James 1:23 cpdv — For if anyone is a listener of the Word, but not also a doer, he is comparable to a man gazing into a mirror upon the f…

Catholic Public Domain Version

"For if anyone is a listener of the Word, but not also a doer, he is comparable to a man gazing into a mirror upon the face that he was born with;"

— James 1:23, Catholic Public Domain Version

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James 1:23 in Other Translations

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James 1 — Context

20

For the anger of man does not accomplish the justice of God.

21

Because of this, having cast away all uncleanness and an abundance of malice, receive with meekness the newly-grafted Word, which is able to save your souls.

22

So be doers of the Word, and not listeners only, deceiving yourselves.

23

For if anyone is a listener of the Word, but not also a doer, he is comparable to a man gazing into a mirror upon the face that he was born with;

24

and after considering himself, he went away and promptly forgot what he had seen.

25

But he who gazes upon the perfect law of liberty, and who remains in it, is not a forgetful hearer, but instead a doer of the work. He shall be blessed in what he does.

26

But if anyone considers himself to be religious, but he does not restrain his tongue, but instead seduces his own heart: such a one’s religion is vanity.

James 1:23 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does James 1:23 say?
James 1:23 in the Catholic Public Domain Version reads: “For if anyone is a listener of the Word, but not also a doer, he is comparable to a man gazing into a mirror upon the face that he was born with;”
Where is James 1:23 in the Bible?
James 1:23 is found in the New Testament, in the book of James, chapter 1, verse 23.
Who wrote James?
James is traditionally attributed to James, half-brother of Jesus, leader of the Jerusalem church. It was written c. AD 44–49.
What is the book of James about?
James is the New Testament's closest cousin to Old-Testament wisdom literature — pungent, practical, and uncompromising. Faith without works is dead. The tongue is a fire. The prayers of a righteous man avail much. It calls Christians to walk their talk.
What are the major themes of James?
James explores themes including Faith and Works, Wisdom, Speech, Suffering, Prayer. These themes shape the meaning and context of James 1:23.
What translation should I read James 1:23 in?
James 1:23 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize James 1:23?
James 1:23 reads (CPDV): “For if anyone is a listener of the Word, but not also a doer, he is comparable to a man gazing into a mirror upon the face that he was born with;” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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