James 1:27
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
3 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παρὰ
before
G3844
παρὰ
before
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
5 of 25
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
God
G2316
θεῷ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
7 of 25
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πατρὶ
the Father
G3962
πατρὶ
the Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
9 of 25
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
αὕτη
this
G3778
αὕτη
this
Strong's:
G3778
Word #:
10 of 25
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
ἐπισκέπτεσθαι
To visit
G1980
ἐπισκέπτεσθαι
To visit
Strong's:
G1980
Word #:
12 of 25
to inspect, i.e., (by implication) to select; by extension, to go to see, relieve
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 25
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
χήρας
widows
G5503
χήρας
widows
Strong's:
G5503
Word #:
15 of 25
a widow (as lacking a husband), literally or figuratively
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 25
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῶν
G846
αὐτῶν
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
19 of 25
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
ἑαυτὸν
himself
G1438
ἑαυτὸν
himself
Strong's:
G1438
Word #:
21 of 25
(him- her-, it-, them-, my-, thy-, our-, your-)self (selves), etc
τηρεῖν
and to keep
G5083
τηρεῖν
and to keep
Strong's:
G5083
Word #:
22 of 25
to guard (from loss or injury, properly, by keeping the eye upon; and thus differing from g5442, which is properly to prevent escaping; and from g2892
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
23 of 25
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
Cross References
Romans 12:2And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.Psalms 119:1Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD.James 4:4Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.1 Timothy 5:4But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to shew piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.1 Timothy 1:5Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:Luke 1:6And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.Psalms 68:5A father of the fatherless, and a judge of the widows, is God in his holy habitation.Matthew 5:8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.Isaiah 1:23Thy princes are rebellious, and companions of thieves: every one loveth gifts, and followeth after rewards: they judge not the fatherless, neither doth the cause of the widow come unto them.1 John 5:18We know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not; but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself, and that wicked one toucheth him not.
Historical Context
Many diaspora believers were poor, yet James calls them to care for those even more vulnerable. Early church history records practical ministries to widows (Acts 6) and orphans as a distinguishing mark. James, writing early, sets the trajectory for diaconal ministry that Paul and others later organize.
The exhortation also responds to accusations that Gentile-inclusive Christianity neglected Torah justice. James shows continuity with Old Testament ethics while emphasizing new covenant holiness amid pagan cultures.
Questions for Reflection
- Who are the modern 'orphans and widows' near you, and how can you visit them?
- What disciplines keep you unspotted from the world while serving in it?
- How can your church integrate mercy and holiness in its discipleship pathways?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. Pure (kathara, καθαρά) and undefiled (amiantos, ἀμίαντος) religion (thrēskeia, θρησκεία) before God the Father is this: visit (episkeptesthai, ἐπισκέπτεσθαι) orphans (orphanos, ὀρφανός) and widows (chēras, χήρας) in their affliction and keep oneself unspotted (aspilon, ἄσπιλον) from the world. James unites mercy and holiness as the twin marks of true worship.
Care for the vulnerable reflects God's character (Psalm 68:5), while moral purity resists assimilation to worldly values. This verse encapsulates the letter's themes: compassionate action, controlled life, and separation from worldliness—all flowing from gospel grace.