due to genuine faith, which she actually possessed, and gave the fullest proof that she did so by her conduct. As justification signifies, not only the pardon of sin, but receiving the Divine approbation, James seems to use the word in this latter sense. God approved of them, because of their obedience to his will and he approves of no man who is not obedient.
