---
title: James 2:15
url: https://jw-apologetics.app/verses/james-2-15/
markdown: https://jw-apologetics.app/verses/james-2-15.md
type: verse
perspective: Protestant (historic Nicene) response to Jehovah's Witness teaching
reference: James 2:15
testament: NT
section: Letters
index: https://jw-apologetics.app/llms.txt
---

# James 2:15

## Text (Berean Standard Bible)

> Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food.

## JW Usage

Watchtower teaching makes the worldwide preaching work the highest form of charity — "we offer people everlasting life." Disaster relief inside the organisation is presented as the practical face of brotherly love (John 13:35), and broader charitable engagement is treated as unnecessary because Jehovah's Kingdom will replace this system of things. James 2:15 is read as describing care that already happens within the brotherhood, not as a comprehensive obligation to outsiders.

## Protestant Usage

Pair James 2:15 with James 1:27 and let the contrast do the work. James defines pure worship as looking after orphans and widows, and 2:15-16 insists that pious words ("go in peace, keep warm and well fed") are worthless without meeting the physical need. Jesus fed crowds before he preached to them; the Good Samaritan parable (Luke 10:25-37) defines "neighbour" as anyone in need, including the religious outsider. Ask gently whether the JW can name a Witness-run hospital, food bank, homeless shelter, or adoption agency that serves the general public — the silence is the argument. Galatians 6:10 settles the priority: "do good toward all, especially toward those related to us in the faith." The "toward all" is the baseline; "especially" is priority, not exclusivity.

## Arguments Using This Verse

- [James Defines Pure Religion — and It Isn't Preaching](https://jw-apologetics.app/arguments/james127-pure-religion.md) — James 1:27 / Matthew 5:46-47 / Galatians 6:10 [Practice]