James 1:24

For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

For {G1063} he beholdeth {G2657} himself {G1438}, and {G2532} goeth his way {G565}, and {G2532} straightway {G2112} forgetteth {G1950} what manner of man {G3697} he was {G2258}.

who looks at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

and after observing himself goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.

for he beholdeth himself, and goeth away, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

James 1:24 KJV is a pivotal part of James's powerful analogy comparing the Word of God to a mirror. This verse describes the person who looks intently into this mirror (hears the Word) but then immediately walks away and forgets what they saw about themselves.

Context of James 1:24

This verse follows James's exhortation in James 1:22 to be "doers of the word, and not hearers only." He illustrates this point by saying that a mere hearer of the Word is like a man who "beholdeth his natural face in a glass" (James 1:23). Verse 24 then completes the negative example: the one who sees their reflection (their spiritual flaws or needs revealed by Scripture) but fails to internalize or act upon it, quickly forgetting the self-revelation.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Hearing vs. Doing: The core message is the futility of hearing God's Word without applying it. True faith is active and transformative, not merely intellectual assent.
  • Self-Deception: The individual in this verse is deceiving themselves (James 1:22) by believing that simply hearing is enough.
  • Forgetfulness and Superficiality: The immediate forgetting ("straightway forgetteth") highlights a superficial engagement with spiritual truth. It suggests a lack of genuine desire for change or a failure to let the Word penetrate deeply into the heart.
  • The Word as a Mirror: God's Word serves as a divine mirror, revealing our true spiritual condition, our sins, and our need for God's grace and transformation.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "beholdeth" is katanoeō (κατανοέω), meaning to observe carefully, to consider, or to perceive fully. This implies that the person doesn't just glance but actually looks with some attention. The problem isn't a lack of initial perception, but a failure to retain and respond. The phrase "straightway" (εὐθέως - eutheōs) emphasizes the immediacy of the forgetting, indicating a lack of lasting impact or commitment.

Practical Application

James 1:24 challenges believers to move beyond passive hearing to active obedience. Forgetting "what manner of man he was" after looking in the mirror of God's Word is a spiritual danger. To avoid this, we must:

  • Engage Actively: When we read or hear the Bible, we should actively seek to understand its implications for our lives.
  • Reflect and Remember: Take time to meditate on what the Word reveals about our character, attitudes, and actions.
  • Apply and Obey: The ultimate goal is to allow the Word to prompt change, leading to repentance, growth, and obedience. This aligns with Jesus' teaching about building on a solid foundation by hearing and doing His words.

This verse serves as a powerful reminder that spiritual growth comes not just from consuming information, but from transforming our lives in response to divine truth.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 2 Peter 3:11

    ¶ [Seeing] then [that] all these things shall be dissolved, what manner [of persons] ought ye to be in [all] holy conversation and godliness,

  • Luke 1:66

    And all they that heard [them] laid [them] up in their hearts, saying, What manner of child shall this be! And the hand of the Lord was with him.

  • Luke 7:39

    Now when the Pharisee which had bidden him saw [it], he spake within himself, saying, This man, if he were a prophet, would have known who and what manner of woman [this is] that toucheth him: for she is a sinner.

  • Judges 8:18

    ¶ Then said he unto Zebah and Zalmunna, What manner of men [were they] whom ye slew at Tabor? And they answered, As thou [art], so [were] they; each one resembled the children of a king.

  • 1 Thessalonians 1:5

    For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

  • Matthew 8:27

    But the men marvelled, saying, What manner of man is this, that even the winds and the sea obey him!

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