James 1:21

KJV

Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

KJV (with Strong's)

Wherefore {G1352} lay apart {G659} all {G3956} filthiness {G4507} and {G2532} superfluity {G4050} of naughtiness {G2549}, and receive {G1209} with {G1722} meekness {G4240} the engrafted {G1721} word {G3056}, which {G3588} is able {G1410} to save {G4982} your {G5216} souls {G5590}.

Complete Jewish Bible

So rid yourselves of all vulgarity and obvious evil, and receive meekly the Word implanted in you that can save your lives.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and every expression of evil, and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save your souls.

American Standard Version

Wherefore putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
James 1:21 serves as a profound call to spiritual transformation, urging believers to actively cleanse themselves of moral impurity and malicious attitudes. It then exhorts them to humbly and receptively embrace the Word of God, described as "engrafted," because of its inherent power to bring about ongoing salvation and spiritual wholeness for their very souls. This verse encapsulates the essential prerequisites for genuine spiritual growth and the transformative power of divine truth.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within James's opening exhortations concerning the nature of true faith and practical Christianity. It immediately follows the crucial instruction in [James 1:19](/james/1-19 "James 1:19 - Be Quick to Hear, Slow to Speak, Slow to Wrath") to be "quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath," establishing the necessary internal disposition for receiving God's truth. The "wherefore" (G1352 _dió_) links this command directly to the preceding discussion about the source of good gifts from God ([James 1:17](/james/1-17 "Every Good and Perfect Gift")) and His sovereign will in bringing believers forth by the word of truth ([James 1:18](/james/1-18 "Born by the Word of Truth")). Thus, the reception of the Word is not merely passive but requires active preparation and a specific posture of heart, leading into the subsequent emphasis on being "doers of the word, and not hearers only" in [James 1:22](/james/1-22 "Be Doers of the Word").

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** James's epistle is addressed to "the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" ([James 1:1](/james/1-1 "Greeting to the Scattered Tribes")), indicating Jewish Christians dispersed throughout the Roman Empire. These early believers faced various trials, temptations, and internal struggles, as evidenced by the practical nature of James's counsel. The concept of "filthiness" and "naughtiness" would resonate with both Jewish purity laws and the prevailing moral decay of the Greco-Roman world. The emphasis on "meekness" (G4240 _praÿtēs_) would have stood in stark contrast to the cultural value placed on self-assertion and pride. Furthermore, the agricultural imagery of "engrafted" (G1721 _émphytos_) would have been readily understood in an agrarian society, highlighting the organic, life-giving nature of the Word when it takes root.

* **Key Themes:** James 1:21 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the epistle. It powerfully underscores the theme of **practical righteousness**, demonstrating that genuine faith is evidenced by moral purity and a transformed life, not just intellectual assent. It highlights the **supremacy and power of God's Word** as the divine instrument for spiritual birth ([James 1:18](/james/1-18 "Born by the Word of Truth")) and ongoing salvation. The call to "receive with meekness" emphasizes the theme of **humility and teachability**, which is a recurring motif in James, contrasting with the pride that leads to conflict and spiritual blindness (e.g., [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "God Resists the Proud")). Finally, the verse speaks to the theme of **holistic salvation**, encompassing not only deliverance from condemnation but also the ongoing process of sanctification and spiritual well-being for the entire person ("your souls").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **lay apart (Greek, _apotíthēmi'_):** This verb, a compound of "from" and "to put," signifies to "put away," "cast off," or "lay aside." It implies a deliberate, decisive act of renunciation, much like taking off old, soiled clothing. It suggests an active, volitional separation from that which is morally defiling, rather than a passive detachment.
* **filthiness (Greek, _rhyparía'_):** Derived from a word meaning "dirty" or "squalid," _rhyparía_ denotes moral uncleanness or turpitude. It refers to the inner defilement and moral squalor that contaminates the soul and hinders spiritual receptivity. This isn't just about outward actions but the internal state of impurity.
* **engrafted (Greek, _émphytos'_):** This adjective, meaning "implanted" or "inborn," describes something that has been deeply rooted or naturally growing within. In this context, it vividly portrays the Word of God as a living seed that, when received, takes root in the heart and produces life and spiritual fruit, becoming an intrinsic part of the believer's being.
* **save (Greek, _sṓzō'_):** This broad term means "to save," "deliver," "protect," or "make whole." While it certainly includes initial salvation from sin's penalty, in this context, connected to the ongoing reception of the Word and the state of one's "souls," it speaks to the continuous process of deliverance from sin's power, sanctification, and ultimate spiritual well-being and preservation.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness,"**: The opening "Wherefore" (G1352 _dió_) connects this command to the preceding truth about God's good gifts and the new birth by the Word. The imperative "lay apart" (G659 _apotíthēmi_) demands a decisive and complete (indicated by "all") removal of moral impurity. "Filthiness" (G4507 _rhyparía_) refers to moral defilement, while "superfluity of naughtiness" (G4050 _perisseía_ G2549 _kakía_) indicates an "excess" or "overflow" of "evil," "malice," or "depravity." This phrase points to the abundance of moral corruption, both inward attitudes and outward expressions of sin, that must be shed. This act of purification is a prerequisite for proper reception of the Word.
* **"and receive with meekness the engrafted word,"**: Following the negative command to put off sin, there is a positive command to "receive" (G1209 _déchomai_). This reception is not passive but an active, welcoming embrace. The manner of reception is crucial: "with meekness" (G1722 _en_ G4240 _praÿtēs_). This "meekness" is not weakness but a humble, gentle, and teachable spirit that submits to God's truth without resistance or pride. The object of reception is "the engrafted word" (G1721 _émphytos_ G3056 _lógos_), which pictures the Word as something divinely implanted, like a seed taking root within the heart, suggesting its organic, transformative power when truly internalized.
* **"which is able to save your souls."**: The verse concludes with the profound power and purpose of the engrafted Word. It "is able" (G1410 _dýnamai_), possessing inherent divine power, "to save" (G4982 _sṓzō_) the believer's "souls" (G5590 _psychḗ_). This refers to a comprehensive salvation, encompassing not only initial justification but also the ongoing process of sanctification, deliverance from sin's dominion, and the ultimate preservation of the entire person (represented by "souls") for eternity. The Word is the instrument through which God works this spiritual wholeness.

#### Literary Devices
James employs several powerful literary devices in this verse. The use of **Imperative Mood** ("lay apart," "receive") highlights the urgent and non-negotiable nature of these commands, emphasizing the believer's active responsibility in their spiritual journey. A striking **Metaphor** is found in "the engrafted word," which draws on agricultural imagery. This metaphor conveys the idea of the Word as a living seed that, when planted in a receptive heart, takes root, grows, and produces life, implying an organic, internal, and transformative process. There is also a clear **Contrast** established between the "filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness" that must be shed and the "meekness" with which the Word must be received. This juxtaposition underscores the radical change in disposition required for spiritual growth. Finally, the use of "souls" can be seen as a **Synecdoche**, where a part (the soul) represents the whole person, emphasizing the deep, internal, and comprehensive nature of the salvation and transformation wrought by the Word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
James 1:21 is a foundational statement on the dynamic relationship between human responsibility and divine power in the process of salvation and sanctification. It teaches that while God's Word is inherently powerful and life-giving, its efficacy in the believer's life is contingent upon a prepared heart—one that has actively renounced sin and humbly submitted to divine truth. This verse underscores the biblical principle that true spiritual growth is not passive but requires active participation in cleansing oneself from moral impurities and cultivating a teachable spirit. It highlights the Word of God as the primary means by which God accomplishes His saving and sanctifying work in the lives of His people, leading them from spiritual birth to ongoing maturity and ultimate deliverance.

* [1 Peter 1:23](/1-peter/1-23 "Born Again Through the Living Word"): "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever."
* [Colossians 3:8](/colossians/3-8 "Put Off Anger, Malice, and Filthy Language"): "But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth."
* [Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "The Living and Active Word of God"): "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
James 1:21 presents a two-fold challenge and invitation for every believer. First, it calls for a rigorous and ongoing self-examination, prompting us to identify and actively "lay apart" any "filthiness" or "superfluity of naughtiness" that hinders our spiritual walk. This isn't a one-time act but a continuous process of repentance and purification, acknowledging that sin, in all its forms—whether overt actions or subtle attitudes of malice and depravity—creates a barrier to God's truth. Second, it urges us to cultivate a posture of profound humility and receptivity towards God's Word. To "receive with meekness" means approaching Scripture not with pride, skepticism, or a desire to merely affirm our existing beliefs, but with a teachable spirit, eager to be corrected, transformed, and guided by its divine wisdom. When we actively remove spiritual debris and humbly open our hearts, the "engrafted word" can truly take root, becoming a living, saving force that continually transforms our "souls" and leads us into deeper conformity with Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "filthiness" or "superfluity of naughtiness" might I need to actively "lay apart" in my life today to better receive God's Word?**
* **In what ways do I approach Scripture with a spirit of "meekness" or, conversely, with pride or resistance?**
* **How can I more intentionally allow the "engrafted word" to take deeper root and "save my soul" in its ongoing process of sanctification?**
* **What practical steps can I take to ensure I am not just a "hearer" but a "doer" of the Word, allowing it to transform my inner being?**

### FAQ

**What does "filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness" refer to?**

Answer: "Filthiness" (Greek: G4507 _rhyparía_) refers to moral uncleanness or defilement, often associated with spiritual squalor. It encompasses both outward sinful acts and the inward impurity of the heart. "Superfluity of naughtiness" (Greek: G4050 _perisseía_ G2549 _kakía_) translates to an "abundance" or "excess" of "evil" or "malice." This phrase speaks to the overflowing depravity and moral corruption that can reside within a person, manifesting as ill-will, wickedness, or a general disposition towards evil. Together, these terms describe the comprehensive moral pollution, both internal and external, that must be actively shed by believers to prepare their hearts for God's transforming Word. It's a call to put off all forms of sin that hinder spiritual receptivity, echoing similar exhortations in [Ephesians 4:22](/ephesians/4-22 "Put Off the Old Self") and [Colossians 3:8](/colossians/3-8 "Put Off Anger, Malice, and Filthy Language").

**What is the meaning of "the engrafted word"?**

Answer: "The engrafted word" (Greek: G1721 _émphytos_ G3056 _lógos_) uses powerful agricultural imagery. The term "engrafted" means "implanted" or "inborn," like a shoot grafted onto a tree or a seed planted in the ground. It suggests that the Word of God is not merely external information to be passively heard, but a living, organic entity designed to be deeply rooted within the believer's heart and mind. When received with meekness, it becomes an intrinsic part of one's spiritual being, growing and producing spiritual life and fruit. This concept highlights the Word's transformative power, working from the inside out, much like a living seed that takes hold and brings forth new life, as seen in [1 Peter 1:23](/1-peter/1-23 "Born Again Through the Living Word").

**How is the "engrafted word" able to "save your souls"?**

Answer: The "engrafted word" is able to "save your souls" (Greek: G4982 _sṓzō_ G5590 _psychḗ_) in a comprehensive sense. While initial salvation (justification) is a one-time event, the Bible often speaks of salvation as an ongoing process of sanctification—being continually delivered from the power and presence of sin. The Word of God, when deeply rooted and obeyed, provides guidance, conviction, correction, and encouragement, leading believers in a life of holiness and conformity to Christ. It preserves them through trials, protects them from error, and empowers them to overcome temptation. Ultimately, it leads to the final glorification and eternal well-being of the entire person, represented by "souls." This ongoing saving work of the Word is vital for sustained spiritual health and growth, as the Word is "living and active" ([Hebrews 4:12](/hebrews/4-12 "The Living and Active Word of God")) and equips believers for every good work ([2 Timothy 3:16-17](/2-timothy/3-16-17 "All Scripture is God-Breathed")).

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
James 1:21 finds its ultimate and profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is Himself the living Word of God. John's Gospel declares that in the beginning was the [Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God](/john/1-1 "The Word Was God"). This divine Word, Jesus, became flesh and dwelt among us ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "The Word Became Flesh")), embodying the very truth and life that James speaks of. It is through Christ that we are cleansed from all "filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness," for He is the [Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God"), and His blood purifies us from all unrighteousness ([1 John 1:7](/1-john/1-7 "Cleansing by the Blood of Jesus")). When we "receive with meekness the engrafted word," we are, in essence, receiving Christ Himself into our lives, allowing His Spirit to implant His truth within us. He is the one who "is able to save your souls," not merely through a set of doctrines, but through His atoning work on the cross and His resurrection power. He is the author and perfecter of our faith ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of Faith")), and it is by His life, death, and resurrection that our souls are truly saved, sanctified, and eternally preserved. Thus, the "engrafted word" is not just a text, but the person of Jesus Christ, who indwells believers and works His transformative power within them, leading to complete salvation.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ephesians 4:22

That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts;

Ephesians 1:13

In whom ye also [trusted], after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

1 Peter 2:11

Dearly beloved, I beseech [you] as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;

John 6:63

It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, [they] are spirit, and [they] are life.

Psalms 25:9

The meek will he guide in judgment: and the meek will he teach his way.

Colossians 3:5

¶ Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry:

Colossians 3:8

¶ But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.