James 1:23 kjv — For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

King James Version

"For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:"

— James 1:23, King James Version

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James 1:23 in Other Translations

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James 1 — Context

20

For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

21

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

22

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

23

For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

24

For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

25

But 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.

26

If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain.

James 1:23 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does James 1:23 say?
James 1:23 in the King James Version reads: “For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:”
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 (KJV): “For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:” 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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