Bible Strands
James 1:24
and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — James addresses his readers concerning the practical consequences of hearing God’s word without obedience.
The words — ἐπελὲθετο (epelatheto) means “he has forgotten,” and κατενόησεν (katenoēsen) means “he has viewed.”
The thread — This phrase concludes the mirror analogy introduced in James 1:23 and is immediately contrasted with the effective doer in James 1:25.
Why it lands — The text states that a man who looks at his face in a mirror goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. This demands that readers treat Scripture not as a momentary observation but as a standard requiring retention and action.
Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.
The Greek words
King James Version
For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.
Cross-references
- 2 Peter 3:11 Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness
- Luke 1:66 And all who heard this wondered in their hearts and asked, “What then will this child become?” For the Lord’s hand was with him.
- Luke 7:39 When the Pharisee who had invited Jesus saw this, he said to himself, “If this man were a prophet, He would know who this is and what kind of woman is touching Him—for she is a sinner!”
- Judges 8:18 Next, Gideon asked Zebah and Zalmunna, “What kind of men did you kill at Tabor?” “Men like you,” they answered, “each one resembling the son of a king.”
- Matthew 8:27 The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!”
- 1 Thessalonians 1:5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with great conviction—just as you know we lived among you for your sake.