James 1:22

Memory Verse

And you all become doers of Word and not only hearers, deluding yourselves (James 1:22).

Although “deceiving” is often used in our English translations, this Greek word is better expressed by “sophistry” in its classical sense, which means “to deceive or mislead by false reasoning.” Since in modern use, “sophisticate” may imply something “complex” or “refined”, the word “delude”, which denotes imposing a false belief or misleading mentally, may better convey the meaning of “deceived” in this passage for the modern reader. However, the original meaning of “Sophisticate” actually expresses the meaning of the Greek word James used, for it denotes “to come alongside reasoning in a sophistical or specious way by use of fallacious arguments.” Thus, it is adulterating, debasing, or falsifying through the use of words that come alongside reasoning. Paul uses the same word in Colossians 2:2 to describe those who use persuasive words to deceive or mislead by false reasoning. 

The one who hears and does not respond in action, adulterates himself through a fallacious argument that it is not necessary to do, but only listen to become righteous. Those who are hearers only, are lazy in spiritual things. 

*Etymologically, sophisticate also relates to the Greek word σοφιστεία, denoting skill in reasoning or argument, mainly that is used deceitfully. However, in modern usage, “sophisticate” is used in a neutral or positive sense; thus, it is not suitable for expressing παραλογίζομαι directly. παραλογίζομαι, which is used in James 1:22, represents the aspect of sophistry—leading away by the use of logic or reasoning that comes alongside.