Filling the Empty: An Unnoticed Pun in James 2.20-23

Abstract

The style of James’s epistle receives much acclaim. Among other techniques like alliteration and rhythm, James enjoys a play on words. I propose that James puns on the concept of “filling” with three words in Jas 2.20-23: κενέ (“empty,” v. 20), ἐτελειώϑη (“be complete,” v. 22), and ἐπληρώϑη (“be fulfilled,” v. 23), to the effect that an “empty” person is told to learn from the “filled out” faith of Abraham whose willingness to sacrifice Isaac “fulfilled” the earlier pronouncement about his righteousness. This suggestion builds on discussions concerning the relationship between vv. 20, 22, and vv. 22-23. It also draws out often neglected connotations of τελειόω. This wordplay fits into a wider “completion” theme in James and may even have been picked up by the Shepherd of Hermas and the Didache.