King James Version
James 1:23 in the King James Version says “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:” — study this verse from James chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“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:”
James 1:23 · KJV
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
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:
For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
But 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. deed: or, doing
KJV Study — Public Domain
“of the word”
G3056something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“face”
G4383the front (as being towards view), i.e., the countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
This verse is found in the book of James. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
James 1:23 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to James 1:23 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge