James introduces the concept of “dead faith”, a wording which is entirely unique in all the Bible.

Now James is not saying there is a different “type” of faith, but rather a different condition or expression of faith. Or as in this case, a lack of expression!

Paul also introduces a novel expression of his own which is very similar. He called it “sincere” or “non-hyprocritical” faith.

Then Peter comes along and indirectly mentions the same by telling us that one of the benefits of temptations and trials (unintended by the enemy of course) is that it reveals the “genuineness” of our faith. 

So the existence of “genuine” or “sincere” or “non-hyprocritical” faith requires the existence of its opposite which would be faith that is “insincere”, “ingenuine” or “hypocritical”.

So the question is – Is “insincere” faith the same thing as “dead” faith? I believe it is, albeit they are nuanced in slightly different direction.