James 1:24
What does James 1:24 mean?
A plain-English look at James 1:24 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What James 1:24 means
The hearer-only sees himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what he was like. James underscores the tragic brevity of impression without application. Conviction fades as quickly as it came when no steps are taken. Forgetfulness here is moral, not merely mental; it reflects a will that refuses to respond. Such a person remains unchanged, despite encounters with truth. The verse warns against a cycle familiar to many: momentary insight, followed by distraction, then no transformation. God’s Word is a gracious mirror; we dishonor it when we walk away unchanged. Obedience cements remembrance; inaction erases it.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000for he beholdeth himself, and goeth away, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
KJV
King James Version · 1611For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901for he beholdeth himself, and goeth away, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949For after looking at himself he goes away, and in a short time he has no memory of what he was like.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862for he did view himself, and hath gone away, and immediately he did forget of what kind he was;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752For he beheld himself and went his way and presently forgot what manner of man he was.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890for he has considered himself and is gone away, and straightway he has forgotten what he was like.
Context
Concluding the mirror analogy begun in verse 23, this verse prepares for the positive counterexample in verse 25. The flow contrasts a cursory glance with sustained attention, immediate forgetfulness with persevering obedience. James is steering readers toward a way of engaging God’s Word that produces actual holiness and stability, fitting the letter’s overall concern for authentic, working faith.
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:
v.24This passage
v.25But he that looketh into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and so continueth, being not a hearer that forgetteth but a doer that worketh, this man shall be blessed in his doing.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Matthew 8:27
And the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him?
- 2 Peter 3:11
Seeing that these things are thus all to be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy living and godliness,
- Luke 7:39
Now when the Pharisee that had bidden him saw it, he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have perceived who and what manner of woman this is that toucheth him, that she is a sinner.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:5
how that our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance; even as ye know what manner of men we showed ourselves toward you for your sake.
- Luke 1:66
And all that heard them laid them up in their heart, saying, What then shall this child be? For the hand of the Lord was with him.
- Judges 8:18
Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men were they whom ye slew at Tabor? And they answered, As thou art, so were they; each one resembled the children of a king.
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