For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
Read it in contextReceive and do the word
Start reading at James 1:19 (James 1:19 to James 1:27).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The call to hear is joined to doing, with speech, care for the vulnerable, and separation from worldly corruption testing religious profession.
1:19Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
1:20For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
1:21Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
1:22But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
1:23For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:
1:24For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
1:25But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
1:26If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
1:27Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, is the named author. He is traditionally identified as James the Lord's brother and a leader of the Jerusalem church. Biblical references: James 1:1; Galatians 1:19; Acts 15:13. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (James 1:1–2:26): James addresses the twelve tribes in the dispersion as brethren, challenging them about trials, obedience, partiality in the assembly, and faith expressed in deeds. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The twelve tribes scattered abroad, as the greeting states; the letter addresses its hearers as brethren who hold faith in Jesus Christ. Biblical references: James 1:1; James 2:1. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Receive and do the word. Read James 1:19 through James 1:27 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? The call to hear is joined to doing, with speech, care for the vulnerable, and separation from worldly corruption testing religious profession. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The letter addresses trials and conduct among its readers without providing a calendar date. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The twelve tribes scattered abroad are addressed; the exact place of writing is not stated. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Receive and do the word (James 1:19 to James 1:27).
Start reading at James 1:19. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The letter names the Lord Jesus Christ and insists that faith be shown in conduct. Its teaching about works should be read within its examples of claimed faith that fails to act. See James 1:1, James 2:1, James 2:17, James 2:18. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Be a doer of the word, control speech, reject partiality, and care for those in need. A verbal claim to faith is tested by the conduct the letter describes. interpretation
Cited: James 1:19, James 1:27, James 1:1, James 2:1, James 2:17, James 2:18
Who wrote it, and how we know
James, the Lord's brotherNamed in Scripture
What Scripture saysThe letter names James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. James 1:1
Early traditionTradition identifies him as James the Lord's brother, leader in Jerusalem.
What is debatedSeveral men are named James in the New Testament, so the identification rests on tradition.
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
James 1
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
James identifies himself as a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ and addresses the twelve tribes scattered abroad. The letter tests professed faith by endurance, obedience, impartial love, controlled speech, and practical mercy.
Connection to the wholeJames joins trials with endurance and asking for wisdom, while placing both low and high social standing under the uncertainty of earthly life.
Connection to the wholeJames traces temptation to wrongful desire and contrasts that process with the good gifts and new birth associated with God's word.
Connection to the wholeThe call to hear is joined to doing, with speech, care for the vulnerable, and separation from worldly corruption testing religious profession.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
James
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
James identifies himself as a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ and addresses the twelve tribes scattered abroad. The letter tests professed faith by endurance, obedience, impartial love, controlled speech, and practical mercy.
Connection to the wholeJames distinguishes testing from temptation to evil and directs the readers toward God's generosity and their response under pressure.
Connection to the wholeThe word received must shape conduct toward others; the extended argument refuses to separate professed faith from obedient works.