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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>James 1:22 Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/james/1-22.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/59_Jas_01_22.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="James 1:22 - Hearing and Doing" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/james/1-22.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/james/1-22.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/james/">James</a> > <a href="/james/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 22</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad2.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/james/1-21.htm" title="James 1:21">◄</a> James 1:22 <a href="/james/1-23.htm" title="James 1:23">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv"><b>Verse</b><a href="/bsb/james/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><span class="versiontext"><a href="/niv/james/1.htm">New International Version</a></span><br />Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/james/1.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/james/1.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/james/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/james/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But be doers of <i>the</i> word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/james/1.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/james/1.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/james/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not just hearers who deceive themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/james/1.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/james/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/james/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But become doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/james/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But prove yourselves doers of the word [actively and continually obeying God’s precepts], and not merely listeners [who hear the word but fail to internalize its meaning], deluding yourselves [by unsound reasoning contrary to the truth].<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/james/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/james/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/james/1.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding your own selves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/james/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />Obey God's message! Don't fool yourselves by just listening to it. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/james/1.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding your own selves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/james/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Do what God's word says. Don't merely listen to it, or you will fool yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/james/1.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />Do not deceive yourselves by just listening to his word; instead, put it into practice. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/james/1.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />Keep on being obedient to the word, and not merely being hearers who deceive themselves. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/james/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />Be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/james/1.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But be sure you live out the message and do not merely listen to it and so deceive yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/james/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/james/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/james/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But prove yourselves obedient to the Message, and do not be mere hearers of it, imposing a delusion upon yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/james/1.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/james/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />and become doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/james/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />But be doers of <i>the</i> word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/james/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and become ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/james/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/james/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/james/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />So be doers of the Word, and not listeners only, deceiving yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/james/1.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />Be doers of the word and not hearers only, deluding yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/james/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/james/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But you be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.<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 />But be a doer of the word and not only a hearer, and do not deceive yourselves.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/james/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/james/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/james/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves by false reasoning.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/james/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />Don't delusively content your selves with being of the audience, but put what you hear in practice:<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/james/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But prove yourselves obedient to the Message, and do not be mere hearers of it, imposing a delusion upon yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/james/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />And become doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/james/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/james/1-22.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=177" 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>…<span class="reftext">21</span>Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls. <span class="reftext">22</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: Ginesthe (V-PMM/P-2P) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">Be</a> <a href="/greek/4163.htm" title="4163: poiētai (N-NMP) -- (a) a maker, poet, (b) a doer, carrier out, performer. From poieo; a performer; specially, a poet.">doers</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.">of the word,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3361.htm" title="3361: mē (Adv) -- Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.">not</a> <a href="/greek/202.htm" title="202: akroatai (N-NMP) -- A hearer of, a listener to. From akroaomai; a hearer.">hearers</a> <a href="/greek/3440.htm" title="3440: monon (Adv) -- Alone, but, only. Neuter of monos as adverb; merely.">only.</a> <a href="/greek/3884.htm" title="3884: paralogizomenoi (V-PPM/P-NMP) -- To deceive, beguile, reason falsely, mislead. From para and logizomai; to misreckon, i.e. Delude.">Otherwise, you are deceiving</a> <a href="/greek/1438.htm" title="1438: heautous (RefPro-AM3P) -- Himself, herself, itself. ">yourselves.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">23</span>For anyone who hears the word but does not carry it out is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror,…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <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 ‘Lord, Lord,’ 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="/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="/1_john/3-18.htm">1 John 3:18</a></span><br />Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-50.htm">Matthew 12:50</a></span><br />For whoever does the will of My Father in heaven is My brother and sister and mother.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/luke/11-28.htm">Luke 11:28</a></span><br />But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/philippians/4-9.htm">Philippians 4:9</a></span><br />Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.<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="/1_peter/1-22.htm">1 Peter 1:22</a></span><br />Since you have purified your souls by obedience to the truth so that you have a genuine love for your brothers, love one another deeply, from a pure heart.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_corinthians/15-58.htm">1 Corinthians 15:58</a></span><br />Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/galatians/6-7.htm">Galatians 6:7-9</a></span><br />Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. / Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-17.htm">Colossians 3:17</a></span><br />And whatever you do, in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/2_timothy/3-16.htm">2 Timothy 3:16-17</a></span><br />All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, / so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work.<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.</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But be you doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.</p><p class="hdg">be.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/james/4-17.htm">James 4:17</a></b></br> Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth <i>it</i> not, to him it is sin.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/7-21.htm">Matthew 7:21-25</a></b></br> Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven… </p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/matthew/12-50.htm">Matthew 12:50</a></b></br> For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.</p><p class="hdg">deceiving.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/james/1-26.htm">James 1:26</a></b></br> If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion <i>is</i> vain.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/isaiah/44-20.htm">Isaiah 44:20</a></b></br> He feedeth on ashes: a deceived heart hath turned him aside, that he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, <i>Is there</i> not a lie in my right hand?</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/obadiah/1-3.htm">Obadiah 1:3</a></b></br> The pride of thine heart hath deceived thee, thou that dwellest in the clefts of the rock, whose habitation <i>is</i> high; that saith in his heart, Who shall bring me down to the ground?</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/colossians/2-4.htm">Beguiling</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-3.htm">Deceive</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-13.htm">Deceiving</a> <a href="/colossians/2-4.htm">Delude</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-11.htm">Deluding</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-11.htm">Delusion</a> <a href="/romans/2-13.htm">Doers</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-19.htm">Hearers</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-18.htm">Ideas</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-1.htm">Imposing</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-24.htm">Mere</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-13.htm">Merely</a> <a href="/james/1-21.htm">Message</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-17.htm">Obedient</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-16.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-34.htm">Selves</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-9.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/james/1-21.htm">Word</a> <a href="/james/1-21.htm">Yourselves</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_peter/2-14.htm">Beguiling</a> <a href="/1_john/1-8.htm">Deceive</a> <a href="/james/1-26.htm">Deceiving</a> <a href="/colossians/2-4.htm">Delude</a> <a href="/galatians/6-3.htm">Deluding</a> <a href="/psalms/62-9.htm">Delusion</a> <a href="/2_kings/22-5.htm">Doers</a> <a href="/isaiah/32-3.htm">Hearers</a> <a href="/john/7-12.htm">Ideas</a> <a href="/2_samuel/23-21.htm">Imposing</a> <a href="/james/3-5.htm">Mere</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-3.htm">Merely</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-25.htm">Message</a> <a href="/james/1-25.htm">Obedient</a> <a href="/james/2-18.htm">Prove</a> <a href="/leviticus/11-43.htm">Selves</a> <a href="/james/2-7.htm">Themselves</a> <a href="/james/1-23.htm">Word</a> <a href="/james/2-4.htm">Yourselves</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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/james/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/james/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/james/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>Be doers of the word</b><br>This phrase emphasizes the importance of active obedience to God's commands. In the Jewish tradition, the Shema (<a href="/deuteronomy/6-4.htm">Deuteronomy 6:4-9</a>) calls for hearing and doing, reflecting a holistic approach to faith. The call to be "doers" aligns with Jesus' teachings in the Sermon on the Mount (<a href="/matthew/7-24.htm">Matthew 7:24-27</a>), where He compares those who act on His words to a wise man building on rock. The Greek term for "doers" (poiētai) suggests continuous, habitual action, indicating that faith must manifest in daily life.<p><b>and not hearers only</b><br>In the Greco-Roman world, rhetoric and listening were highly valued, but James warns against passive reception of the word. The early church faced challenges with believers who professed faith without corresponding actions, similar to the Pharisees criticized by Jesus (<a href="/matthew/23-3.htm">Matthew 23:3</a>). This phrase underscores the necessity of integrating faith with works, a theme echoed in <a href="/james/2-14.htm">James 2:14-26</a>, where faith without works is described as dead.<p><b>Otherwise, you are deceiving yourselves</b><br>Self-deception is a recurring biblical theme, warning against the dangers of superficial religiosity. The Greek word for "deceiving" (paralogizomai) implies a false reasoning or miscalculation. This warning parallels Jesus' rebuke of the Laodicean church in <a href="/revelation/3-17.htm">Revelation 3:17</a>, which was blind to its true spiritual state. The call to self-examination is crucial, as seen in <a href="/2_corinthians/13-5.htm">2 Corinthians 13:5</a>, urging believers to test their faith's authenticity.<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 and a leader in the early Jerusalem church. He is known for his practical approach to faith and emphasis on living out one's beliefs.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/e/early_christian_communities.htm">Early Christian Communities</a></b><br>The recipients of the letter, likely Jewish Christians scattered outside of Palestine, facing trials and needing encouragement to live out their faith authentically.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/j/jerusalem.htm">Jerusalem</a></b><br>The central hub of early Christianity and the location where James played a significant leadership role.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/a/active_faith.htm">Active Faith</a></b><br>True faith is demonstrated through action. Hearing the word is not enough; it must be lived out in daily life.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/self-deception.htm">Self-Deception</a></b><br>Merely listening to the word without acting on it leads to self-deception. Believers must examine their lives to ensure their actions align with their professed beliefs.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/i/integration_of_word_and_deed.htm">Integration of Word and Deed</a></b><br>The Christian life requires an integration of belief and practice. The word of God should transform our actions and decisions.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/continuous_growth.htm">Continuous Growth</a></b><br>Being a doer of the word is a continuous process. Believers should strive for ongoing growth and maturity in their faith journey.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/c/community_accountability.htm">Community Accountability</a></b><br>Engaging with a community of believers can provide support and accountability in living out the teachings of Scripture.<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/do_you_live_according_to_my_teachings.htm">Do you live according to My teachings?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_do_interpretation_and_application_differ.htm">How do interpretation and application differ?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_to_stay_true_to_god's_teachings.htm">How can we remain faithful to God's teachings?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_being_doers_of_the_word_mean.htm">What does being doers of the Word mean?</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>(22) <span class= "bld">Doers of the word.</span>--Acting up to the full of their knowledge, whether gained by the spoken or the written Word of God. There is a force in the original sentence, which our own language cannot supply. The term "deceiving" is the contrary of that rendered "word," and means its corruption; the Word which is the source of knowledge and life may be so handled as to cause error and death. No acquaintance with the Bible, apart from the practice of its precepts, will avail the Christian any more than it did the Jew. "For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers shall be justified" (<a href="/romans/2-13.htm" title="(For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified.">Romans 2:13</a>). Those who deceive themselves may not altogether be hypocrites; there is a subtler danger of being blind, and nevertheless exclaiming "We see." (Comp. <a href="/john/9-41.htm" title="Jesus said to them, If you were blind, you should have no sin: but now you say, We see; therefore your sin remains.">John 9:41</a>.)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/james/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 22.</span> - They are not merely to receive and <span class="accented">hear</span> the Word; they must also <span class="accented">act</span> upon it. Compare St. Paul's teaching in <a href="/romans/2-13.htm">Romans 2:13</a>, "For not the hearers (<span class="greek">ἀκροαταὶ</span>) <span class="accented">of</span> a law are just before God, but the doers of a law shall be justified." <span class="greek">Ἀκροατής</span> occurs nowhere else except in these passages. <span class="cmt_word">Deceiving your own selves</span> (<span class="greek">παραλογίζειν</span>); to lead astray by false reasonings; only here and in <a href="/colossians/2-4.htm">Colossians 2:4</a>. Not uncommon in the LXX. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/james/1-22.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">Be</span><br /><span class="grk">Γίνεσθε</span> <span class="translit">(Ginesthe)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> </span><span class="str2">A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">doers</span><br /><span class="grk">ποιηταὶ</span> <span class="translit">(poiētai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural<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">of [the] word,</span><br /><span class="grk">λόγου</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">and</span><br /><span class="grk">καὶ</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">not</span><br /><span class="grk">μὴ</span> <span class="translit">(mē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3361.htm">Strong's 3361: </a> </span><span class="str2">Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">hearers</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀκροαταὶ</span> <span class="translit">(akroatai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Nominative Masculine Plural<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">only.</span><br /><span class="grk">μόνον</span> <span class="translit">(monon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adverb<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3440.htm">Strong's 3440: </a> </span><span class="str2">Alone, but, only. Neuter of monos as adverb; merely.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[Otherwise,] you are deceiving</span><br /><span class="grk">παραλογιζόμενοι</span> <span class="translit">(paralogizomenoi)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3884.htm">Strong's 3884: </a> </span><span class="str2">To deceive, beguile, reason falsely, mislead. From para and logizomai; to misreckon, i.e. Delude.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">yourselves.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἑαυτούς</span> <span class="translit">(heautous)</span><br /><span class="parse">Reflexive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1438.htm">Strong's 1438: </a> </span><span class="str2">Himself, herself, itself. </span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/james/1-22.htm">James 1:22 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/james/1-22.htm">James 1:22 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/james/1-22.htm">James 1:22 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/james/1-22.htm">James 1:22 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/james/1-22.htm">James 1:22 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/james/1-22.htm">James 1:22 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/james/1-22.htm">James 1:22 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/james/1-22.htm">James 1:22 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/james/1-22.htm">James 1:22 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/james/1-22.htm">James 1:22 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/james/1-22.htm">NT Letters: James 1:22 But be doers of the word (Ja Jas. Jam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/james/1-21.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="James 1:21"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="James 1:21" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/james/1-23.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="James 1:23"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="James 1:23" /></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>