James 1:21
What does James 1:21 mean?
A plain-English look at James 1:21 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What James 1:21 means
James calls believers to put away all filthiness and the overflow of wickedness—moral grime that dulls the soul—and to receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save their souls. The Word, already planted by God in new birth, must be welcomed continually with humble submission. Meekness recognizes God’s wisdom and our need. Receiving is not passive; it involves rejecting sin’s residue and welcoming Scripture’s claim over our lives. Salvation here includes the ongoing rescue of our lives from sin’s power, not only initial conversion. God’s Word, received and obeyed, transforms character and secures our steps in trial.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Wherefore putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Wherefore putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For this reason, putting away all dirty behaviour and the overweight of evil, take into your souls without pride the word which, being planted there, is able to give you salvation.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862wherefore having put aside all filthiness and superabundance of evil, in meekness be receiving the engrafted word, that is able to save your souls;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Wherefore, casting away all uncleanness and abundance of naughtiness, with meekness receive the ingrafted word, which is able to save your souls.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Wherefore, laying aside all filthiness and abounding of wickedness, accept with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.
Context
Having urged restraint of speech and anger (verses 19–20), James now focuses on the inner preparation for hearing and doing God’s truth. This sets the stage for the sharp contrast in verse 22 between mere hearing and active obedience. The flow connects moral cleansing, humble receptivity, and practical outworking, showing how the new birth by the Word (verse 18) blossoms in a life shaped by that same Word.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- 2 Timothy 3:15
and that from a babe thou hast known the sacred writings which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
- Ephesians 4:22
that ye put away, as concerning your former manner of life, the old man, that waxeth corrupt after the lusts of deceit;
- Hebrews 12:1
Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
- Romans 1:16
For I am not ashamed of the gospel: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.
- Ezekiel 36:25
And I will sprinkle clean water upon you, and ye shall be clean: from all your filthiness, and from all your idols, will I cleanse you.
- Acts 13:26
Brethren, children of the stock of Abraham, and those among you that fear God, to us is the word of this salvation sent forth.
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