What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
James, passing from the particular "mercy" or "love" violated by "respect of persons," notwithstanding profession of the "faith of our Lord Jesus" (James 2:1), combats the Jewish tendency (transplanted into Christianity) to substitute a lifeless acquaintance with the letter of the law for change of heart to holiness, as if justification could be thereby attained (Romans 2:3; Romans 2:13; Romans 2:23). It seems likely that James had seen Paul's letters, because he uses the same phrases and examples (cf. James 2:21; James 2:23; James 2:25 with Romans 4:3; Hebrews 11:17; Hebrews 11:31; and James 2:14; James 2:24 with Romans 3:28; Galatians 2:16). At all events the Holy Spirit by James combats, not Paul, but those who abuse Paul's doctrine. The teaching of both alike is inspired, and to be received without wresting of words; but each has a different class to deal with: Paul, self-justiciaries; James, advocates of a mere notional faith. Paul urged as strongly as James the need of works as evidences faith, especially in the later letters, when many were abusing the doctrine of faith (Titus 2:14; Titus 3:8). 'Believing and doing are blood relatives' (Rutherford).
Though a man say - not 'if a man have faith', but if "a man say х legeee (G3004), allege] he hath faith;" referring to a mere profession of faith, such as was usually made at baptism. Simon Magus so "believed and was baptized," and yet had "neither part nor lot in this matter," for his "heart," as his words and works evinced, was not right in the sight of God. The illustration (James 2:16) proves the emphasis on "say;" if "one of you say" the words to a naked brother х eipee (G2036), referring to the words; legee (G3004), to the sentiment] 'Be ye warmed, notwithstanding ye give not those things needful.' The inoperative profession of sympathy answers to the inoperative profession of faith.
Can faith save him? - rather, 'can such a faith (literally, the faith) save him?' the empty boast contrasted with true fruit-producing faith. So that which self-deceivers claim is called "wisdom," though not true wisdom (James 3:15). The "him" also is emphatic; the particular man who professes faith without having works to evidence its vitality.