Tag Archives: James 1:22

Faith That Works: Hearing Without Doing Is Self-Deception

Γίνεσθε δὲ ποιηταὶ λόγου καὶ μὴ μόνον ἀκροαταὶ, παραλογιζόμενοι ἑαυτούς. (James 1:22)

But become doers of the word and not only hearers, deceiving yourselves.

Exegetical Analysis

The imperative Γίνεσθε (“become”) is a present middle imperative, emphasizing an ongoing process of transformation rather than a one-time command. It pairs with the predicate nominative ποιηταὶ (“doers”) and the genitive λόγου (“of the word”), forming the phrase “become doers of the word.” The construction stresses identity and lifestyle, not merely action. The conjunction δὲ provides contrast or mild continuation from the prior verse. The phrase μὴ μόνον ἀκροαταὶ (“not only hearers”) sets up an antithesis with ποιηταὶ, placing mere listening in opposition to faithful response.… Learn Koine Greek

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