James 1


Comments
The word servant in the first verse is doulos ^[1] many a bondservant, from the word deo^[2] meaning to "to bind tie, fasten".
James is very clear that our faith is tempted and tried and we must endure. We only fail when our self love and personal lust exceeds our love of God. We are blessed if we endureth temptation.
James states that the engrafted^[3] revelation of God comes from above he says we must also be doers.
Questions
What is the Perfect law of liberty?
What does it mean to "look"^[4] into that law?
What creature^[5] is he talking about and who were the first fruits?
What is Religion?^[6]
What is Pure Religion?

James 1

Salutation

[1] James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.

Faith and Wisdom

[2] My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

[3] Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

[4] But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

[5] If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

[6] But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

[7] For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

[8] A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

Poverty and Riches (1:9-11)

[9] Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted:

[10] But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away.

[11] For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways.

Trial and Temptation

[12] Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

[13] Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

[14] But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

[15] Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

[16] Do not err, my beloved brethren.

[17] Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

[18] Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.^[7]

Hearing and Doing the Word

[19] Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

[20] For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

[21] Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness^[8], and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

[22] But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

[23] For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer^[9]^[10], he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

[24] For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

[25] But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty^[11], and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

[26] If any man among you seem to be religious,^[6] and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion^[6] is vain.

[27] Pure religion^[6] and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted^[12] from the world.

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Footnotes

↑ 1401 ~δοῦλος~ doulos \@doo’-los\@ from 1210 deo to bind; n AV-servant 120, bond 6, bondman 1; 127
1) a slave, bondman, man of servile condition
1a) a slave

1b) metaph., one who gives himself up to another’s will, those whose service is used by Christ in extending and advancing his cause among men

1c) devoted to another to the disregard of one’s own interests

2) a servant, attendant
↑ 1210 ~δέω~ deo \@deh’-o\@ a root; v AV-bind 37, tie 4, knit 1, be in bonds 1, wind 1; 44
1) to bind tie, fasten
1a) to bind, fasten with chains, to throw into chains

1b) metaph.
1b1) Satan is said to bind a woman bent together by means of a demon, as his messenger, taking possession of the woman and preventing her from standing upright

1b2) to bind, put under obligation, of the law, duty etc.

1b2a) to be bound to one, a wife, a husband

1b3) to forbid, prohibit, declare to be illicit
↑ 1721 ~ἔμφυτος~ emphutos \@em’-foo-tos\@ from 1722 and a derivative of 5453; ; adj AV-engrafted 1; 1 1) inborn, implanted by nature, implanted by others instruction
↑ 3879 ~παρακύπτω~ parakupto \@par-ak-oop’-to\@ from 3844 and 2955; v AV-stoop down 3, look 2; 5
1) to stoop to a thing in order to look at it

2) to look at with head bowed forward

3) to look into with the body bent

4) to stoop and look into

5) metaph. to look carefully into, inspect curiously
5a) of one who would become acquainted with something
↑ 2938 ~κτίσμα~ ktisma \@ktis’-mah\@ from 2936; n n AV-creature 4; 4
1) thing founded

2) created thing
↑ ^6.0 ^6.1 ^6.2 ^6.3 Religious
Acts 13:43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious(sebomai Worship) proselytes(a newcomer) followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

Acts 26:5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion (threskeia) I lived a Pharisee.

Galatians 1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion(Ioudaismos), how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: 14 And profited in the Jews’ religion(Ioudaismos) above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious(thresko), and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion(threskeia) [is] vain. 27 Pure religion(katharos threskeia) and undefiled(amiantos-not defiled) before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted (undefiled-free from vice) from the world.
↑ 2938 ~κτίσμα~ ktisma \@ktis’-mah\@ from 2936;n n AV-creature 4; 4 1) thing founded 2) created thing
↑
2549 κακία kakia kak-ee’-ah from 2556; TDNT-3:482,391; {See TDNT 351} n f AV-malice 6, maliciousness 2, evil 1, wickedness 1, naughtiness 1; 11
1) malignity, malice, ill-will, desire to injure

2) wickedness, depravity
2a) wickedness that is not ashamed to break laws

3) evil, trouble
- For Synonyms see entry 5855
↑ What you do
Matthew 7:21 "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. ... 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:... 26 And 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:"

Luke 6:47 "Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:...49 But 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."

Luke 7:8 "For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth [it]."

John 3:20 "For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."

Titus 1:16 "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny [him], being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."

James 1:23 "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 2:20 "But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

James 3:13 "Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom."

Revelation 2:2 "I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:"

Revelation 20:13 "And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works."
↑ Love God and neighbor
Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:... 26 And 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:

Matthew 19:17 "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? [there is] none good but one, [that is], God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."

John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

John 14:21 "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."

John 15:10 "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love."

Luke 6:47 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:...49 But 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.

Luke 7:8 For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth [it].

John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny [him], being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

James 1:23 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 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

James 3:13 Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

Revelation 2:2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

Revelation 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
↑ Perfected
Genesis 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I [am] the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

Leviticus 22:21 And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD to accomplish [his] vow, or a freewill offering in beeves or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein.

Deuteronomy 18:13 Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.

Deuteronomy 25:15 [But] thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have: that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

1 Kings 8:61 Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.

Psalms 101:6 Mine eyes [shall be] upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.

Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go [and] sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come [and] follow me.

Luke 6:40 The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world<165>: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among you; but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

1 Corinthians 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

Philippians 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

2 Timothy 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

James 1:25 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.
↑ 784 ~ἄσπιλος~ aspilos \@as’-pee-los\@ from 1 (as a negative particle) and 4695; TDNT-1:502,85; {See TDNT 107} adj AV-without spot 3, unspotted 1; 4
1) spotless

2) metaph.
2a) free from censure, irreproachable

2b) free from vice, unsullied

[1] 1401 ~δοῦλος~ doulos \@doo’-los\@ from 1210 deo to bind; n AV-servant 120, bond 6, bondman 1; 127
1) a slave, bondman, man of servile condition
1a) a slave

1b) metaph., one who gives himself up to another’s will, those whose service is used by Christ in extending and advancing his cause among men

1c) devoted to another to the disregard of one’s own interests

2) a servant, attendant

[2] 1210 ~δέω~ deo \@deh’-o\@ a root; v AV-bind 37, tie 4, knit 1, be in bonds 1, wind 1; 44
1) to bind tie, fasten
1a) to bind, fasten with chains, to throw into chains

1b) metaph.
1b1) Satan is said to bind a woman bent together by means of a demon, as his messenger, taking possession of the woman and preventing her from standing upright

1b2) to bind, put under obligation, of the law, duty etc.

1b2a) to be bound to one, a wife, a husband

1b3) to forbid, prohibit, declare to be illicit

[3] 1721 ~ἔμφυτος~ emphutos \@em’-foo-tos\@ from 1722 and a derivative of 5453; ; adj AV-engrafted 1; 1 1) inborn, implanted by nature, implanted by others instruction

[4] 3879 ~παρακύπτω~ parakupto \@par-ak-oop’-to\@ from 3844 and 2955; v AV-stoop down 3, look 2; 5
1) to stoop to a thing in order to look at it

2) to look at with head bowed forward

3) to look into with the body bent

4) to stoop and look into

5) metaph. to look carefully into, inspect curiously
5a) of one who would become acquainted with something

[5] 2938 ~κτίσμα~ ktisma \@ktis’-mah\@ from 2936; n n AV-creature 4; 4
1) thing founded

2) created thing

[religious-6] 6.0 ^6.1 ^6.2 ^6.3 Religious
Acts 13:43 Now when the congregation was broken up, many of the Jews and religious(sebomai Worship) proselytes(a newcomer) followed Paul and Barnabas: who, speaking to them, persuaded them to continue in the grace of God.

Acts 26:5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion (threskeia) I lived a Pharisee.

Galatians 1:13 For ye have heard of my conversation in time past in the Jews’ religion(Ioudaismos), how that beyond measure I persecuted the church of God, and wasted it: 14 And profited in the Jews’ religion(Ioudaismos) above many my equals in mine own nation, being more exceedingly zealous of the traditions of my fathers.

James 1:26 If any man among you seem to be religious(thresko), and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion(threskeia) [is] vain. 27 Pure religion(katharos threskeia) and undefiled(amiantos-not defiled) before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted (undefiled-free from vice) from the world.

[7] 2938 ~κτίσμα~ ktisma \@ktis’-mah\@ from 2936;n n AV-creature 4; 4 1) thing founded 2) created thing

[8] 2549 κακία kakia kak-ee’-ah from 2556; TDNT-3:482,391; {See TDNT 351} n f AV-malice 6, maliciousness 2, evil 1, wickedness 1, naughtiness 1; 11
1) malignity, malice, ill-will, desire to injure

2) wickedness, depravity
2a) wickedness that is not ashamed to break laws

3) evil, trouble

For Synonyms see entry 5855

[9] For Synonyms see entry 5855

[doworks-9] What you do
Matthew 7:21 "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. ... 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:... 26 And 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:"

Luke 6:47 "Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:...49 But 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."

Luke 7:8 "For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth [it]."

John 3:20 "For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God."

Titus 1:16 "They profess that they know God; but in works they deny [him], being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate."

James 1:23 "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 2:20 "But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

James 3:13 "Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom."

Revelation 2:2 "I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:"

Revelation 20:13 "And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works."

[Lovegn-10] Love God and neighbor
Matthew 7:21 Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. 22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? 23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity. 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:... 26 And 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:

Matthew 19:17 "And he said unto him, Why callest thou me good? [there is] none good but one, [that is], God: but if thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments."

John 14:15 "If ye love me, keep my commandments."

John 14:21 "He that hath my commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth me: and he that loveth me shall be loved of my Father, and I will love him, and will manifest myself to him."

John 15:10 "If ye keep my commandments, ye shall abide in my love; even as I have kept my Father’s commandments, and abide in his love."

Luke 6:47 Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like:...49 But 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.

Luke 7:8 For I also am a man set under authority, having under me soldiers, and I say unto one, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth [it].

John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved. 21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.

Titus 1:16 They profess that they know God; but in works they deny [him], being abominable, and disobedient, and unto every good work reprobate.

James 1:23 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 2:20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?

James 3:13 Who [is] a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

Revelation 2:2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

Revelation 20:13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.

[Perfectq-11] Perfected
Genesis 17:1 And when Abram was ninety years old and nine, the LORD appeared to Abram, and said unto him, I [am] the Almighty God; walk before me, and be thou perfect.

Leviticus 22:21 And whosoever offereth a sacrifice of peace offerings unto the LORD to accomplish [his] vow, or a freewill offering in beeves or sheep, it shall be perfect to be accepted; there shall be no blemish therein.

Deuteronomy 18:13 Thou shalt be perfect with the LORD thy God.

Deuteronomy 25:15 [But] thou shalt have a perfect and just weight, a perfect and just measure shalt thou have: that thy days may be lengthened in the land which the LORD thy God giveth thee.

1 Kings 8:61 Let your heart therefore be perfect with the LORD our God, to walk in his statutes, and to keep his commandments, as at this day.

Psalms 101:6 Mine eyes [shall be] upon the faithful of the land, that they may dwell with me: he that walketh in a perfect way, he shall serve me.

Matthew 5:48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Matthew 19:21 Jesus said unto him, If thou wilt be perfect, go [and] sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come [and] follow me.

Luke 6:40 The disciple is not above his master: but every one that is perfect shall be as his master.

Romans 12:2 And be not conformed to this world<165>: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what [is] that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

1 Corinthians 1:10 Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and [that] there be no divisions among you; but [that] ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.

1 Corinthians 13:10 But when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away. 11 Finally, brethren, farewell. Be perfect, be of good comfort, be of one mind, live in peace; and the God of love and peace shall be with you.

Philippians 3:15 Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you.

2 Timothy 3:17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

James 1:25 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.

[12] 784 ~ἄσπιλος~ aspilos \@as’-pee-los\@ from 1 (as a negative particle) and 4695; TDNT-1:502,85; {See TDNT 107} adj AV-without spot 3, unspotted 1; 4
1) spotless

2) metaph.
2a) free from censure, irreproachable

2b) free from vice, unsullied

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James 1

Contents

James 1

Salutation

Faith and Wisdom

Trial and Temptation

Hearing and Doing the Word

Footnotes

Navigation menu

James 1

James 1

Salutation

Faith and Wisdom

Trial and Temptation

Hearing and Doing the Word

Footnotes

Navigation menu

Search