James 1:22
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Original Language Analysis
Γίνεσθε
be ye
G1096
Γίνεσθε
be ye
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
1 of 10
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
λόγου
of the word
G3056
λόγου
of the word
Strong's:
G3056
Word #:
4 of 10
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
5 of 10
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
6 of 10
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
Cross References
Romans 2:13(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.John 13:17If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.James 4:17Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.1 John 2:3And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.Luke 11:28But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.Matthew 12:50For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.Colossians 3:17And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by him.Revelation 22:7Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.1 John 3:7Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.James 1:26If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.
Historical Context
Synagogue worship involved hearing Torah read weekly; diaspora Christians maintained similar patterns. James warns that inherited religiosity without obedience is worthless, echoing prophets like Isaiah. Paul likewise urges Romans to be doers of the law, not hearers only (Romans 2:13) when addressing Jewish hypocrisy.
The letter combats early antinomian distortions of Paul's gospel, clarifying that grace produces obedient doers empowered by the Spirit.
Questions for Reflection
- Where might you be deceiving yourself by hearing without doing?
- What practical system helps you translate Scripture into obedience?
- Who can encourage you to act on what God is teaching?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. James insists: become (ginesthe, γίνεσθε) doers (poiētai, ποιηταί) of the Word, not hearers (akroatai, ἀκροαταί) only, deceiving (paralogizomenoi, παραλογιζόμενοι) yourselves. Mere listening breeds self-delusion; obedience demonstrates genuine faith. The reflexive deception highlights how easily religious activity masks disobedience.
Reformed doctrine affirms justification by faith alone, yet the faith that justifies never remains alone. James confronts nominalism, showing that the implanted Word must be enacted. This anticipates chapter 2's discussion on faith and works.