James 2:17

οὕτως καὶ ἡ πίστις κ.τ.λ. The conclusion is drawn by analogy. It is inconceivable that ἔλεος, pity, or compassion, can exist without results, so is the conception of faith without works an impossible one. νεκρὰ καθʼ ἑαυτήν, dead in itself, right through itself, thoroughly dead, ineffective and non-existent. Works are a condition and evidence of life. But these are very different from the works of the law, minute observances each separately meritorious against which St Paul’s argument is directed.