Devine Scripture

James 1:22

What does James 1:22 mean?

A plain-English look at James 1:22 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What James 1:22 means

James issues a central command: be doers of the word, not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. Mere listening can create an illusion of spirituality while leaving life unchanged. True faith responds in obedience. The deception is subtle—knowledge without practice feels like progress, but it is empty. James calls for an integrated life where belief and behavior align. Doing does not earn salvation; it expresses living faith and guards against self-delusion. The Word aims to be enacted—lived out in choices, relationships, and habits. Those born by the Word prove it by a life that reflects its truth in tangible, humble action.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding your own selves.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deluding your own selves.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

But be doers of the word, and not only hearers of it, blinding yourselves with false ideas.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and become ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

But be ye doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

But be ye doers of [the] word and not hearers only, beguiling yourselves.

Context

This verse launches the key contrast developed through verse 25. After urging meek reception of the implanted word (verse 21), James insists that reception must lead to action. Verses 23–24 will illustrate the folly of hearing without doing using a mirror analogy. Verse 25 will then present the alternative—careful, persevering attention that results in practiced obedience and blessing. The flow brings the letter’s practical thrust into sharp relief.

v.21Wherefore putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

v.22This passage

v.23For 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:

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • 1 Corinthians 6:9

    Or know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with men,

  • James 2:14

    What doth it profit, my brethren, if a man say he hath faith, but have not works? can that faith save him?

  • Colossians 3:17

    And whatsoever ye do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

  • 2 Peter 2:13

    suffering wrong as the hire of wrong-doing; men that count it pleasure to revel in the day-time, spots and blemishes, revelling in their deceivings while they feast with you;

  • Matthew 28:20

    teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I commanded you: and lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.

  • Isaiah 44:20

    He feedeth on ashes; a deceived heart hath turned him aside; and he cannot deliver his soul, nor say, Is there not a lie in my right hand?

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