James 1:23 nasb — For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror;

NASB

"For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror;"

— James 1:23, NASB

Read in Another Translation

5 of 21 translations

James 1:23 in Other Translations

7 versions All translations

James 1 — Context

20

for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.

21

Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.

22

But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves.

23

For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror;

24

for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was.

25

But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.

26

If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless.

James 1:23 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does James 1:23 say?
James 1:23 in the NASB reads: “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror;”
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 (NASB): “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror;” 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.
GodsGoodBook logo

GodsGoodBook

Making God's Word accessible to everyone

Experience the Bible like never before with multiple translations, powerful search tools, and features to make God's Word personal to you. Completely free, forever.

Features

15+ Bible Translations
Powerful Search Tools
Highlight & Annotate
Share Verses
100% Free Forever
© 2025 GodsGoodBookVersion 1.8.2