James 1:25
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.
Original Language Analysis
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
παρακύψας
whoso looketh
G3879
παρακύψας
whoso looketh
Strong's:
G3879
Word #:
3 of 26
to bend beside, i.e., lean over (so as to peer within)
εἰς
into
G1519
εἰς
into
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
4 of 26
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
νόμον
law
G3551
νόμον
law
Strong's:
G3551
Word #:
5 of 26
law (through the idea of prescriptive usage), genitive case (regulation), specially, (of moses (including the volume); also of the gospel), or figurat
τέλειον
the perfect
G5046
τέλειον
the perfect
Strong's:
G5046
Word #:
6 of 26
complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with g3588) completeness
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐλευθερίας
of liberty
G1657
ἐλευθερίας
of liberty
Strong's:
G1657
Word #:
9 of 26
freedom (legitimate or licentious, chiefly moral or ceremonial)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 26
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παραμείνας
continueth
G3887
παραμείνας
continueth
Strong's:
G3887
Word #:
11 of 26
to stay near, i.e., remain (literally, tarry; or figuratively, be permanent, persevere)
οὗτος
therein he
G3778
οὗτος
therein he
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
12 of 26
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
γενόμενος
being
G1096
γενόμενος
being
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
16 of 26
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἀλλὰ
but
G235
ἀλλὰ
but
Strong's:
G235
Word #:
17 of 26
properly, other things, i.e., (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations)
ἔργου
of the work
G2041
ἔργου
of the work
Strong's:
G2041
Word #:
19 of 26
toil (as an effort or occupation); by implication, an act
οὗτος
therein he
G3778
οὗτος
therein he
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
20 of 26
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
μακάριος
blessed
G3107
μακάριος
blessed
Strong's:
G3107
Word #:
21 of 26
supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
23 of 26
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Luke 11:28But he said, Yea rather, blessed are they that hear the word of God, and keep it.John 13:17If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them.1 Peter 2:16As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.James 2:12So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.Galatians 5:1Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage.1 Corinthians 15:58Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.1 Timothy 4:16Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.Proverbs 14:15The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.Romans 11:22Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off.Romans 8:15For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
Historical Context
James addresses believers wrestling with Mosaic law's role. As Jerusalem's leader, he affirms the law's continuity in moral demands while celebrating liberty from ceremonial bondage—harmonizing with Paul's teaching in Galatians 5. Diaspora Christians needed assurance that obedience to Christ's law leads to true freedom, even under oppression.
The term "law of liberty" counters the accusation that James is legalistic; he presents obedience as liberation from sin's tyranny, not capitulation to legalism.
Questions for Reflection
- How does viewing God's commands as the 'law of liberty' reshape obedience?
- What disciplines help you look intently and continue in the Word?
- Where might you need to persevere in doing despite cultural pressure?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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. The blessed hearer looks intently (parakypsas, παρακύψας) into the perfect law of liberty (nomon teleion ton tēs eleutherias, νόμον τέλειον τὸν τῆς ἐλευθερίας), continues in it, and becomes a doer who acts. James fuses Torah language with gospel freedom: the law fulfilled in Christ liberates rather than enslaves when obeyed by grace.
The verbs emphasize perseverance; the one who stays (paramenas) in the Word experiences blessing in doing. Reformed theology affirms the third use of the law: guiding believers into joyful obedience empowered by the Spirit.