James 1:23–25
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 if any be a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like vnto a man beholding his naturall face in a glasse:
For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
For hee beholdeth himselfe, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what maner 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.
But who so looketh into the perfect Law of libertie, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetfull hearer, but a doer of the worke, this man shall be blessed in his ‖deed.
Original 1611 marginTranslation notes and cross-references are kept distinct.
- ‖Alternative wordingOr, doing.
Narration uses the Pure Cambridge Edition.
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Cross References
15 Essential passages are open for comparison.
From verse 23
- Matthew 7:26–27Rank 1 from verse 23
26And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:
27And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
26And euery one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall bee likened vnto a foolish man, which built his house vpon the sand:
27And the raine descended, and the floods came, and the windes blew, and beat vpon that house, and it fell, and great was the fall of it.
- James 2:14–26Rank 2 from verse 23
14What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
15If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,
16And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?
17Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.
18Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.
19Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.
20But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?
21Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?
22Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.
24Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
25Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
14What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say hee hath faith, and haue not workes? can faith saue him?
15If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of dayly foode,
16And one of you say vnto them, Depart in peace, be you warmed & filled: notwithstanding ye giue them not those things which are needfull to the body: what doth it profit?
17Euen so faith, if it hath not works, is dead being †alone.
18Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I haue workes: shew mee thy faith †without thy workes, and I will shew thee my faith by my workes.
19Thou beleeuest that there is one God, thou doest well: the deuils also beleeue, and tremble.
20But wilt thou knowe, O vaine man, that faith without workes is dead?
21Was not Abraham our father iustified by works, when hee had offered Isaac his sonne vpon the altar?
22‖Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?
23And the Scripture was fullfiled which saith, *Abraham beleeued God, and it was imputed vnto him for righteousnes: and he was called the friend of God.
24Ye see then, how that by workes a man is iustified, and not by faith only.
25Likewise also, was not Rahab the harlot iustified by works, when she had receiued the messengers, and had sent them out another way?
26For as the body without the ‖spirit is dead, so faith without workes is dead also.
- Ezekiel 33:31–32Rank 3 from verse 23
31And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee as my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, but their heart goeth after their covetousness.
32And, lo, thou art unto them as a very lovely song of one that hath a pleasant voice, and can play well on an instrument: for they hear thy words, but they do them not.
31†‖†And they come vnto thee as the people commeth, and they sit before thee as my people, and they heare thy words, but they will not doe them: for with their mouth they shew much loue, but their heart goeth after their couetousnesse.
32†And loe, thou art vnto them as a very louely song of one that hath a pleasant voyce, and can play well on an instrument: for they heare thy wordes, but they doe them not.
- Jeremiah 44:16Rank 5 from verse 23
From verse 24
- 2 Peter 3:11Rank 1 from verse 24
39Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
39Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him, saw it, he spake within himselfe, saying, This man, if he were a Prophet, would haue knowen who, and what maner of woman this is that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:5Rank 4 from verse 24
5For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.
5For our Gospel came not vnto you in word onely: but also in power, and in the holy Ghost, and in much assurance, as yee know what maner of men we were among you for your sake.
- Judges 8:18Rank 5 from verse 24
18¶ Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men were they whom ye slew at Tabor? And they answered, As thou art, so were they; each one resembled the children of a king.
18¶ Then said he vnto Zebah and Zalmunna, What maner of men were they whom ye slew at Tabor? And they answered, As thou art, so were they, ech one †resembled the children of a king.
- Matthew 8:27Rank 6 from verse 24
From verse 25
- Luke 11:28Rank 1 from verse 25
- John 13:17Rank 2 from verse 25
- 2 Corinthians 3:17–18Rank 3 from verse 25
17Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty.
18But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord.
17Now the Lord is that spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is libertie.
18But we all, with open face beholding as in a glasse the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image, from glorie to glorie, euen as ‖by the spirit of the Lord.
- 1 Peter 2:16Rank 4 from verse 25
- Luke 6:47–49Rank 5 from verse 25
47Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:
48He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.
49But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house upon the earth; against which the stream did beat vehemently, and immediately it fell; and the ruin of that house was great.
47Whosoeuer commeth to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like.
48He is like a man which built an house, and digged deepe, and layd the foundation on a rocke. And when the flood arose, the streame beat vehemently vpon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded vpon a rocke.
49But he that heareth, and doeth not, is like a man that without a foundation built an house vpon the earth: against which the streame did beate vehemently, and immediatly it fell, and the ruine of that house was great.
- Galatians 5:1Rank 6 from verse 25
- James 2:12Rank 7 from verse 25
- John 8:31–32Rank 8 from verse 25
31Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;
32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.
31Then said Iesus to those Iewes which beleeued on him, If ye continue in my word, then are yee my disciples indeed.
32And ye shall know the Trueth, and the Trueth shall make you free.
- 1 Corinthians 15:58Rank 9 from verse 25
58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.
58Therefore my beloued brethren, be yee stedfast, vnmoueable, alwayes abounding in the worke of the Lord, forasmuch as you know that your labour is not in vaine in the Lord.
- 1 Timothy 4:16Rank 10 from verse 25
- Psalms 119:96–105Rank 11 from verse 25
96I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.
97O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day.
98Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me.
99I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation.
100I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts.
101I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word.
102I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me.
103How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth!
104Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.
105Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.
96I haue seene an end of all perfection: but thy commandement is exceeding broad.
97¶ O How loue I thy Law! it is my meditation all the day.
98†Thou through thy Commandements hast made me wiser then mine enemies: for they are euer with mee.
99I haue more vnderstanding then all my teachers: for thy Testimonies are my meditation.
100I vnderstand more then the ancients: because I keepe thy precepts.
101I haue refrained my feete from euery euill way: that I may keepe thy word.
102I haue not departed from thy Iudgements: for thou hast taught me.
103*†How sweet are thy words vnto my taste! yea, sweeter then hony to my mouth.
104Through thy precepts I get vnderstanding: therefore I hate euery false way.
105¶ Thy word is a ‖lampe vnto my feete: and a light vnto my path.
- James 1:23–24Rank 12 from verse 25
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:
24For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
23For if any be a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like vnto a man beholding his naturall face in a glasse:
24For hee beholdeth himselfe, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what maner of man he was.
- 2 Corinthians 13:5Rank 13 from verse 25
5Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
5Examine your selues, whether ye be in the faith: proue your owne selues. Know yee not your owne selues, how that Iesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?
- John 15:9–10Rank 14 from verse 25
9As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.
10If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love.
9As the Father hath loued me, so haue I loued you: continue ye in my loue.
10If ye keepe my Commandements, ye shal abide in my loue, euen as I haue kept my Fathers Commandements, and abide in his loue.
- Proverbs 14:15Rank 15 from verse 25
- Romans 11:22Rank 16 from verse 25
22Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
22Beholde therefore the goodnesse and seueritie of God: on them which fell, seueritie; but towards thee, goodnesse, if thou continue in his goodnesse: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.
- Romans 2:7–8Rank 17 from verse 25
7To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:
8But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
7To them, who by patient continuance in well doing, seeke for glorie, and honour, and immortalitie, eternall life:
8But vnto them that are contentious, & doe not obey the trueth, but obey vnrighteousnes, indignation, & wrath,
- Romans 8:15Rank 18 from verse 25
- 1 Timothy 2:15Rank 19 from verse 25
- Acts 13:43Rank 20 from verse 25
43Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.
43Now when the Congregation was broken vp, many of the Iewes, and religious Proselytes followed Paul and Barnabas, who speaking to them, perswaded them to continue in the grace of God.
- Acts 26:22Rank 21 from verse 25
22Having therefore obtained help of God, I continue unto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things than those which the prophets and Moses did say should come:
22Hauing therefore obteined helpe of God, I continue vnto this day, witnessing both to small and great, saying none other things then those which the Prophets and Moses did say should come:
- Galatians 2:4Rank 22 from verse 25
4And that because of false brethren unawares brought in, who came in privily to spy out our liberty which we have in Christ Jesus, that they might bring us into bondage:
4And that because of false brethren vnawares brought in, who came in priuily to spie out our libertie, which wee haue in Christ Iesus, that they might bring vs into bondage.
- Psalms 106:3Rank 23 from verse 25
- Psalms 119:2–3Rank 26 from verse 25
- Psalms 19:7–11Rank 27 from verse 25
7The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple.
8The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes.
9The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether.
10More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
11Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
7‖‖The Law of the LORD is perfect, conuerting the soule: the testimonie of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
8The Statutes of the LORD are right, reioycing the heart: the Commandement of the LORD is pure, inlightning the eyes.
9†The feare of the LORD is cleane, enduring for euer: the Iudgements of the LORD are true, and righteous altogether.
10*†More to bee desired are they then gold, yea, then much fine gold: sweeter also then hony, and the hony combe.
11Moreouer by them is thy seruant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.
- Revelation 14:13Rank 28 from verse 25
13And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
13And I heard a voyce from heauen, saying vnto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, ‖from hencefoorth, yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours, and their workes doe follow them.
- Romans 7:12Rank 29 from verse 25
- 1 Samuel 12:14Rank 30 from verse 25
14If ye will fear the Lord, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the Lord, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the Lord your God:
14If ye will feare the LORD, and serue him, and obey his voice, and not rebell against the †Commandement of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the King that reigneth ouer you, †continue following the LORD your God.
- Hebrews 12:15Rank 31 from verse 25
- Isaiah 8:20Rank 32 from verse 25
- Psalms 119:32Rank 33 from verse 25
- Psalms 119:45Rank 34 from verse 25
- Romans 7:22–23Rank 35 from verse 25
22For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
23But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.
22For I delight in the Lawe of God, after the inward man.
23But I see another Lawe in my members, warring against the Lawe of my minde, and bringing me into captiuity to the Law of sinne, which is in my members.
- 1 John 2:24Rank 36 from verse 25
24Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father.
24Let that therefore abide in you which yee haue heard from the beginning: if that which ye haue heard from the beginning shall remaine in you, yee also shall continue in the Sonne, and in the Father.
- Colossians 1:23Rank 37 from verse 25
23If ye continue in the faith grounded and settled, and be not moved away from the hope of the gospel, which ye have heard, and which was preached to every creature which is under heaven; whereof I Paul am made a minister;
23If ye continue in the faith grounded and setled, and be not moued away from the hope of the Gospel, which yee haue heard, and which was preached to euery creature which is vnder heauen, whereof I Paul am made a Minister.
- Revelation 22:14Rank 38 from verse 25
WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE
Definitions
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DEFINED WORDS
James 1:23
1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
One who hears; one who attends to what is orally delivered by another; an auditor; one of an audience.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Sense 1: A spoken or written expression, saying, message, command, promise, report, or matter. Sense 2: God's revealed word.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references
One who performs what is required; one who observes, keeps or obeys, in practice.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Sense 1: Similar or of the same kind; in the same manner; likely. Sense 2: A like person or thing; an equal or counterpart. Sense 3: To please, choose, or regard with favour.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828
1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Present-participial or verbal-noun form of behold, meaning to look upon, see, observe, or witness.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Belonging to birth, bodily life, ordinary created nature, native relation, or instinct.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
The front of the head and its countenance or expression; the front, surface, outward appearance, presence, view, or personally known identity of a person, place, or thing.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: A looking-glass or mirror. Sense 2: A clear, glasslike material or substance.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828
DEFINED WORDS
James 1:24
1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
COMBINED MEANING
straightway
Immediately; at once; without delay.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
DEFINED WORDS
James 1:25
Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828
Third-person singular present form of look, meaning to direct the eyes or attention; to behold, observe, expect, or take heed.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Complete, whole, sound, mature, upright, fully fitted, finished, exact, or lacking nothing required for the person, work, knowledge, state, purpose, or standard in view; to perfect is to bring to that intended completion or maturity.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: An authoritative rule, command, ordinance, instruction, standard, or body of requirements. Sense 2: The writings containing such instruction. Sense 3: A governing principle, power, regular order, or civil rule. Sense 4: In family compounds, relationship by marriage.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references
Freedom, release, permission, or deliverance from bondage or restraint.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
In, within, during, or concerning that place, person, thing, condition, time, or matter previously mentioned.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Apt to forget; failing to remember or keep in mind.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
One who hears; one who attends to what is orally delivered by another; an auditor; one of an audience.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
One who performs what is required; one who observes, keeps or obeys, in practice.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
Sense 1: Labour, occupation, an assigned task, or service. Sense 2: An action, deed, operation, effect, product, thing made, or manner of workmanship. Sense 3: To labour, act, operate, perform, make, produce, accomplish, or bring about.
Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
An auxiliary verb expressing future action, intention, promise, command, requirement, or determination.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
1. Favoured by God, endowed with good, or declared happy. 2. Spoke good of, praised, thanked, or bestowed a blessing upon.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references
Sense 1: An act or thing done. Sense 2: In the expression in very deed, in fact or in reality.
Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828
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Surrounding Verses
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22But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
22But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers onely, deceiuing your owne selues.
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:
23For if any be a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like vnto a man beholding his naturall face in a glasse:
Selected passage24For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
24For hee beholdeth himselfe, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what maner of man he was.
Selected passage25But 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.
25But who so looketh into the perfect Law of libertie, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetfull hearer, but a doer of the worke, this man shall be blessed in his ‖deed.
Selected passage26If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.
26If any man among you seeme to be religious, & bridleth not his tongue, but deceiueth his owne heart, this mans religion is vaine.