What Is the Meaning of James 1:27: “Pure and Undefiled Religion”?

Some may look at James 1:27 as a simple definition of what makes one a religious person: “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.”

Limiting true religion to visiting orphans and widows and avoiding worldly influences is like saying that a parent’s love is limited to providing his or her children food and clothing or that happiness is merely a smile and a cheerful tone. Instead, these actions reflect outward expressions of something much deeper—a parent’s love and a content disposition. 

Similarly, the two actions James describes are the natural outcome of prioritizing one thing above all else: following God’s way.

What is the context of James 1:27?

When you read James’ epistle, it becomes evident that he deeply understood the challenges of living a Christian life. 

He repeatedly offered practical examples and guidance on overcoming challenges that all true Christians face: staying faithful to God during trials, controlling one’s tongue to avoid evil speech, practicing humility and demonstrating genuine faith through meaningful works.

In this last point, demonstrating faith through works, the theme of James 1:27 begins to take shape.

James highlights two actions that serve as pure and uncorrupted outward examples of what genuine worship of God looks like in practice. In the preceding verses of the chapter, beginning in verse 21, James explains the difference between those who merely hear God’s instructions and do nothing, and those who hear God’s instructions, internalize them and take action.

In verse 26, James highlights another contradiction: those who claim to be religious but fail to control their tongue.

In verse 27, James builds upon his previous thoughts. He begins with a bold statement to underscore what it really means to be religious in both word and action: “Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this . . .”

The word pure refers to something in its most natural and uncontaminated state. Undefiled means something completely free from any pollution or foreign contaminants. Together, these terms emphasize that James is about to describe Christianity in its most authentic, unblemished and pristine form.

The Greek word translated “religion,” which James uses, doesn’t refer to a particular set of beliefs, principles or rituals. The Greek word thrēskeia refers to the worship of God. 

For those who worship God—those who have truly internalized His Word and truths—James offers this statement to emphasize his point. He then highlights two actions that serve as pure and uncorrupted outward examples of what genuine worship of God looks like in practice.

“To visit orphans and widows in their trouble”

It is important to note that in this first action, attention is drawn away from oneself and toward others. James is saying genuine worshippers will actively help those who are in distress and unable to help themselves. 

In James’ time, orphans and widows were among society’s most helpless members. As Christians, one of our principal responsibilities is to help those in need. The virtuous wife, in Proverbs 31, is said to provide care for the needy. In Luke 10:25-37, Jesus Christ presents the parable of the good Samaritan to demonstrate what selfless care toward others looks like in action.

James is saying genuine worshippers will actively help those who are in distress and unable to help themselves.  Jesus Christ set a perfect example in this way of living—He came to serve (Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45). In Matthew 25:31-46, He taught that faithful followers of God are those who give food and drink to the hungry, clothe and house the needy, and visit the sick or imprisoned. 

In short, each of these actions expresses selfless love and care toward others.   

God has a special concern for those who are often overlooked, weak or helpless. David describes God as “a father of the fatherless, a defender of widows” (Psalm 68:5). While His compassion extends to all people, God shows particular concern for the vulnerable. 

God expects His followers to demonstrate the same concern and care for those in need (Isaiah 1:17). 

“And to keep oneself unspotted from the world”

This is another principle found throughout the pages of the Bible. 

In 1 John 2:15, we are warned, “Do not love the world or the things in the world.” This world is under Satan’s influence. While we must live in the world, Christians are called to remain separate from its corrupting influences, especially “the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life” (verse 16).

This is reinforced in Romans 12:2, where Paul admonishes us to “not be conformed to this world.” Instead, he urges us to focus our thoughts on God and His Word. 

Christians primarily distinguish themselves from the world by living according to the Spirit, which produces “life and peace” (Romans 8:6). Living according to the Spirit means submitting oneself wholeheartedly to God, obeying His laws and striving to walk in Jesus Christ’s footsteps. 

For more information about how to keep yourself separate from this world, see our article “Why Christians Can’t Love the World.”

Practicing pure and undefiled religion

It is imperative that we also focus our thoughts on things that are pure and undefiled. 

Paul lists eight examples of this kind of thinking in Philippians 4:8: “Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things.”

Just as James emphasizes that true worship of God is more than faith alone—it must also include works—so does Paul. 

Following the list of things to meditate on, Paul makes it clear that we must do something as a result: “The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do” (verse 9).

When one wholeheartedly focuses on God and His ways, righteous deeds and actions should be the natural result. 

Let’s turn our attention back to James’ words. 

In James 1:27, James does not limit true religion to two specific actions. Rather, he provides two examples of the lifestyle that will define and characterize someone practicing genuine Christianity.

In this context, true religion is sincere worship of God—rooted in unwavering faith and belief in Him. This kind of living faith is so strong and pure that it naturally expresses itself through genuine acts of love, compassion and kindness toward others—especially the vulnerable.

Are you religious?

Photo credit: iStock.com/FG Trade 

Date Posted: February 3, 2025