If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,

JAMES 2:15KJV
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James 2:15 (KJV)

What does James 2:15 mean?

James 2:15 describes a situation where a fellow believer, either a brother or sister, is lacking basic necessities—specifically, clothing and daily food. The verse sets up a practical example to highlight the reality of need within the community.

James, the likely brother of Jesus and leader in the Jerusalem church, is writing to early Christians scattered outside Judea. He uses this scenario to illustrate what it looks like when someone in the church is truly in need, preparing to make a point about genuine faith and compassion in the following verses.

The Greek behind James 2:15

  • ἀδελφός (adelphos, "brother") and ἀδελφή (adelphē, "sister") make clear that James is talking about fellow believers, not just anyone in general.
  • γυμνός (gumnos, "naked") often means lacking proper clothing, not necessarily completely unclothed, but without enough to stay warm or decent.
  • ἐφημέριος (ephēmerios, "daily") and τροφή (trophē, "food") together refer to the food needed for that day, stressing immediate, basic needs rather than long-term poverty.
  • λειπόμενοι (leipomenoi, "destitute") carries the sense of being left without or lacking, emphasizing the seriousness of their situation.

Why James 2:15 matters

  • James 2:15 clarifies that the concern is for real, practical needs among believers, not just spiritual or emotional support.
  • The verse sets up a concrete example that makes the following teaching about faith and works much more vivid and relatable.
  • By specifying "brother or sister," James emphasizes the family-like responsibility Christians are meant to have for one another, highlighting the importance of caring for those close to us in the faith community.

Where else these words appear

“destitute” Greek G3007 · used in 6 verses

  • Luke 18:22 Now when Jesus heard these things, he said unto him, Yet lackest thou one thing: sell all that thou hast, and distribute unto the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, follow me.
  • Titus 1:5 For this cause left I thee in Crete, that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting, and ordain elders in every city, as I had appointed thee:
  • James 1:4 But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

“naked” Greek G1131 · used in 15 verses

  • Matthew 25:36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
  • Mark 14:51 And there followed him a certain young man, having a linen cloth cast about his naked body; and the young men laid hold on him:
  • 2 Corinthians 5:3 If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked.

“food” Greek G5160 · used in 16 verses

  • Matthew 3:4 And the same John had his raiment of camel's hair, and a leathern girdle about his loins; and his meat was locusts and wild honey.
  • John 4:8 (For his disciples were gone away unto the city to buy meat.)
  • Acts 27:34 Wherefore I pray you to take some meat: for this is for your health: for there shall not an hair fall from the head of any of you.

“sister” Greek G79 · used in 24 verses

  • Matthew 12:50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.
  • Luke 10:39 And she had a sister called Mary, which also sat at Jesus' feet, and heard his word.
  • John 19:25 Now there stood by the cross of Jesus his mother, and his mother's sister, Mary the wife of Cleophas, and Mary Magdalene.