James 1:25

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#2
δὲ
G1161
But
but, and, etc
#3
παρακύψας
G3879
whoso looketh
to bend beside, i.e., lean over (so as to peer within)
#4
εἰς
G1519
into
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
#5
νόμον
G3551
law
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
#6
τέλειον
G5046
the perfect
complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with g3588) completeness
#7
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#9
ἐλευθερίας
G1657
of liberty
freedom (legitimate or licentious, chiefly moral or ceremonial)
#10
καὶ
G2532
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#11
παραμείνας
G3887
continueth
to stay near, i.e., remain (literally, tarry; or figuratively, be permanent, persevere)
#12
οὗτος
G3778
therein he
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#13
οὐκ
G3756
not
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
#14
ἀκροατὴς
G202
hearer
a hearer (merely)
#15
ἐπιλησμονῆς
G1953
a forgetful
negligence
#16
γενόμενος
G1096
being
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
#17
ἀλλὰ
G235
but
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
#18
ποιητὴς
G4163
a doer
a performer; specially, a "poet"
#19
ἔργου
G2041
of the work
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
#20
οὗτος
G3778
therein he
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
#21
μακάριος
G3107
blessed
supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off
#22
ἐν
G1722
in
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#23
τῇ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#24
ποιήσει
G4162
deed
action, i.e., performance (of the law)
#25
αὐτοῦ
G846
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
#26
ἔσται
G2071
shall be
will be

Analysis

Within the broader context of James, this passage highlights salvation through universal language and absolute statements. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by establishing foundational concepts crucial to James's theological argument.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of James Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

Questions for Reflection

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