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Jam_1:24. With this verse begins the explanation of the image given in Jam_1:25 (therefore γάρ ), whilst κατανοεῖν τὸ πρόσωπον τ . γεν . αὐτοῦ is again resumed by κατενόησεν ἑαυτόν . By ἀπελήλυθεν the point of the mere transitoriness of the contemplation in the glass only before presupposed is brought forward, and by ἐπελάθετο the result of such a contemplation is added, by which the points of application, which James employs, are brought out. The emphasis lies on ἀπελήλυθεν and εὐθέως ἐπελάθετο . The form of representation is here the same as in Jam_1:11. It is not a particular instance which may occur (Wiesinger), but a general statement which is here introduced in the form of a single incident, as the contemplating oneself in the glass is always only a temporary and not a permanent state. The hearing of the word answers to κατανοσεῖν ; the averting of the mind from what is heard to ἀπέρχεσθαι ; and the being unconcerned about what is heard, by which the realization of the word in the life is prevented, to εὐθέως ἐπιλανθάνεσθαι . James can only think on man according to his ethical condition in relation to the demands of the divine will, as corresponding to πρόσωπον τ . γ . or ἑαυτόν in the application. It is true that he does not definitely state this; but from this it does not follow that James, overlooking all other considerations, has had only in view generally the contents of the word, because the comparison of the word with a glass, which gives to him who looks in it to see his own image, would be without meaning.[101] On the use of the perfect ( ἀπελήλυθεν ) between the aorists, see Winer, p. 243 f. [E. T. 340].
On ὁποῖος ἦν , Wiesinger correctly remarks, “namely in the glass.”
[101] According to most interpreters, “the depravity of the natural man” is chiefly to be thought on; but this is not entirely suitable, as James addresses Christians who as such are no longer natural men. In a wholly arbitrary manner is the reference inserted by some in κατενόησεν , to spots which disfigure the face. Wolf: de tralatitia speculi inspectione loquitur Apostolus; talis vero efficit, ut maculas non perspicias atque adeo de iis abstergendis non cogites; similarly Pott and others.