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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comVincent Word Studies - James 1:26 - 1:26
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Seem to be (δοκεῖ)
Rev., correctly, thinketh himself to be. A man can scarcely seem to be religious, when, as Trench observes, “his religious pretensions are belied and refuted by the allowance of an unbridled tongue.”
Religious (θρῆσκος)
Only here in New Testament, and nowhere in classical Greek. The kindred noun θρησκεία, religion, occurs Act 26:5; Col 2:18; Jam 1:26, Jam 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 lollen, to sing. Hence the adjective here refers to a zealous and diligent performance of religious services.
Bridleth (χαλιναγωγῶν)
Used by James only. See Jam 3:2. Lit., to guide with a bridle. So Plato, “Laws,” 701: “I think that the argument ought to be pulled up from time to time, and not to be allowed to run away, but held with bit and bridle.”