James 1:23

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - James 1:23-24

For if any be ... - The ground of the comparison in these verses is obvious. The apostle refers to what all persons experience, the fact that we do not retain a distinct impression of ourselves after we have looked in a mirror. While actually looking in the mirror, we see all our features, and can trace them distinctly; when we turn away, the image and the impression both vanish. When looking in the mirror, we can see all the defects and blemishes of our person; if there is a scar, a deformity,... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - James 1:23-24

James 1:23-24. If any be a hearer of the word merely, and not a doer If he do not comply with its design, do not so consider and believe it as to lay it to heart, and be influenced by its doctrines, obey its precepts, embrace and rely on its promises, revere and stand in awe of its threatenings, guarding against what would expose him to them; he is like a man beholding From custom or by accident; his natural face in a glass Without any intention to discover, and wash or wipe off, the... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - James 1:19-27

1:19-2:26 PUTTING BELIEF INTO PRACTICEThe Bible and everyday life (1:19-27)A tendency in human nature is for people to become ill-tempered, especially in times of difficulty or stress. Christians must not excuse their ill-temper by claiming that they are defending God’s honour. Such attitudes have no place in the Christian life. They must be replaced by new attitudes that arise from studying God’s Word and putting its teachings into practice (19-21).Christians must not merely read God’s Word,... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - James 1:23

unto = to. beholding . Greek. katanoeo. Genitive rendered "consider. " App-133 . his natural face . Literally the face (James 1:11 ) of his birth (Greek. genesis. Only here, James 3:6 , and Matthew 1:1 ). glass = mirror. Greek. esoptron. Only here and 1 Corinthians 13:12 read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - James 1:23

For 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:Hearer of the word ... The expression "the word," as used in New Testament times, is always a designation of the Christian gospel.The hearers who do not do are here compared to a man who glances at himself in a mirror and then goes away without making any move to cleanse his face. He just forgets all about what he might have seen, going on exactly as he was before. read more

Thomas Coke

Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - James 1:23

James 1:23. Like unto a man beholding his natural face, &c.— By way of opposition to the moral temper and disposition of his mind;—which he is to view in the glass of the gospel, and carefully regulate thereby; James 1:25. Perhaps some of them pretended, that Abraham believed, and that was counted unto him for righteousness; and therefore there was no occasion that they should be doers of the word, seeing they believed it, and were very ready to hear it: (See ch. James 2:14, &c.) as too... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - James 1:23

23. For—the logical self-deceit (James 1:22) illustrated. not a doer—more literally, "a notdoer" [ALFORD]. The true disciple, say the rabbis, learns in order that he may do, not in order that he may merely know or teach. his natural face—literally, "the countenance of his birth": the face he was born with. As a man may behold his natural face in a mirror, so the hearer may perceive his moral visage in God's Word. This faithful portraiture of man's soul in Scripture, is the strongest proof of... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - James 1:2-27

II. TRIALS AND TRUE RELIGION 1:2-27James began his letter, which is in many ways a lecture, by dealing with the problem of trials that all believers encounter. Jews who became Christians in the early history of the church experienced much antagonism and persecution from their unbelieving fellow Jews, as is clear in the Book of Acts. All Christians who take a stand for the Lord continue to have to deal with such trials. Thus James’ inspired advice is perennially relevant. read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - James 1:19-27

C. The Proper Response to Trials 1:19-27Having explained the value of trials and our options in trials, James next exhorted his readers to respond properly to their trials. In this section he stressed the Word of God because it is the key to resisting temptations and responding to trials correctly (cf. Matthew 4:1-11)."Receptivity to the Word, responsiveness to the Word, and resignation to the Word are essential to spiritual growth. One must accept God’s Word, act on it, and abide by it."... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - James 1:22-25

3. The complete response 1:22-25Whereas James 1:19-21 stress the importance of listening to the Word, James 1:22-25 emphasize the necessity of putting the Word into practice, applying it. read more

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