James 1:24

Authorized King James Version

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

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
κατενόησεν
he beholdeth
to observe fully
#2
γὰρ
For
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
#3
ἑαυτὸν
himself
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
#4
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#5
ἀπελήλυθεν
goeth his way
to go off (i.e., depart), aside (i.e., apart) or behind (i.e., follow), literally or figuratively
#6
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
εὐθέως
straightway
directly, i.e., at once or soon
#8
ἐπελάθετο
forgetteth
to lose out of mind; by implication, to neglect
#9
ὁποῖος
what manner of man
of what kind that, i.e., how (as) great (excellent) (specially, as an indefinite correlative to the definite antecedent g5108 of quality)
#10
ἦν
he was
i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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