Exegetical Brief: James 1:25 - "The Perfect Law That Gives Freedom"

Abstract

John F. Brug explores the meaning of “the perfect law that gives freedom” in James 1:25, asking whether it refers to the law, the gospel, or both. He traces the semantic range of the Hebrew word תּוֹרָה and its Greek counterpart νόμος, showing that both can refer broadly to instruction, including law and gospel. However, based on context and James’ usage elsewhere (especially James 2:8–12), Brug concludes that the phrase refers specifically to God’s moral law. He explains that while the law is restrictive to the unbeliever, it is liberating to the believer, who joyfully follows it as a guide to true freedom. Brug emphasizes that obedience to God’s law, motivated by the gospel, is not burdensome but a path to blessing. Thus, James’ “law of freedom” is best understood as the moral law embraced by the regenerate heart. Generated by Microsoft Copilot (GPT-4).