James 1:25
New International Version
But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.

New Living Translation
But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.

English Standard Version
But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

Berean Standard Bible
But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so—not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer—he will be blessed in what he does.

Berean Literal Bible
But the one having looked intently into the perfect law, that of freedom, and having continued in it, not having been a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work--this one will be blessed in his work.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.

New American Standard Bible
But one who has looked intently at the perfect law, the law of freedom, and has continued in it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an active doer, this person will be blessed in what he does.

NASB 1995
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.

NASB 1977
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 shall be blessed in what he does.

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

Amplified Bible
But he who looks carefully into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and faithfully abides by it, not having become a [careless] listener who forgets but an active doer [who obeys], he will be blessed and favored by God in what he does [in his life of obedience].

Christian Standard Bible
But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer who works—this person will be blessed in what he does.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but one who does good works—this person will be blessed in what he does.

American Standard Version
But 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.

Contemporary English Version
But you must never stop looking at the perfect law that sets you free. God will bless you in everything you do, if you listen and obey, and don't just hear and forget.

English Revised Version
But 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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
However, the person who continues to study God's perfect teachings that make people free and who remains committed to them will be blessed. People like that don't merely listen and forget; they actually do what God's teachings say.

Good News Translation
But if you look closely into the perfect law that sets people free, and keep on paying attention to it and do not simply listen and then forget it, but put it into practice--you will be blessed by God in what you do.

International Standard Version
But the one who looks at the perfect law of freedom and remains committed to it—thereby demonstrating that he is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of what that law requires—will be blessed in what he does.

Majority Standard Bible
But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so—not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer—he will be blessed in what he does.

NET Bible
But the one who peers into the perfect law of liberty and fixes his attention there, and does not become a forgetful listener but one who lives it out--he will be blessed in what he does.

New Heart English Bible
But he who looks into the perfect Law of freedom, and continues, not being a hearer who forgets, but a doer of the work, this person will be blessed in what he does.

Webster's Bible Translation
But he who looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth in it, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Weymouth New Testament
But he who looks closely into the perfect Law--the Law of freedom--and continues looking, he, being not a hearer who forgets, but an obedient doer, will as the result of his obedience be blessed.

World English Bible
But he who looks into the perfect law of freedom and continues, not being a hearer who forgets but a doer of the work, this man will be blessed in what he does.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
but he who looked into [the] perfect law—that of liberty, and continued there, not becoming a forgetful hearer, but a doer of work—this one will be blessed in his doing.

Berean Literal Bible
But the one having looked intently into the perfect law, that of freedom, and having continued in it, not having been a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work--this one will be blessed in his work.

Young's Literal Translation
and 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.

Smith's Literal Translation
And he having stooped into the perfect law of liberty, and remained, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of work, he shall be happy in his doing.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But 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.

Catholic Public Domain Version
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.

New American Bible
But the one who peers into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres, and is not a hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, such a one shall be blessed in what he does.

New Revised Standard Version
But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act—they will be blessed in their doing.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But whoever looks into the perfect law of liberty, and abides in it, is not merely a hearer of the word which can be forgotten but a doer of the work, and this man shall be blessed in his work.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But everyone who gazes into The Perfect Law of Liberty and continues in it, he is not a hearer who heard what is forgotten, but is a doer of the works, and this one shall be blessed in his work.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But he that looks intently into the perfect law of liberty, and remains constant, being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, he shall be blessed in his deed.

Godbey New Testament
But the one having looked into the perfect law which is the law of liberty, and having remained in it, not being a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, he shall be happy in his work.

Haweis New Testament
But he that looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and perseveres, this man not being a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, he shall be blessed in his practice.

Mace New Testament
whereas, he that attentively considers the perfect law of liberty, and is attach'd thereto, he is not a forgetful hearer, but reduces it to practice, and his conduct is crown'd with hapiness.

Weymouth New Testament
But he who looks closely into the perfect Law--the Law of freedom--and continues looking, he, being not a hearer who forgets, but an obedient doer, will as the result of his obedience be blessed.

Worrell New Testament
But he who looks carefully into a perfect law—that of liberty—and remains by it, becoming not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work—this man shall be happy in his doing.

Worsley New Testament
But he that looketh well into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Hearing and Doing
24and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom, and continues to do so— not being a forgetful hearer, but an effective doer— he will be blessed in what he does. 26If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not bridle his tongue, he deceives his heart and his religion is worthless.…

Cross References
Matthew 7:24-27
Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. / The rain fell, the torrents raged, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because its foundation was on the rock. / But everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them is like a foolish man who built his house on sand. ...

Luke 11:28
But He replied, “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.”

John 13:17
If you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.

Romans 2:13
For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but it is the doers of the law who will be declared righteous.

Galatians 6:7-9
Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. / The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. / Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.

Philippians 4:9
Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me, put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.

Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it pierces even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It judges the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

1 John 3:22-24
and we will receive from Him whatever we ask, because we keep His commandments and do what is pleasing in His sight. / And this is His commandment: that we should believe in the name of His Son, Jesus Christ, and we should love one another just as He commanded us. / Whoever keeps His commandments remains in God, and God in him. And by this we know that He remains in us: by the Spirit He has given us.

Psalm 1:1-3
Blessed is the man who does not walk in the counsel of the wicked, or set foot on the path of sinners, or sit in the seat of mockers. / But his delight is in the Law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night. / He is like a tree planted by streams of water, yielding its fruit in season, whose leaf does not wither, and who prospers in all he does.

Psalm 19:7-11
The Law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is trustworthy, making wise the simple. / The precepts of the LORD are right, bringing joy to the heart; the commandments of the LORD are radiant, giving light to the eyes. / The fear of the LORD is pure, enduring forever; the judgments of the LORD are true, being altogether righteous. ...

Psalm 119:1-2
Blessed are those whose way is blameless, who walk in the Law of the LORD. / Blessed are those who keep His testimonies and seek Him with all their heart.

Psalm 119:9-11
How can a young man keep his way pure? By guarding it according to Your word. / With all my heart I have sought You; do not let me stray from Your commandments. / I have hidden Your word in my heart that I might not sin against You.

Psalm 119:97-100
Oh, how I love Your law! All day long it is my meditation. / Your commandments make me wiser than my enemies, for they are always with me. / I have more insight than all my teachers, for Your testimonies are my meditation. ...

Proverbs 4:20-22
My son, pay attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. / Do not lose sight of them; keep them within your heart. / For they are life to those who find them, and health to the whole body.

Proverbs 10:17
Whoever heeds instruction is on the path to life, but he who ignores reproof goes astray.


Treasury of Scripture

But whoever looks into the perfect law of liberty, and continues therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

looketh.

Proverbs 14:15
The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.

Isaiah 8:20
To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them.

2 Corinthians 13:5
Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

the perfect.

James 2:12
So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.

Psalm 19:7-10
The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple…

Psalm 119:32,45,96-105
I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart…

liberty.

John 8:32,36
And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free…

Romans 8:15
For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.

2 Corinthians 3:17,18
Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty…

and.

1 Samuel 12:14
If ye will fear the LORD, and serve him, and obey his voice, and not rebel against the commandment of the LORD, then shall both ye and also the king that reigneth over you continue following the LORD your God:

John 8:31
Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed;

John 15:9,10
As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love…

a forgetful.

James 1:23,24
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: …

this.

Psalm 19:11
Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward.

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Abides Acts Blessed Closely Continue Continues Continueth Deed Doer Effect Fixes Forgetful Forgets Free Freedom Gives Goes Hearer Intently Looks Makes Memory Obedience Obedient Perfect Putting Result Therein True. View Work Worketh
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Abides Acts Blessed Closely Continue Continues Continueth Deed Doer Effect Fixes Forgetful Forgets Free Freedom Gives Goes Hearer Intently Looks Makes Memory Obedience Obedient Perfect Putting Result Therein True. View Work Worketh
James 1
1. James greets the twelve tribes among the nations;
2. exhorts to rejoice in trials and temptations;
5. to ask patience of God;
13. and in our trials not to impute our weakness, or sins, to him,
19. but rather to hearken to the word, to meditate on it, and to do thereafter.
26. Otherwise men may seem, but never be, truly religious.














But the one who looks intently
The phrase "looks intently" suggests a deep, penetrating examination rather than a casual glance. The Greek word used here is "παρακύπτω" (parakyptō), which implies bending over to look closely. This indicates a deliberate and focused study of God's Word, akin to how one might carefully examine a precious artifact. In a historical context, this reflects the dedication of early Christians who, despite limited access to written texts, would gather to hear and meditate on Scripture with great care and attention.

into the perfect law of freedom
The "perfect law of freedom" is a profound concept. The Greek word for "perfect" is "τέλειος" (teleios), meaning complete or mature. This law is not a set of restrictive rules but a liberating guide that leads to spiritual maturity and freedom from sin. Historically, this reflects the transition from the Old Covenant, which was seen as a tutor leading to Christ, to the New Covenant, which offers true freedom through the Spirit. The "law of freedom" underscores the transformative power of the Gospel, which frees believers from the bondage of sin and empowers them to live righteously.

and continues to do so
The phrase "continues to do so" emphasizes perseverance and consistency. The Greek word "παραμένω" (paramenō) means to remain or abide. This suggests a continuous, ongoing engagement with God's Word, not a one-time event. In the early church, this perseverance was crucial for spiritual growth and resilience in the face of persecution. It highlights the importance of daily devotion and steadfastness in the Christian walk.

not being a forgetful hearer
"Forgetful hearer" contrasts with the attentive doer. The Greek word "ἐπιλησμονή" (epilēsmone) for forgetful implies negligence or carelessness. This serves as a warning against superficial engagement with Scripture. Historically, this reflects the oral culture of the time, where hearing was a primary means of learning, and memory was vital. The admonition is to internalize and remember God's Word, allowing it to shape one's life.

but an effective doer
An "effective doer" is one who acts upon what they have learned. The Greek word "ποιητής" (poiētēs) means a maker or producer, indicating active implementation. This reflects the biblical principle that faith without works is dead (James 2:26). In the historical context, early Christians were known for their acts of charity and service, living out their faith in tangible ways. This phrase encourages believers to translate their understanding of Scripture into practical, godly actions.

he will be blessed in what he does
The promise of being "blessed" is a recurring theme in Scripture. The Greek word "μακάριος" (makarios) denotes a state of happiness or divine favor. This blessing is not merely material but encompasses spiritual well-being and fulfillment. Historically, this reflects the beatitudes in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, where true blessedness is associated with living according to God's will. The assurance is that those who diligently study and apply God's Word will experience His favor and joy in their lives.

(25) But whoso looketh . . .--Translate, But he who looked into the perfect law of liberty and continued therein. The past tense is still kept to enforce the figure of the preceding verse. The earnest student of the Scriptures stoops down in humility of body and mind to learn what the will of their Author may be. He reads, as it were, upon his knees; and if he finds therein a law, it is one of liberty and not slavery, life and not death--although, as Dean Alford observes here, "not in contrast with a former law of bondage, but as viewed on the side of its being the law of the new life and birth, with all its spontaneous and free development of obedience."

Not a forgetful hearer . . .--Literally, not a hearer of forgetfulness, but a doer of work. Thus rendered, the words of the sentence balance each other, and comment is needless.

This man shall be blessed in his deed.--Or, as in the margin, doing. A return perhaps in thought to the Beatitudes, and the close of that Sermon on the Mount, of which they were the opening words. The blessedness of this humbly active Christian is like that of the wise man there spoken of "which built his house upon a rock" (Matthew 7:24-25).

Verse 25. - Application of the illustration in the form of a contrast. Looketh into (παρακύψας). For the literal sense of the word, see John 20:5, 11; Luke 24:12. The figurative meaning occurs only here and in 1 Peter 1:12. Properly it signifies to "peep into." See its use in the LXX., Genesis 26:8; Proverbs 7:6; Ecclus. 21:23. When used figuratively, it conveys the idea of looking into, but scarcely with that intensive force which is often given to it and for which ἐγκύπτειν would be required (see Dr. Field's 'Otium Norvicense,' p. 147). Its use in St. Peter, loc. cit., is easy enough to explain. Angels desire even a glimpse of the mysteries. But what are we to say of its use hero? Is it that, though the man took a good look at himself in the glass (κατανοεῖν, consider, is a very strong word; cf. Romans 4:19), yet he forgot what he was like, while the man who only peeps into the law of liberty is led on to abide (παραμείνας) and so to act? The perfect law of liberty; rather, the perfect law, even the law of liberty; νόμον τέλειον τὸν τῆς ἐλευθερίας. The substantive is anarthrous, yet the attributive has the article. This construction serves to give greater prominence to the attributive, and requires the rendering given above (see Winer, § 20:4). The conception of the gospel as a "law" is characteristic of St. James (cf. James 2:8, "the royal law," and James 4:11). A forgetful hearer (ἀκροατὴς ἐπιλησμονής); i.e. a hearer characterized by forgetfulness, contrasted with ποιητὴς ἐργοῦ, a doer characterized by work.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
But
δὲ (de)
Conjunction
Strong's 1161: A primary particle; but, and, etc.

the [one who]
(ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

looks intently
παρακύψας (parakypsas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3879: To stoop, peer in, look down, look intently. From para and kupto; to bend beside, i.e. Lean over.

into
εἰς (eis)
Preposition
Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.

[the] perfect
τέλειον (teleion)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5046: From telos; complete; neuter completeness.

law
νόμον (nomon)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3551: From a primary nemo; law, genitive case, specially, (including the volume); also of the Gospel), or figuratively.

of freedom,
ἐλευθερίας (eleutherias)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1657: Freedom, liberty, especially: a state of freedom from slavery. From eleutheros; freedom.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

continues to do so—
παραμείνας (parameinas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3887: To remain by, abide with; met: I persevere in. From para and meno; to stay near, i.e. Remain.

not
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

being
γενόμενος (genomenos)
Verb - Aorist Participle Middle - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1096: A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.

a forgetful
ἐπιλησμονῆς (epilēsmonēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1953: Forgetfulness, oblivion. From a derivative of epilanthanomai; negligence.

hearer,
ἀκροατὴς (akroatēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 202: A hearer of, a listener to. From akroaomai; a hearer.

but
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

an effective
ἔργου (ergou)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular
Strong's 2041: From a primary ergo; toil; by implication, an act.

doer—
ποιητὴς (poiētēs)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4163: (a) a maker, poet, (b) a doer, carrier out, performer. From poieo; a performer; specially, a 'poet'.

[he]
οὗτος (houtos)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

will be
ἔσται (estai)
Verb - Future Indicative Middle - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

blessed
μακάριος (makarios)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3107: Happy, blessed, to be envied. A prolonged form of the poetical makar; supremely blest; by extension, fortunate, well off.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

what
τῇ (tē)
Article - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

he
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

does.
ποιήσει (poiēsei)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4162: A doing, making, performance. From poieo; action, i.e. Performance.


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NT Letters: James 1:25 But he who looks into the perfect (Ja Jas. Jam)
James 1:24
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