Does the word works in James 2 mean believe?

Answer 1

You're thinking of passages like "17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone." or "24 You see then how by works a man is justified, and not by faith only."

So, no, the word "works" means the exact opposite of belief. He is contrasting faith, which is belief, believing, with works, which is doing. What the whole chapter is saying is that faith alone is not sufficient; you need to put that faith into practice. Otherwise your faith is meaningless.

Answer 2

No, in James 2, the word "works" does not mean "believe." Instead, "works" refer to actions and deeds that demonstrate or prove one's faith. James emphasizes the importance of both faith and actions working together for a complete and genuine faith.