James Chapter 1 · Verse 21
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
κακίας
of naughtiness
G2549
κακίας
of naughtiness
Strong's:
G2549
Word #:
7 of 19
badness, i.e., (subjectively) depravity, or (actively) malignity, or (passively) trouble
δέξασθε
and receive
G1209
δέξασθε
and receive
Strong's:
G1209
Word #:
10 of 19
to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
τὰς
which
G3588
τὰς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
11 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
λόγον
word
G3056
λόγον
word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
13 of 19
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
τὰς
which
G3588
τὰς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σῶσαι
to save
G4982
σῶσαι
to save
Strong's:
G4982
Word #:
16 of 19
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
τὰς
which
G3588
τὰς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Ephesians 4:22That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;Ephesians 1:13In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,1 Peter 2:11Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;John 6:63It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.Psalms 25:9The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.Hebrews 12:1Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,1 Peter 2:1Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings,James 4:8Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.Hebrews 2:3How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him;Hebrews 4:2For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it.
Historical Context
Diaspora Christians navigated morally corrupt cities where filthiness was normalized. James, writing as Jerusalem's pastor, reaffirms the Jewish call to ritual purity now fulfilled in moral purity. His instruction parallels Paul's call in Ephesians 4:22-24 to put off the old self and receive the Word.
The implanted Word language would resonate with Jeremiah 31's promise of the law written on hearts. James assures persecuted believers that even without temple access, God's Word dwells within them as they respond in humility.
Questions for Reflection
- What spiritual clutter must you put away to receive God's Word effectively?
- How can you cultivate meekness when approaching Scripture?
- What obedience is the Word currently prompting that you have delayed?
Analysis & Commentary
Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. James commands believers to lay aside (apothemenoi, ἀποθέμενοι) all filthiness (rhyparian, ῥυπαρίαν) and the superfluity of naughtiness (perisseian kakias, περισσείαν κακίας), receiving with meekness (prautēti, πραΰτητι) the implanted word (ton emphyton logon, τὸν ἔμφυτον λόγον) able to save their souls. The imagery evokes removing filthy garments before receiving seed, highlighting repentance preceding receptivity.
Reformed theology emphasizes that the Word, planted by the Spirit at regeneration, continues to sanctify as believers humbly welcome its commands. Pride and moral filth choke the Word; meekness opens soil for growth. Holiness is not optional but intrinsic to salvation's outworking.