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James 1:23 For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror,

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(Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/james/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/james/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />For if you listen to the word and don&#8217;t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/james/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/james/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/james/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />because if anyone is a hearer of <i>the</i> word and not a doer, this one is like a man looking at his natural face in a mirror,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/james/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/james/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/james/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/james/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/james/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/james/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/james/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />For if anyone only listens to the word without obeying it, he is like a man who looks very carefully at his natural face in a mirror;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/james/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like someone looking at his own face in a mirror.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/james/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his own face in a mirror. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/james/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />For if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a mirror:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/james/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />If you hear the message and don't obey it, you are like people who stare at themselves in a mirror <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/james/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />For if any one is a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a mirror:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/james/1.htm">GOD'S WORD&reg; Translation</a></span><br />If someone listens to God's word but doesn't do what it says, he is like a person who looks at his face in a mirror,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/james/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />If you listen to the word, but do not put it into practice you are like people who look in a mirror and see themselves as they are. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/james/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />For if anyone hears the word but is not obedient to it, he is like a man who looks at himself in a mirror <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/james/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/james/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />For if someone merely listens to the message and does not live it out, he is like someone who gazes at his own face in a mirror.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/james/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like someone looking at his natural face in a mirror;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/james/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />For if any is a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like a man beholding his natural face in a glass:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/james/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For if any one listens but does not obey, he is like a man who carefully looks at his own face in a mirror.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/james/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his natural face in a mirror; <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/james/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />because, if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, this one has been like to a man viewing his natural face in a mirror,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/james/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />because if anyone is a hearer of <i>the</i> word and not a doer, this one is like a man looking at his natural face in a mirror,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/james/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> because, if any one is a hearer of the word and not a doer, this one hath been like to a man viewing his natural face in a mirror,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/james/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />For if any is a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like a man observing the face of his creation in a mirror:<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/james/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />For if a man be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he shall be compared to a man beholding his own countenance in a glass. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/james/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />For if anyone is a listener of the Word, but not also a doer, he is comparable to a man gazing into a mirror upon the face that he was born with;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/james/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his own face in a mirror.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/james/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror;<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/james/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like a man who sees his face in a mirror;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/james/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />For if a man will be a hearer of the word and not a doer of it, this one is like one who sees his face in a mirror,<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/james/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />For if any one is a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like a man that looks at his natural face in a mirror:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/james/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />For if any one is a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like a man beholding his natural face in a mirror:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/james/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />For if any man be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like a man that looks at his natural face in a glass;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/james/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />for a bare auditor without practice is like one who sees his image form'd by a mirror:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/james/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />For if any one listens but does not obey, he is like a man who carefully looks at his own face in a mirror.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/james/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />Because, if anyone is a hearer of <i>the</i> word, and not a doer, he is like a man beholding his natural face in a mirror;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/james/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like a man beholding his natural face in a mirror,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/james/1-23.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0xUBCzqsAGw?start=185" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/james/1.htm">Hearing and Doing</a></span><br>&#8230;<span class="reftext">22</span>Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves. <span class="reftext">23</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/3754.htm" title="3754: hoti (Conj) -- Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.">For</a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tis (IPro-NMS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">anyone</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist."></a> <a href="/greek/202.htm" title="202: akroat&#275;s (N-NMS) -- A hearer of, a listener to. From akroaomai; a hearer.">who hears</a> <a href="/greek/3056.htm" title="3056: logou (N-GMS) -- From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.">the word</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">but</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ou (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not."></a> <a href="/greek/4163.htm" title="4163: poi&#275;t&#275;s (N-NMS) -- (a) a maker, poet, (b) a doer, carrier out, performer. From poieo; a performer; specially, a poet.">does not carry it out</a> <a href="/greek/3778.htm" title="3778: houtos (DPro-NMS) -- This; he, she, it. "></a> <a href="/greek/1503.htm" title="1503: eoiken (V-RIA-3S) -- To be like, resemble. Apparently a primary verb; to resemble.">is like</a> <a href="/greek/435.htm" title="435: andri (N-DMS) -- A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.">a man who</a> <a href="/greek/2657.htm" title="2657: katanoounti (V-PPA-DMS) -- To take note of, perceive, consider carefully, discern, detect, make account of. From kata and noieo; to observe fully.">looks</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: t&#275;s (Art-GFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">at his</a> <a href="/greek/1078.htm" title="1078: genese&#333;s (N-GFS) -- Birth, lineage, descent. From the same as genea; nativity; figuratively, nature."></a> <a href="/greek/4383.htm" title="4383: pros&#333;pon (N-ANS) -- From pros and ops; the front, i.e. The countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person.">face</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">in</a> <a href="/greek/2072.htm" title="2072: esoptr&#333; (N-DNS) -- A mirror, looking-glass (made of highly polished metal). From eis and a presumed derivative of optanomai; a mirror.">a mirror,</a> </span> <span class="reftext">24</span>and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.&#8230;<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> &middot; <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-27</a></span><br />Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. / But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/6-46.htm">Luke 6:46-49</a></span><br />Why do you call Me &#8216;Lord, Lord,&#8217; but do not do what I say? / I will show you what he is like who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them: / He is like a man building a house, who dug down deep and laid his foundation on the rock. When the flood came, the torrent crashed against that house but could not shake it, because it was well built. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/2-13.htm">Romans 2:13</a></span><br />For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but it is the doers of the law who will be declared righteous.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_corinthians/3-18.htm">2 Corinthians 3:18</a></span><br />And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/hebrews/4-12.htm">Hebrews 4:12</a></span><br />For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/john/13-17.htm">John 13:17</a></span><br />If you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/13-20.htm">Matthew 13:20-21</a></span><br />The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and at once receives it with joy. / But since he has no root, he remains for only a season. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, he quickly falls away.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ezekiel/33-31.htm">Ezekiel 33:31-32</a></span><br />So My people come to you as usual, sit before you, and hear your words; but they do not put them into practice. Although they express love with their mouths, their hearts pursue dishonest gain. / Indeed, you are to them like a singer of love songs with a beautiful voice, who skillfully plays an instrument. They hear your words but do not put them into practice.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/119-59.htm">Psalm 119:59</a></span><br />I considered my ways and turned my steps to Your testimonies.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/27-19.htm">Proverbs 27:19</a></span><br />As water reflects the face, so the heart reflects the true man.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/13-12.htm">1 Corinthians 13:12</a></span><br />Now we see but a dim reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-7.htm">2 Timothy 3:7</a></span><br />who are always learning but never able to come to a knowledge of the truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/25-1.htm">Matthew 25:1-13</a></span><br />&#8220;At that time the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. / Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. / The foolish ones took their lamps but did not take along any extra oil. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/isaiah/29-13.htm">Isaiah 29:13</a></span><br />Therefore the Lord said: &#8220;These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me. Their worship of Me is but rules taught by men.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/jeremiah/23-29.htm">Jeremiah 23:29</a></span><br />&#8220;Is not My word like fire,&#8221; declares the LORD, &#8220;and like a hammer that smashes a rock?&#8221;</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like to a man beholding his natural face in a glass:</p><p class="hdg">See on ch.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/james/2-14.htm">James 2:14-26</a></b></br> What <i>doth it</i> profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? &#8230; </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/jeremiah/44-16.htm">Jeremiah 44:16</a></b></br> <i>As for</i> the word that thou hast spoken unto us in the name of the LORD, we will not hearken unto thee.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/ezekiel/33-31.htm">Ezekiel 33:31,32</a></b></br> And they come unto thee as the people cometh, and they sit before thee <i>as</i> my people, and they hear thy words, but they will not do them: for with their mouth they shew much love, <i>but</i> their heart goeth after their covetousness&#8230; </p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/colossians/2-5.htm">Beholding</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-17.htm">Carefully</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-7.htm">Considering</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-9.htm">Doer</a> <a href="/james/1-2.htm">Face</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-18.htm">Glass</a> <a href="/ezekiel/33-4.htm">Hearer</a> <a href="/john/18-37.htm">Listens</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/3-18.htm">Mirror</a> <a href="/hebrews/2-4.htm">Natural</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-17.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/nehemiah/2-15.htm">Viewing</a> <a href="/james/1-22.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_peter/3-2.htm">Beholding</a> <a href="/james/1-24.htm">Carefully</a> <a href="/isaiah/57-1.htm">Considering</a> <a href="/james/1-25.htm">Doer</a> <a href="/james/5-10.htm">Face</a> <a href="/revelation/4-6.htm">Glass</a> <a href="/james/1-25.htm">Hearer</a> <a href="/1_john/4-6.htm">Listens</a> <a href="/job/37-18.htm">Mirror</a> <a href="/james/3-15.htm">Natural</a> <a href="/james/3-3.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/numbers/13-25.htm">Viewing</a> <a href="/james/3-2.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">James 1</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/james/1-1.htm">James greets the twelve tribes among the nations;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">2. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/james/1-2.htm">exhorts to rejoice in trials and temptations;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/james/1-5.htm">to ask patience of God;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/james/1-13.htm">and in our trials not to impute our weakness, or sins, to him,</a></span><br><span class="reftext">19. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/james/1-19.htm">but rather to hearken to the word, to meditate on it, and to do thereafter.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">26. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/james/1-26.htm">Otherwise men may seem, but never be, truly religious.</a></span><br></div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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In the Jewish tradition, hearing and doing were closely linked, as seen in the Shema (<a href="/deuteronomy/6-4.htm">Deuteronomy 6:4-9</a>), which calls for both listening and obedience. The New Testament frequently stresses the necessity of living out one's faith (<a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-27</a>; <a href="/luke/6-46.htm">Luke 6:46-49</a>). The concept of faith without works being dead is further elaborated in <a href="/james/2-14.htm">James 2:14-26</a>, underscoring the idea that genuine faith results in action.<p><b>is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror</b><br>Mirrors in the ancient world were typically made of polished metal, such as bronze, and provided a less clear reflection than modern glass mirrors. This imagery suggests a fleeting or superficial glance rather than a deep, introspective look. The metaphor of a mirror is used elsewhere in Scripture to illustrate self-examination and reflection (<a href="/1_corinthians/13-12.htm">1 Corinthians 13:12</a>). The mirror analogy in James highlights the futility of merely hearing the word without allowing it to transform one's life. The act of looking in a mirror and then forgetting one's appearance parallels the spiritual negligence of hearing the word without implementing it.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/james.htm">James</a></b><br>The author of the epistle, traditionally identified as James, the brother of Jesus. He was a leader in the early Jerusalem church and wrote to Jewish Christians scattered abroad.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/m/mirror.htm">Mirror</a></b><br>A metaphor used by James to illustrate self-examination and reflection. In the ancient world, mirrors were typically made of polished metal, providing a less clear reflection than modern glass mirrors.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_word.htm">The Word</a></b><br>Refers to the teachings and commandments of God as revealed in Scripture. It is the divine truth that believers are called to hear and obey.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_importance_of_action.htm">The Importance of Action</a></b><br>Hearing the Word is not enough; it must be accompanied by action. True faith is demonstrated through obedience and application of God's teachings in daily life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-examination.htm">Self-Examination</a></b><br>Just as a mirror reveals physical imperfections, the Word of God reveals spiritual shortcomings. Believers are called to examine themselves honestly and make necessary changes.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/transformation_through_the_word.htm">Transformation through the Word</a></b><br>The ultimate goal of looking into the "mirror" of God's Word is transformation. Believers should strive to reflect the character of Christ more accurately.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/a/avoiding_self-deception.htm">Avoiding Self-Deception</a></b><br>It is easy to deceive oneself by merely listening to the Word without acting on it. True discipleship requires a commitment to live out the teachings of Scripture.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/consistency_in_practice.htm">Consistency in Practice</a></b><br>Regular engagement with the Word and consistent application in life leads to spiritual growth and maturity. Believers should cultivate habits that reinforce their faith.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_james_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from James 1</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_'do_not_lose_heart'_mean.htm">What constitutes evil speaking?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_benefit_of_being_obedient.htm">What does being doers of the Word mean?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/are_you_aware_of_your_actions.htm">Are you paying attention to your own actions?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/purpose_of_the_bronze_laver.htm">What was the purpose of the bronze laver?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/james/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(23) <span class= "bld">He is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass.</span>--The Apostle points grimly to an example of this self-deception. <span class= "ital">He</span> (literally, <span class= "ital">this</span>)<span class= "ital"> is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a mirror.</span> Not a "glass," but a mirror of polished steel, such as are still used in the East. "His natural face," or <span class= "ital">the face of his birth</span>--the real appearance, that is, which the reflection of the Word of God, properly looked into, will afford the inquirer.<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/james/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verses 23, 24.</span> - Illustration from life, showing the folly of being led astray. <span class="cmt_word">His natural face</span> (<span class="greek">&#x3c4;&#x1f78;&#x20;&#x3c0;&#x3c1;&#x1f79;&#x3c3;&#x3c9;&#x3c0;&#x3bf;&#x3bd;&#x20;&#x3c4;&#x1fc6;&#x3c2;&#x20;&#x3b3;&#x3b5;&#x3bd;&#x1f73;&#x3c3;&#x3b5;&#x3c9;&#x3c2;</span> <span class="greek">&#x3b1;&#x1f50;&#x3c4;&#x3bf;&#x1fe6;</span>); literally, <span class="accented">the face of his birth.</span> The expression is an unusual one, but there is no doubt of its meaning. <span class="cmt_word">In a glass</span>; rather, <span class="accented">in a mirror</span>, <span class="greek">&#x1f10;&#x3bd;&#x20;&#x1f10;&#x3c3;&#x1f79;&#x3c0;&#x3c4;&#x3c1;&#x1ff3;</span>: cf. <a href="/1_corinthians/13-12.htm">1 Corinthians 13:12</a>, <span class="greek">&#x394;&#x1f30;&#x20;&#x1f10;&#x3c3;&#x1f79;&#x3c0;&#x3c4;&#x3c1;&#x3bf;&#x3c5;</span>. The mirror of burnished brass. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/james/1-23.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">For</span><br /><span class="grk">&#8005;&#964;&#953;</span> <span class="translit">(hoti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3754.htm">Strong's 3754: </a> </span><span class="str2">Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">anyone</span><br /><span class="grk">&#964;&#953;&#962;</span> <span class="translit">(tis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> </span><span class="str2">Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">who hears</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7936;&#954;&#961;&#959;&#945;&#964;&#8052;&#962;</span> <span class="translit">(akroat&#275;s)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_202.htm">Strong's 202: </a> </span><span class="str2">A hearer of, a listener to. From akroaomai; a hearer.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[the] word</span><br /><span class="grk">&#955;&#972;&#947;&#959;&#965;</span> <span class="translit">(logou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3056.htm">Strong's 3056: </a> </span><span class="str2">From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">&#954;&#945;&#8054;</span> <span class="translit">(kai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> </span><span class="str2">And, even, also, namely. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">does not carry it out</span><br /><span class="grk">&#960;&#959;&#953;&#951;&#964;&#942;&#962;</span> <span class="translit">(poi&#275;t&#275;s)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4163.htm">Strong's 4163: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) a maker, poet, (b) a doer, carrier out, performer. From poieo; a performer; specially, a 'poet'.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">is like</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7956;&#959;&#953;&#954;&#949;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(eoiken)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1503.htm">Strong's 1503: </a> </span><span class="str2">To be like, resemble. Apparently a primary verb; to resemble.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a man [who]</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7936;&#957;&#948;&#961;&#8054;</span> <span class="translit">(andri)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_435.htm">Strong's 435: </a> </span><span class="str2">A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">looks</span><br /><span class="grk">&#954;&#945;&#964;&#945;&#957;&#959;&#959;&#8166;&#957;&#964;&#953;</span> <span class="translit">(katanoounti)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Active - Dative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2657.htm">Strong's 2657: </a> </span><span class="str2">To take note of, perceive, consider carefully, discern, detect, make account of. From kata and noieo; to observe fully.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">at his</span><br /><span class="grk">&#945;&#8016;&#964;&#959;&#8166;</span> <span class="translit">(autou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> </span><span class="str2">He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">face</span><br /><span class="grk">&#960;&#961;&#972;&#963;&#969;&#960;&#959;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(pros&#333;pon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_4383.htm">Strong's 4383: </a> </span><span class="str2">From pros and ops; the front, i.e. The countenance, aspect, appearance, surface; by implication, presence, person.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">in</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7952;&#957;</span> <span class="translit">(en)</span><br /><span class="parse">Preposition<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> </span><span class="str2">In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">a mirror,</span><br /><span class="grk">&#7952;&#963;&#972;&#960;&#964;&#961;&#8179;</span> <span class="translit">(esoptr&#333;)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Dative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2072.htm">Strong's 2072: </a> </span><span class="str2">A mirror, looking-glass (made of highly polished metal). From eis and a presumed derivative of optanomai; a mirror.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/james/1-23.htm">James 1:23 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/james/1-23.htm">James 1:23 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/james/1-23.htm">James 1:23 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/james/1-23.htm">James 1:23 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/james/1-23.htm">James 1:23 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/james/1-23.htm">James 1:23 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/james/1-23.htm">James 1:23 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/james/1-23.htm">James 1:23 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/james/1-23.htm">James 1:23 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/james/1-23.htm">James 1:23 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/james/1-23.htm">NT Letters: James 1:23 For if anyone is a hearer (Ja Jas. Jam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/james/1-22.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="James 1:22"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="James 1:22" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/james/1-24.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="James 1:24"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="James 1:24" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>

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