To properly understand James 1:26–27, we must examine the original language in which James wrote his letter. The Epistle of James was written in Koine Greek, not English. Therefore, the modern word “religion” should not be assumed to carry the same meaning that contemporary readers attach to it today.

The English word religion does not exist in the original Greek text as a defined institutional or belief-based system. What exists instead is a specific Greek term that refers only to outward acts of worship.

1. The Greek Word: Thrēskeia (θρησκεία)

James uses the Greek word thrēskeía (θρησκεία), which refers to external, observable acts of worship, such as rituals, ceremonies, and (religious) practices.

This word was relatively rare in Greek literature but was used in the first century AD to describe ceremonial devotion, not inner faith or spiritual relationship.

1. a) Worthless Outward Worship (James 1:26)

In verse 26, James exposes the emptiness of outward religious performance. A person may appear devoted through ceremonies or speech, but if they cannot control their tongue, their thrēskeia—their outward worship—is worthless.

James is addressing people who practice religious acts without a transformed heart, similar to the religious leaders Jesus rebuked in His time.

1. b) Pure Outward Worship (James 1:27)

In verse 27, James deliberately reuses the same word and turns it on its head.

If one insists on speaking about thrēskeia—outward worship—then James defines the only form God accepts:

• Caring for orphans and widows
• Living a life of moral purity

James is not redefining Christianity as a religion. He is redefining what true outward worship looks like when it flows from a heart already transformed by God.

2. The Hebrew Perspective: No Word for “Religion”

In ancient Hebrew thought, there was no single word equivalent to the modern concept of “religion.” Faith was understood as a total way of life, inseparable from walking with God.

Hebrew translations and concepts help clarify James’ meaning:

• Yir’ah (יִרְאָה) – Reverent fear of God, emphasizing inner devotion rather than ritual.
• Avodah (עֲבוֹדָה) – Used in some Hebrew New Testaments (e.g., Delitzsch). It means both worship and service, perfectly expressing James’ point that true worship is lived out through service to others.
• Dat (דָּת) – In biblical usage, this meant law or decree, not a relational faith system. James is not promoting Christianity as a dat or legal religion.

3. Relationship vs. Religion

James is not promoting a new “Christian religion” to be recognized by society. He is stripping away the mask of religiosity.

• The Problem: Outward rituals can exist without a relationship with God.
• The Evidence: A true relationship produces Christ-like behavior.
• The Result: The only acceptable outward worship is one that reflects the character of Christ.

If the word religion must be used at all, James limits it to a life that visibly expresses love, holiness, and obedience.

4. Amos and James: Same Message, Different Languages

The Book of Amos and the Letter of James are separated by nearly 800 years, written in different languages, yet they confront the same spiritual problem.

Chronology

• Amos: 760–750 BC, written in Biblical Hebrew
• James: 45–60 AD, written in Koine Greek

The Word “Religion” in Amos

In the Book of Amos, there is no Hebrew word for “religion.”
Instead, Amos names specific rituals:

• Chag – Feast or festival
• Atzeret – Solemn assembly

When modern English translations say, “I hate your religious festivals” (Amos 5:21), the word religious is a translator’s summary, not an original biblical term.

Amos condemns ritual without justice, not worship itself.

5. Why “Religion” Appears in English Bibles

The English word religion comes from the Latin religio, meaning obligation or binding. It entered Bible translations centuries later, long after Amos and James were written.

• In Amos: “Religion” summarizes feasts, sacrifices, and assemblies.
• In James: “Religion” translates thrēskeia, meaning outward ceremonial practice.

In both cases, the English word can mislead readers into thinking Scripture promotes institutional religion.

6. Comparison Table

7. Biblical Harmony

Both prophets deliver the same truth:

• Amos: “Let justice roll on like a river” (Amos 5:24)
• James: “Visit orphans and widows” (James 1:27)

Jesus Himself confirms this:

• Matthew 23:25–28
• Hosea 6:6
• Galatians 2:16

Conclusion

Neither Amos nor James used the word “religion” in their original writings; instead, they addressed our outward acts of worship. The word religion is a modern English translation inserted into Scripture, which can create confusion and mislead readers. True worship is not an intellectual exercise, but a life lived through the guidance of the Holy Spirit to the glory of God.

The following points clarify the distinction between “religion” and a relationship with God:

• Relationship Over Religion: The term “religion” has no place in the life of a believer. We are defined by our relationship with God, which is why we are called “Children of God” rather than followers of a religious system.
• Covenant Through Christ: God has brought us into a permanent covenant through Jesus Christ. This bond ensures we remain His children forever, supported by the presence of the Holy Spirit.
• Spirit-Led vs. Worldly Knowledge: We must rely on the guidance of the Holy Spirit rather than human intellect. Worldly knowledge often leads us away from God, whereas the Spirit directs us to live according to His will.
• True Worship as Action: Following the examples of Amos and James, our devotion is measured by our actions—how we care for others and maintain holiness—rather than by performing empty rituals or obtaining academic knowledge.