KJV: Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.
YLT: religion pure and undefiled with the God and Father is this, to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation -- unspotted to keep himself from the world.
Darby: Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
ASV: Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this, to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
θρησκεία | Religion |
Parse: Noun, Nominative Feminine Singular Root: θρησκεία Sense: religious worship. |
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καθαρὰ | pure |
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Feminine Singular Root: καθαρός Sense: clean, pure. |
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ἀμίαντος | undefiled |
Parse: Adjective, Nominative Feminine Singular Root: ἀμίαντος Sense: not defiled, unsoiled. |
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παρὰ | before |
Parse: Preposition Root: παρά Sense: from, of at, by, besides, near. |
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Θεῷ | God |
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular Root: θεός Sense: a god or goddess, a general name of deities or divinities. |
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Πατρὶ | Father |
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular Root: προπάτωρ Sense: generator or male ancestor. |
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αὕτη | this |
Parse: Demonstrative Pronoun, Nominative Feminine Singular Root: οὗτος Sense: this. |
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ἐπισκέπτεσθαι | to visit |
Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Middle or Passive Root: ἐπισκέπτομαι Sense: to look upon or after, to inspect, examine with the eyes. |
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ὀρφανοὺς | orphans |
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Masculine Plural Root: ὀρφανός Sense: bereft (of a father, of parents). |
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χήρας | widows |
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Plural Root: χήρα Sense: a widow. |
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θλίψει | tribulation |
Parse: Noun, Dative Feminine Singular Root: θλῖψις Sense: a pressing, pressing together, pressure. |
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αὐτῶν | of them |
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural Root: αὐτός Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself. |
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ἄσπιλον | unstained |
Parse: Adjective, Accusative Masculine Singular Root: ἄσπιλος Sense: spotless. |
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ἑαυτὸν | oneself |
Parse: Reflexive Pronoun, Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Singular Root: ἑαυτοῦ Sense: himself, herself, itself, themselves. |
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τηρεῖν | to keep |
Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Active Root: τηρέω Sense: to attend to carefully, take care of. |
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κόσμου | world |
Parse: Noun, Genitive Masculine Singular Root: κόσμος Sense: an apt and harmonious arrangement or constitution, order, government. |
Greek Commentary for James 1:27
Numerous examples in papyri and inscriptions of τρησκεια thrēskeia for ritual and reverential worship in the Roman Empire (Moulton and Milligan‘s Vocabulary; Deissmann, St. Paul, p. 251). As Hort shows, this is not a definition of religion or religious worship, but only a pertinent illustration of the right spirit of religion which leads to such acts. [source]
By the side of Αμιαντος Amiantos (compound verbal adjective, alpha privative, μιαινω miainō to defile), puts in negative form (cf. James 1:4, James 1:6) the idea in καταρα kathara (pure, clean). This Feminine demonstrative pronoun in the predicate agreeing with τρησκεια thrēskeia visit Epexegetic (explaining αυτη hautē) present middle infinitive of επισκεπτομαι episkeptomai common verb to go to see, to inspect, present tense for habit of going to see. See Matthew 25:36, Matthew 25:43 for visiting the sick.The fatherless and widows (ορπανους και χηρας orphanous kai chēras). “The natural objects of charity in the community” (Ropes). Ορπανος Orphanos is old word for bereft of father or mother or both. In N.T. only here and John 14:18. Note order (orphans before widows).Unspotted Old adjective (alpha privative and σπιλος spilos spot), spotless. This the more important of the two illustrations and the hardest to execute.To keep (τηρειν tērein). Present active infinitive, “to keep on keeping oneself un-specked from the world” (a world, κοσμος kosmos full of dirt and slime that bespatters the best of men). [source]
“The natural objects of charity in the community” (Ropes). Ορπανος Orphanos is old word for bereft of father or mother or both. In N.T. only here and John 14:18. Note order (orphans before widows). [source]
Old adjective (alpha privative and σπιλος spilos spot), spotless. This the more important of the two illustrations and the hardest to execute.To keep (τηρειν tērein). Present active infinitive, “to keep on keeping oneself un-specked from the world” (a world, κοσμος kosmos full of dirt and slime that bespatters the best of men). [source]
Present active infinitive, “to keep on keeping oneself un-specked from the world” (a world, κοσμος kosmos full of dirt and slime that bespatters the best of men). [source]
See on 1 Peter 1:4. The two adjectivespure and undefiled, present the positive and negative sides of purity. [source]
See on Matthew 25:36. James strikes a downright blow here at ministry by proxy, or by mere gifts of money. Pure and undefiled religion demands personal contact with the world's sorrow: to visit the afflicted, and to visit them in their affliction. “The rich man, prodigal of money, which is to him of little value, but altogether incapable of devoting any personal attention to the object of his alms, often injures society by his donations; but this is rarely the case with that far nobler charity which makes men familiar with the haunts of wretchedness, and follows the object of its care through all the phases of his life” (Lecky, “History of European Morals,” ii., 98). [source]
See on 1 Peter 1:4. [source]
See on 1 Peter 1:19. [source]
Reverse Greek Commentary Search for James 1:27
Literally, bereft or orphans. Only here and James 1:27, where it is rendered fatherless. Compare my little children (John 13:33). “He hath not left us without a rule (John 13:34); nor without an example (John 13:15); nor without a motive (John 14:15); nor without a strength (John 15:5); nor without a warning (John 15:2, John 15:6); nor without a Comforter (John 14:18); nor without a reward (John 14:2) (James Ford, “The Gospel of St. John Illustrated”). [source]
Future active of απιημι aphiēmi to send away, to leave behind. Desolate Old word The only other N.T. example is in James 1:27 where it means “fatherless.” I come Futuristic present as in John 14:3. [source]
First aorist middle indicative of επισκεπτομαι episkeptomai old verb to look upon, to look after, provide for. This same verb occurs in James 1:27 and is one of various points of similarity between this speech of James in Acts and the Epistle of James as shown by Mayor in his Commentary on James. Somehow Luke may have obtained notes of these various addresses. [source]
The Aramaic form of Simon as in 2 Peter 2:1. This little touch would show his affinities with the Jewish Christians (not the Judaizers). This Aramaic form is used also in Luke 2:25, Luke 2:34 of the old prophet in the temple. Possibly both forms (Symeon, Aramaic, and Simon, Greek) were current in Jerusalem. How (κατως kathōs). Strictly, “according as,” here like ος hos in indirect discourse somewhat like the epexegetic or explanatory use in 3 Jo Luke 1:3. First Told by Peter in Acts 15:7. James notes, as Peter did, that this experience of Barnabas and Paul is not the beginning of work among the Gentiles. Did visit (επεσκεπσατο epeskepsato). First aorist middle indicative of επισκεπτομαι episkeptomai old verb to look upon, to look after, provide for. This same verb occurs in James 1:27 and is one of various points of similarity between this speech of James in Acts and the Epistle of James as shown by Mayor in his Commentary on James. Somehow Luke may have obtained notes of these various addresses. To take from the Gentiles a people for his name Bengel calls this egregium paradoxon, a chosen people This is what is really involved in what took place at Caesarea at the hands of Peter and the campaign of Barnabas and Paul from Antioch. But such a claim of God‘s purpose called for proof from Scripture to convince Jews and this is precisely what James undertakes to give. This new Israel from among the Gentiles is one of Paul‘s great doctrines as set forth in Galatians 3; Romans 9-11. Note the use of God‘s “name” here for “the Israel of God” (Galatians 6:16). [source]
Told by Peter in Acts 15:7. James notes, as Peter did, that this experience of Barnabas and Paul is not the beginning of work among the Gentiles. Did visit (επεσκεπσατο epeskepsato). First aorist middle indicative of επισκεπτομαι episkeptomai old verb to look upon, to look after, provide for. This same verb occurs in James 1:27 and is one of various points of similarity between this speech of James in Acts and the Epistle of James as shown by Mayor in his Commentary on James. Somehow Luke may have obtained notes of these various addresses. To take from the Gentiles a people for his name Bengel calls this egregium paradoxon, a chosen people This is what is really involved in what took place at Caesarea at the hands of Peter and the campaign of Barnabas and Paul from Antioch. But such a claim of God‘s purpose called for proof from Scripture to convince Jews and this is precisely what James undertakes to give. This new Israel from among the Gentiles is one of Paul‘s great doctrines as set forth in Galatians 3; Romans 9-11. Note the use of God‘s “name” here for “the Israel of God” (Galatians 6:16). [source]
See on religious, James 1:26. Defining the direction which their humility assumed. The usage of the Septuagint and of the New Testament limits the meaning to the external aspects of worship. Compare Acts 26:5; James 1:27. [source]
N.T.oolxx. Rev. better, being bereaved of you. From ὀρφανός bereftSee Mark 12:40, John 14:18; James 1:27. The word suggests the intimate personal fellowship of the writer with his readers. The separation was like that between parents and children. Comp. 1 Thessalonians 2:7, 1 Thessalonians 2:8. [source]
Unsullied. Comp. James 1:27; 1 Peter 1:19; 2 Peter 3:14. [source]
Comp. 1 Timothy 6:14. Enjoining positively what was enjoined negatively in the preceding clause. For pure see on 1 John 3:3. For keep see on reserved, 1 Peter 1:4. The phrase ἑαυτὸν τηρεῖν to keep one's self, in James 1:27; 2 Corinthians 11:9. [source]
Γάμος everywhere else in N.T. a wedding or wedding feast, often in the plural, as Matthew 22:2, Matthew 22:3, Matthew 22:4; Luke 12:36. Τίμιος honorableor held in honor. Often in N.T. precious, of gold, stones, etc., as 1 Corinthians 3:12; Revelation 17:4; Revelation 18:12; of life, Acts 20:24; the fruits of the earth, James 5:7; the blood of Christ, 1 Peter 1:19; the divine promises, 2 Peter 1:4. Rend. “let marriage be had in honor.” The statement is hortatory, as suiting the character of the entire context, and especially the γὰρ for“for whoremongers,” etc. Ἑν πᾶσιν in all respects,” as 1 Timothy 3:11; 2 Timothy 4:5; Titus 2:9; Colossians 1:18; Philemon 4:12. If as A.V., the more natural expression would be παρὰ πᾶσιν as Matthew 19:26; Acts 26:8; Romans 2:13; 2 Thessalonians 1:6; James 1:27. Ἑν πᾶσιν inall things appears in this chapter, Hebrews 13:18. There are many points in which marriage is to be honored besides the avoidance of illicit connections. See on 1 Thessalonians 4:6. [source]
Genitive case. Late compound from ευποιος eupoios Genitive case. See 2 Corinthians 9:13 for use for contribution, beneficence. Moffatt notes that the three great definitions of worship and religious service in the N.T. (here, Romans 12:1.; James 1:27) are all inward and ethical. Forget not Prohibition with μη mē and the present middle imperative of επιλαντανω epilanthanō (Hebrews 6:10; Hebrews 13:2). Here with the genitive case. Is well pleased Present passive indicative of ευαρεστεω euaresteō (Hebrews 11:5). With the associative instrumental case τυσιαις thusiais (sacrifices). [source]
The proper reading is τὸν Κύριον , the Lord, and the καὶ , and, is simply connective. Read, therefore, as Rev., the Lord and Father. This combination of terms for God is uncommon. See James 1:27. [source]
Only here in New Testament, and nowhere in classical Greek. The kindred noun θρησκεία , religion, occurs Acts 26:5; Colossians 2:18; James 1:26, James 1:27; and means the ceremonial service of religion. Herodotus (ii., 37) uses it of various observances practised by the Egyptian priests, such as wearing linen, circumcision, shaving, etc. The derivation is uncertain. Θρέομαι , to mutter forms of prayer, has been suggested, as the followers of Wycliffe were called Lollards, from the old Dutch lullen or lollento sing. Hence the adjective here refers to a zealous and diligent performance of religious services. [source]
Present active imperatives as a habit. For the combination see James 1:19-21 contrasted with James 1:22-25, and James 1:26 with James 1:27. [source]
A difficult phrase, impossible to understand according to Ropes as it stands. If the comma is put after πυρ pur instead of after αδικιας adikias then the phrase may be the predicate with κατισταται kathistatai (present passive indicative of κατιστημι kathistēmi “is constituted,” or the present middle “presents itself”). Even so, κοσμος kosmos remains a difficulty, whether it means the “ornament” (1 Peter 3:3) or “evil world” (James 1:27) or just “world” in the sense of widespread power for evil. The genitive αδικιας adikias is probably descriptive (or qualitative). Clearly James means to say that the tongue can play havoc in the members of the human body.Which defileth the whole body (η σπιλουσα ολον το σωμα hē spilousa holon to sōma). Present active participle of σπιλοω spiloō late Koiné, verb, to stain from σπιλος spilos (spot, also late word, in N.T. only in Ephesians 5:27; 2 Peter 2:13), in N.T. only here and Judges 1:23. Cf. James 1:27 ασπιλον aspilon (unspotted).Setteth on fire Present active participle of πλογιζω phlogizō old verb, to set on fire, to ignite, from πλοχ phlox (flame), in N.T. only in this verse. See αναπτει anaptei (James 3:5).The wheel of nature (τον τροχον γενεσεως ton trochon geneseōs). Old word for wheel (from τρεχω trechō to run), only here in N.T. “One of the hardest passages in the Bible” (Hort). To what does τροχον trochon refer? For γενεσεως geneseōs see note on James 1:23 apparently in the same sense. Vincent suggests “the wheel of birth” (cf. Matthew 1:1, Matthew 1:18). The ancient writers often use this same phrase (or κυκλος kuklos cycle, in place of τροχος trochos), but either in a physiological or a philosophical sense. James may have caught the metaphor from the current use, but certainly he has no such Orphic or Pythagorean doctrine of the transmigration of souls, “the unending round of death and rebirth” (Ropes). The wheel of life may be considered either in motion or standing still, though setting on fire implies motion. There is no reference to the zodiac.And is set on fire by hell Present passive participle of πλογιζω phlogizō giving the continual source of the fire in the tongue. For the metaphor of fire with γεεννα gehenna see Matthew 5:22. [source]
Present active participle of σπιλοω spiloō late Koiné, verb, to stain from σπιλος spilos (spot, also late word, in N.T. only in Ephesians 5:27; 2 Peter 2:13), in N.T. only here and Judges 1:23. Cf. James 1:27 ασπιλον aspilon (unspotted). [source]
Compare 1 Timothy 6:14; James 1:27; 2 Peter 3:14. In each case in a moral sense. [source]
Old compound adjective (alpha privative and πτειρω phtheirō to corrupt), imperishable. So many inheritances vanish away before they are obtained.Undefiled (αμιαντον amianton). Old verbal adjective (note alliteration) from alpha privative and μιαινω miainō to defile, without defect or flaw in the title, in N.T. only here, James 1:27; Hebrews 13:4.That fadeth not away Alliterative and verbal adjective again from alpha privative and μαραινω marainō (to dry up, to wither, as in James 1:11), late and rare word in several inscriptions on tombs, here only in N.T. These inscriptions will fade away, but not this inheritance in Christ. It will not be like a faded rose.Reserved (τετηρημενην tetērēmenēn). Perfect passive participle of τηρεω tēreō old verb, to take care of, to guard. No burglars or bandits can break through where this inheritance is kept (Matthew 6:19.; John 17:11.). Cf. Colossians 1:5, where laid away” (αποκειμενην apokeimenēn) occurs.For you More graphic than the mere dative. [source]
Old verbal adjective (note alliteration) from alpha privative and μιαινω miainō to defile, without defect or flaw in the title, in N.T. only here, James 1:27; Hebrews 13:4. [source]
As in 2 Peter 1:10.That ye may be found (ευρετηναι heurethēnai). First aorist passive infinitive (cf. ευρετησεται heurethēsetai in 2 Peter 3:10). For this use of ευρισκω heuriskō about the end see 2 Corinthians 5:3; Philemon 3:9; 1 Peter 1:7.Without spot and blameless Predicate nominative after ευρετηναι heurethēnai See 2 Peter 2:13 for position words σπιλοι και μωμοι spiloi kai mōmoi and 1 Peter 1:19 for αμωμος amōmos (so Judges 1:24) και ασπιλος kai aspilos (so James 1:27). Αμωμητος Amōmētos (old verbal of μωμαομαι mōmaomai) only here in N.T. save some MSS. in Philemon 2:15. [source]
Predicate nominative after ευρετηναι heurethēnai See 2 Peter 2:13 for position words σπιλοι και μωμοι spiloi kai mōmoi and 1 Peter 1:19 for αμωμος amōmos (so Judges 1:24) και ασπιλος kai aspilos (so James 1:27). Αμωμητος Amōmētos (old verbal of μωμαομαι mōmaomai) only here in N.T. save some MSS. in Philemon 2:15. [source]
First aorist active imperative (of urgency) of τηρεω tēreō In Judges 1:1 they are said to be kept, but note the warning in Judges 1:5 from the angels who did not keep their dominion. See also James 1:27. In Philemon 2:12 both sides (human responsibility and divine sovereignty are presented side by side). [source]
Aorist active indicative and future active corresponding to each other. For a like play on the tenses of this verb by Christ see John 17:6 This use of εκ ek after τηρεω tēreō in John 17:15, απο apo in James 1:27. Trial brings temptation often (James 1:2, James 1:13). Jesus endured (Hebrews 12:1.) and he will help them. There is still a church in Philadelphia in spite of the Turks.Which is to come Agreeing with ωρας hōras (feminine), not with πειρασμου peirasmou (masculine).Upon the whole world (επι της εποικουμενης ολης epi tēs epoikoumenēs holēs). The inhabited earth (γης gēs) as in Revelation 12:9; Luke 2:1; Acts 16:6, etc.), not the physical earth, but the world of men as explained by the next clause.To try First aorist active infinitive of purpose from πειραζω peirazō probably to tempt (cf. the demons in 9:1-21), not merely to afflict (Revelation 2:10).That dwell upon the earth (τους κατοικουντας επι της γης tous katoikountas epi tēs gēs). Present active articular participle of κατοικεω katoikeō explaining “the whole world” just before. [source]
Aorist active indicative and future active corresponding to each other. For a like play on the tenses of this verb by Christ see John 17:6 This use of εκ ek after τηρεω tēreō in John 17:15, απο apo in James 1:27. Trial brings temptation often (James 1:2, James 1:13). Jesus endured (Hebrews 12:1.) and he will help them. There is still a church in Philadelphia in spite of the Turks.Which is to come Agreeing with ωρας hōras (feminine), not with πειρασμου peirasmou (masculine).Upon the whole world (επι της εποικουμενης ολης epi tēs epoikoumenēs holēs). The inhabited earth (γης gēs) as in Revelation 12:9; Luke 2:1; Acts 16:6, etc.), not the physical earth, but the world of men as explained by the next clause.To try First aorist active infinitive of purpose from πειραζω peirazō probably to tempt (cf. the demons in 9:1-21), not merely to afflict (Revelation 2:10).That dwell upon the earth (τους κατοικουντας επι της γης tous katoikountas epi tēs gēs). Present active articular participle of κατοικεω katoikeō explaining “the whole world” just before. [source]
This use of εκ ek after τηρεω tēreō in John 17:15, απο apo in James 1:27. Trial brings temptation often (James 1:2, James 1:13). Jesus endured (Hebrews 12:1.) and he will help them. There is still a church in Philadelphia in spite of the Turks. [source]