James 2:19
“Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →Even demons believe God is one and tremble, so mere belief is not enough.
What Does James 2:19 Mean?
James presses with a striking example. You believe that there is one God; you do well, for it is true and good to confess it. But the demons also believe this, and they tremble. Mere assent to a true fact about God is not the faith that saves.
The demons hold correct belief about God's existence, yet it produces in them only terror, not trust, love, or obedience. So a faith that goes no further than agreeing to true statements has not yet become saving faith. James is not belittling sound belief but showing that belief alone, without the surrendered heart and the life that follows, falls short. Saving faith clings to Christ and is transformed by Him. The reader is asked whether his faith is more than the demons hold.
In the Original Language
phrisso (φρίσσω), 'tremble' -- to shudder or bristle with fear.