2:9

not by works: The phrase not by works means almost the same thing as “this not from yourselves” (2:8b). Here, Paul is more specific and mentions works. God does not save you because of any good deeds or behavior you have done.

Here are some other ways this phrase has been translated:

your own efforts (Good News Translation)
-or-
anything you’ve done (God’s Word)
-or-
the good things we have done (New Living Translation (2004))

so that no one can boast: The word boast means “to talk or to brag about what you have done.”

Here is another way to translate this clause:

It’s not the result of anything you’ve done, so no one can brag about it. (God’s Word)

General Comment on 2:9

In some languages, 2:9 may be more clearly expressed as a direct quote. For example:

So no one can boast and say, “God saved me because of my good behavior.”

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