Do not merely listen to the Word

'Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.'

James 1:22 NIV

In analysing text, we can read it as literature or as a statement where we look at the words chosen and their meaning. People mean what they say and say what they mean and we can take a statement literally. Equally, in addition to word choice, of particular importance is what wasn't said. Why did the author choose to omit certain information? It is possible for a statement to be truthful whilst omitting sensitive or incriminating information.

In analysing Biblical text, we look at the words.

James 1:22 from the NIV says, 'Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.'

This can be akin to actions speaking louder than words. The priority of the statement tells us what not to do in the negative. It starts by saying, 'Do not merely listen to the word...' That which is said in the negative is important. We note it does not say 'Do not listen to the word.' The author has added the word 'merely' which is a dependent word, meaning something else is required. This can be classed as 'unnecessary language' as the sentence would still make sense if the word was removed although it would lack the same meaning. In choosing to include it, this seemingly 'unnecessary information' becomes doubly important for the author to include it. Therefore, for the verse to flow, be credible and make sense, we expect to see evidence of the 'something else.'

Prior to providing the missing information, the author tells us 'why' we should not 'merely' listen to the word via use of the word 'so.' Anytime we see a reason why provided in an answer when it is not asked for, we are looking at sensitive and important information. Here, we already know that the author has already included important information via the additional word 'merely.' Now he tells us why via 'so' which is similar to 'because' in this context. If we 'merely' listen to the word, we risk deceiving ourselves.' The word 'deceiving' was used in mathematics to to refer to a miscalculation. In only listening, there is a miscalculation.

John provides the remedy by adding, 'Do what it says.' Actions speak louder than words.

This is an extremely sensitive and important piece of text. The author linguistically prioritises the negative and tells us why before providing the answer.

On it's form it is credible and the text flows. It evidences the specific word choice and order which speaks to priority allowing us a greater insight into the text.

If you have any verses you would like us to analyse, let us know and you might see it covered in one of our blogs.