James 1:25
What does James 1:25 mean?
A plain-English look at James 1:25 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What James 1:25 means
James describes the blessed alternative: the one who looks intently into the perfect law—the law of liberty—and continues in it, not as a forgetful hearer but as an active doer. God’s law, fulfilled and internalized in Christ, is perfect and liberating; it frees us to love God and neighbor. Careful, ongoing attention to this law leads to obedient action, and such doing brings blessing in the very doing. The emphasis is on sustained, practical devotion. Freedom is not escape from obedience but empowerment for it. The Word scrutinized, remembered, and practiced yields a life aligned with God’s good design.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000But 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901But 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949But he who goes on looking into the true law which makes him free, being not a hearer without memory but a doer putting it into effect, this man will have a blessing on his acts.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and he who did look into the perfect law--that of liberty, and did continue there, this one--not a forgetful hearer becoming, but a doer of work--this one shall be happy in his doing.
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752But he that hath looked into the perfect law of liberty and hath continued therein, not becoming a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work: this man shall be blessed in his deed.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890But he that fixes his view on [the] perfect law, that of liberty, and abides in [it], being not a forgetful hearer but a doer of [the] work, he shall be blessed in his doing.
Context
This verse completes the hearer-versus-doer contrast begun in verse 22. After the negative mirror example (verses 23–24), James sets forth the pattern for fruitful engagement with God’s truth—intent attention, perseverance, and action. The blessing promised here connects back to the earlier beatitude for endurance (verse 12), showing that steadfast obedience under God’s law brings true life. Next, James will apply this principle to speech and compassion, defining genuine religion (verses 26–27).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Romans 7:22
For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:
- John 8:36
If therefore the Son shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.
- 1 Timothy 4:16
Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching. Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee.
- Isaiah 8:20
To the law and to the testimony! if they speak not according to this word, surely there is no morning for them.
- Colossians 1:23
if so be that ye continue in the faith, grounded and stedfast, and not moved away from the hope of the gospel which ye heard, which was preached in all creation under heaven; whereof I Paul was made a minister.
- Psalms 106:3
Blessed are they that keep justice, And he that doeth righteousness at all times.
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