James 1:25

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 Standard Bible

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Study note

Setting — James writes to Jewish Christians in the diaspora, setting the forgetful hearer of the previous verse against one who remains under the law of freedom.

The words — παρακύψας (parakupsas), aorist participle of παρακύπτω, means to bend down and look intently—a rare verb implying sustained, close attention rather than a casual glance.

The thread — "Blessed... if you do them" (John 13:17) and "hear the word of God and obey it" (Luke 11:28) share the same hearer-doer axis; "freedom" in "law of freedom" connects to 2 Corinthians 3:17, where the Spirit is the source of that freedom.

Why it lands — The verse makes blessing contingent on doing, not on understanding or even hearing; it strips away the comfort of passive familiarity with Scripture.

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

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.

Cross-references

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.
2 Corinthians 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.
1 Peter 2:16 Live in freedom, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as servants of God.
Luke 6:47 I will show you what he is like who comes to Me and hears My words and acts on them:
Galatians 5:1 It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not be encumbered once more by a yoke of slavery.
James 2:12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom.
John 8:31 So He said to the Jews who had believed Him, “If you continue in My word, you are truly My disciples.
1 Corinthians 15:58 Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
1 Timothy 4:16 Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.