James 1:22

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

Word-by-Word Analysis

Γίνεσθε

G1096

be ye

to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

δὲ

G1161

But

but, and, etc

ποιηταὶ

G4163

doers

a performer; specially, a "poet"

λόγου

G3056

of the word

something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μὴ

G3361

not

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

μόνον

G3440

only

merely

ἀκροαταὶ

G202

hearers

a hearer (merely)

παραλογιζόμενοι

G3884

deceiving

to misreckon, i.e., delude

#10

ἑαυτούς

G1438

your own selves

(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ Matthew 7:21 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.
— Not every one that saith Lord, Lord
² Luke 6:46 Luke 6:46
And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?
— Why call ye me Lord, and do not?

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to James. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

How might the original audience's understanding of divine revelation differ from modern interpretations, and what bridges can be built between ancient meaning and contemporary application?
What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?

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