NT Text: James 2:25
OT Source(s):
Source: Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Reference Type: Allusion
Connection Method(s): Analogy
Significance: James cites Rahab the prostitute as his second example of faith demonstrated through works: "Was not even Rahab the prostitute justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?" (2:25). This alludes to the narrative of Joshua 2, where Rahab hid the Israelite spies, confessed faith in YHWH (Josh 2:9-11), and was spared when Jericho fell. James pairs Rahab with Abraham as complementary examples: Abraham was the patriarch of Israel, Rahab a Gentile prostitute — yet both demonstrated genuine faith through decisive action. The analogy reinforces James's thesis that faith without works is dead (2:26). Rahab's inclusion alongside Abraham also anticipates the Gentile inclusion theme — a pagan woman's active faith placed her in the covenant community and in the messianic genealogy (Matt 1:5).