But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
Wilt [ theleis (G2309 )] thou know. "Vain" men are not willing to know, since they have no wish to do the Wilt [ theleis (G2309 )] thou know. "Vain" men are not willing to know, since they have no wish to do the will of God (John 7:17). James beseeches such a one to lay aside his unwillingness to know, and as the preliminary step to be willing to do.
Vain - who deceivest thyself with a delusive hope, resting on unreal faith.
Without works, х chooris (G5565) ton (G3588) ergon (G2041)] - separate from the works which flow from real faith.
Is dead, [so 'Aleph (') A. But B C, Vulgate, read argee (G692) for nekra (G3498)] - 'is idle;' i:e., unavailing for salvation.