New Testament

James 1:21

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

In this verse, James encourages believers to remove all moral impurities and the excess of wrongdoing from their lives.

Author: James, the brother of Jesus
Written: Around AD 45-50
Genre: Letter (epistle)
Original Audience: Jewish Christians scattered abroad

CBTClear Bible Translation

So strip away all filthiness and excess of wickedness, and humbly receive the engrafted word, which has the power to save your souls.

KJVKing James Version

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

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

In this verse, James encourages believers to remove all moral impurities and the excess of wrongdoing from their lives. He emphasizes the importance of humility in receiving the 'engrafted word,' which refers to the teachings of God that can transform and save us. The 'engrafted word' is not just information; it is a powerful truth that, when accepted with an open heart, can lead to spiritual salvation. This call to action highlights the need for self-examination and a willingness to change, as well as the necessity of being receptive to God's message. By doing so, believers can experience a profound change in their lives, aligning themselves more closely with God's will and purpose. Overall, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of purity, humility, and the transformative power of God's word in the life of a believer.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply James 1:21 to your life

To apply this verse, take time to reflect on areas in your life that may need cleansing. Actively seek to remove negative influences and attitudes. Approach God's word with an open heart, allowing its teachings to guide your actions and decisions, leading to spiritual growth.

Curated for this public verse page. James Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

How can I humbly receive the engrafted word?

Humbly receiving the engrafted word involves approaching God's teachings with an open and teachable heart. This means setting aside pride and preconceived notions, allowing the truth of Scripture to penetrate your heart. Engage with the Bible regularly, pray for understanding, and be willing to apply its lessons in your life, trusting in its power to transform you.

What is the 'engrafted word' in this verse?

The 'engrafted word' refers to the teachings of God that are deeply implanted in a believer's heart. It signifies the transformative power of Scripture when it is accepted and internalized. This word is not merely information; it is a living truth that, when embraced, can lead to spiritual renewal and salvation, shaping your character and guiding your actions.

Why is humility important in receiving God's word?

Humility is crucial because it allows you to approach God's word without bias or resistance. It opens your heart to receive guidance and correction, fostering a deeper understanding of His will. Humble individuals are more likely to recognize their need for growth and transformation, making them receptive to the life-changing power of Scripture.

How does this verse relate to spiritual salvation?

This verse emphasizes that the engrafted word has the power to save your souls, highlighting the connection between receiving God's teachings and experiencing spiritual salvation. By stripping away sin and humbly accepting His word, believers can undergo a profound transformation that leads to eternal life. It underscores the necessity of aligning one's life with God's truth for true spiritual renewal.

Book Summary

The Book of James

1

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, greets the twelve tribes scattered abroad. He encourages them to count it all joy when they fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of their faith produces patience. If any of them lacks wisdom, they should ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach. However, they must ask in faith, without doubting, for a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. The brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his exaltation, but the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the field he will pass away. Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life. No one should say when he is tempted that he is tempted by God, for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. Each person is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. James urges his beloved brethren to be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath. They must be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving themselves. Pure and undefiled religion before God is to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

2 James warns against holding the faith of Jesus Christ with partiality. He presents a scenario where a rich man in fine apparel and a poor man in filthy clothes enter their assembly. If they show deference to the rich man and contempt for the poor man, they have become judges with evil thoughts. God has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom. To show partiality is to commit sin and be convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law, and yet stumbles in one point, is guilty of all. He then transitions to the relationship between faith and works, stating that faith without works is dead. He argues that it is not enough to say one has faith; that faith must be demonstrated by actions. If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but does not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? He uses the examples of Abraham, who was justified by works when he offered Isaac, and Rahab the harlot, who was justified by works when she received the messengers. Just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. 3 James cautions his brethren against becoming teachers, knowing that they will receive a stricter judgment. He speaks of the power of the tongue, which, though a small member, boasts great things. It is like the bit in a horse's mouth or the rudder of a ship, able to direct the whole body. The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity, that defiles the whole body and is set on fire by hell. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it, they bless God and curse men, who are made in the similitude of God. This should not be. A fountain cannot send forth both fresh and salt water, nor can a fig tree bear olives. James then contrasts two types of wisdom. The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. But if they have bitter envy and self-seeking in their hearts, this wisdom is earthly, sensual, and demonic. Where envy and self-seeking exist, there is confusion and every evil thing. The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

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