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| Parallel Chapters and Verses, Greek and Hebrew Lexicon, Commentaries, Strong's Bible Dictionary, Concordances and Cross References for James 1 James: James 1:1 New American Standard Bible: James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings. God's Word Translation: From James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. To God's faithful people who have been scattered. Greetings. King James Version: James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. Bible in Basic English: James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, sends words of love to the twelve tribes of the Jews living in all parts of the earth. Weymouth New Testament: James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ: to the twelve tribes who are scattered over the world. All good wishes. World English Bible: James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are in the Dispersion: Greetings. Alphabetical: a abroad among and are bond-servant Christ dispersed God Greetings James Jesus Lord nations of scattered servant the To tribes twelve who GSB: 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the {a} twelve tribes which are {b} scattered abroad, greeting. (a) That is, written to no one man, city, or country, but to all the Jews generally, being now dispersed. (b) To all the believing Jews, whatever tribe they are from, dispersed throughout the whole world. PNT: 1:1 On Temptations SUMMARY OF JAMES 1: Rejoicing in Trial. Seeking Wisdom. Stability Urged. The Source of Temptation. The Fountain of All Blessings. Pure and Undefiled Religion. James. See Introduction concerning the writer. He is called by Paul (Ga 1:19) and by Josephus the brother of Jesus. A servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. It seems probable from the title assumed that James was not an apostle. With only a few exceptions the Epistles begin with a reference to the apostleship of the writer. To the twelve tribes. The Jews are often so designated. See Ex 24:4 28:21:00 39:14:00 Eze 47:13 Mt 19:28 Lu 22:30 Ac 26:7 Re 21:12. Which are scattered abroad. Rather of the Dispersion, a term applied to Jews outside of Judea. WES: 1:1 A servant of Jesus Christ - Whose name the apostle mentions but once more in the whole epistle, James 2:1. And not at all in his whole discourse, Acts 15:14, and c.; or Acts 21:20 - 25. It might have seemed, if he mentioned him often, that he did it out of vanity, as being the brother of the Lord. To the twelve tribes - Of Israel; that is, those of them that believe. Which are scattered abroad - In various countries. Ten of the tribes were scattered ever since the reign of Hosea; and great part of the rest were now dispersed through the Roman empire: as was foretold, Deut 28:25, and c.30:4. Greeting - That is, all blessings, temporal and eternal. MHC: 1:1-11 Christianity teaches men to be joyful under troubles: such exercises are sent from God's love; and trials in the way of duty will brighten our graces now, and our crown at last. Let us take care, in times of trial, that patience, and not passion, is set to work in us: whatever is said or done, let patience have the saying and doing of it. When the work of patience is complete, it will furnish all that is necessary for our Christian race and warfare. We should not pray so much for the removal of affliction, as for wisdom to make a right use of it. And who does not want wisdom to guide him under trials, both in regulating his own spirit, and in managing his affairs? Here is something in answer to every discouraging turn of the mind, when we go to God under a sense of our own weakness and folly. If, after all, any should say, This may be the case with some, but I fear I shall not succeed, the promise is, To any that asketh, it shall be given. A mind that has single and prevailing regard to its spiritual and eternal interest, and that keeps steady in its purposes for God, will grow wise by afflictions, will continue fervent in devotion, and rise above trials and oppositions. When our faith and spirits rise and fall with second causes, there will be unsteadiness in our words and actions. This may not always expose men to contempt in the world, but such ways cannot please God. No condition of life is such as to hinder rejoicing in God. Those of low degree may rejoice, if they are exalted to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom of God; and the rich may rejoice in humbling providences, that lead to a humble and lowly disposition of mind. Worldly wealth is a withering thing. Then, let him that is rich rejoice in the grace of God, which makes and keeps him humble; and in the trials and exercises which teach him to seek happiness in and from God, not from perishing enjoyments. James 1:2 New American Standard Bible: Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, God's Word Translation: My brothers and sisters, be very happy when you are tested in different ways. King James Version: My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Bible in Basic English: Let it be all joy to you, my brothers, when you undergo tests of every sort; Weymouth New Testament: Reckon it nothing but joy, my brethren, whenever you find yourselves hedged in by various trials. World English Bible: Count it all joy, my brothers, when you fall into various temptations, Alphabetical: all brethren brothers Consider encounter face it joy kinds many my of pure trials various when whenever you GSB: 1:2 {1} My brethren, {c} count it all joy {2} when ye fall into divers temptations; (1) The first place or part concerning comfort in afflictions, in which we should not be cast down and be faint hearted, but rather rejoice and be glad. (c) Seeing their condition was miserable because of the scattering abroad, he does well to begin as he does. (2) The first argument, because our faith is tried through afflictions: which ought to be most pure, for so it suits us. PNT: 1:2 Count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations. Instead of murmuring over trials and temptations, rejoice in them. WES: 1:2 My brethren, count it all joy - Which is the highest degree of patience, and contains all the rest. When ye fall into divers temptations - That is, trials. MHC: James 1:3 New American Standard Bible: knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. God's Word Translation: You know that such testing of your faith produces endurance. King James Version: Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. Bible in Basic English: Because you have the knowledge that the testing of your faith gives you the power of going on in hope; Weymouth New Testament: Be assured that the testing of your faith leads to power of endurance. World English Bible: knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. Alphabetical: because develops endurance faith know knowing of perseverance produces testing that the you your GSB: 1:3 {3} Knowing [this], that the {d} trying of your faith worketh patience. (3) The second, because patience, a surpassing and most excellent virtue, is brought about in us by this means. (d) That by this your faith is tried, that is, those various temptations. PNT: 1:3 The trying of your faith by means of persecution and temptation worketh patience, rather, enduring fortitude. We are strengthened by trials overcome. MHC: James 1:4 New American Standard Bible: And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. God's Word Translation: Endure until your testing is over. Then you will be mature and complete, and you won't need anything. King James Version: But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. Bible in Basic English: But let this power have its full effect, so that you may be made complete, needing nothing. Weymouth New Testament: Only let endurance have perfect results so that you may become perfect and complete, deficient in nothing. World English Bible: Let endurance have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. Alphabetical: and anything be complete endurance finish have in its lacking let mature may must not nothing perfect Perseverance result so that work you GSB: 1:4 {4} But let patience have [her] perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. (4) The third argument, proposed in manner of an exhortation, that true and lasting patience may be discerned from false and temporary. Affliction is the instrument God uses to polish and refine us. Therefore through the work and effect of afflictions, we are perfected in Christ. PNT: 1:4 Let patience. Let endurance not be merely passive, but have [her] perfect work; work out its complete results, that nothing may be wanting in your lives. WES: 1:4 Let patience have its perfect work - Give it full scope, under whatever trials befal you. That ye may be perfect and entire - Adorned with every Christian grace. And wanting nothing - Which God requires in you. MHC: James 1:5 New American Standard Bible: But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. God's Word Translation: If any of you needs wisdom to know what you should do, you should ask God, and he will give it to you. God is generous to everyone and doesn't find fault with them. King James Version: If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. Bible in Basic English: But if any man among you is without wisdom, let him make his request to God, who gives freely to all without an unkind word, and it will be given to him. Weymouth New Testament: And if any one of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask God for it, who gives with open hand to all men, and without upbraiding; and it will be given him. World English Bible: But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him. Alphabetical: all and any ask be But fault finding generously given gives God he him If it lacks let of reproach should to who will wisdom without you GSB: 1:5 {5} If any of you lack {e} wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all [men] liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (5) An answer to a private objection; It is easily said, but not so easily done. He answers that we need, in this case, a different type of wisdom than the wisdom of man, to determine those things that are best for us, since they are disagreeable to the flesh: but we shall easily obtain this gift of wisdom, if we ask correctly, that is, with a sure confidence in God, who is entirely bountiful and liberal. (e) By wisdom he means the knowledge of that doctrine previously mentioned, that is, why we are afflicted by God, and the fruit we reap from affliction. PNT: 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God. This may be one of the wants. If so, go to God for it. That giveth to all [men] liberally. His people will hear, and in answer to their requests he giveth liberally, and upbraideth not. Never upbraideth on account of their requests as men so often do. WES: 1:5 If any want - The connexion between the first and following verse s, both here and in the fourth chapter , will be easily discerned by him who reads them, while he is suffering wrongfully. He will then readily perceive, why the apostle mentions all those various affections of the mind. Wisdom - To understand, whence and why temptations come, and how they are to be improved. Patience is in every pious man already. Let him exercise this, and ask for wisdom. The sum of wisdom, both in the temptation of poverty and of riches, is described in the ninth and tenth verse s. Who giveth to all - That ask aright. And upbraideth not - Either with their past wickedness, or present unworthiness. MHC: James 1:6 New American Standard Bible: But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. God's Word Translation: When you ask for something, don't have any doubts. A person who has doubts is like a wave that is blown by the wind and tossed by the sea. King James Version: But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. Bible in Basic English: Let him make his request in faith, doubting nothing; for he who has doubt in his heart is like the waves of the sea, which are troubled by the driving of the wind. Weymouth New Testament: But let him ask in faith and have no doubts; for he who has doubts is like the surge of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed into spray. World English Bible: But let him ask in faith, without any doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, driven by the wind and tossed. Alphabetical: a and any ask asks because believe blown But by doubt doubting doubts driven faith for he in is like must not of one sea surf the tossed wave when who wind without GSB: 1:6 But let him ask in faith, {f} nothing wavering. {6} For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. (f) Why then, what need is there of another mediator or priest? (6) A digression or going aside from his matter, as compared to prayers which are conceived with a doubting mind, but we have a trustworthy promise from God, and this is the second part of the epistle. PNT: 1:6 Let him ask in faith. This is an essential condition to prevailing prayer. See Mt 21:21 Mr 11:23. He that wavereth. Is undecided, of two minds. Is like a wave of the sea. Driven hither and thither. WES: 1:6 But let him ask in faith - A firm confidence in God. St. James also both begins and ends with faith, James 5:15; the hinderances of which he removes in the middle part of his epistle. He that doubteth is like a wave of the sea - Yea, such are all who have not asked and obtained wisdom. Driven with the wind - From without. And tossed - From within, by his own unstableness. MHC: James 1:7 New American Standard Bible: For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, God's Word Translation: A person who has doubts shouldn't expect to receive anything from the Lord. King James Version: For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. Bible in Basic English: Let it not seem to such a man that he will get anything from the Lord; Weymouth New Testament: A person of that sort must not expect to receive anything from the Lord-- World English Bible: For let that man not think that he will receive anything from the Lord. Alphabetical: anything expect For from he Lord man not ought receive should That the think to will MHC: James 1:8 New American Standard Bible: being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. God's Word Translation: A person who has doubts is thinking about two different things at the same time and can't make up his mind about anything. King James Version: A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. Bible in Basic English: For there is a division in his mind, and he is uncertain in all his ways. Weymouth New Testament: such a one is a man of two minds, undecided in every step he takes. World English Bible: He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. Alphabetical: a all being does double-minded he his in is man unstable ways GSB: 1:8 A double minded man [is] unstable in {g} all his ways. (g) In all his thoughts and his deeds. PNT: 1:8 A double minded man. A man of no fixed, decided purpose. WES: 1:8 A doubleminded man - Who has, as it were, two souls; whose heart is not simply given up to God. Is unstable - Being without the true wisdom; perpetually disagrees both with himself and others, James 3:16. MHC: James 1:9 New American Standard Bible: But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; God's Word Translation: Humble believers should be proud because being humble makes them important. King James Version: Let the brother of low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: Bible in Basic English: But let the brother of low position be glad that he is lifted up; Weymouth New Testament: Let a brother in humble life rejoice when raised to a higher position; World English Bible: But let the brother in humble circumstances glory in his high position; Alphabetical: brother But circumstances glory high his humble in is of ought position pride take The to GSB: 1:9 {7} Let the brother of {h} low degree rejoice in that he is exalted: (7) He returns to his purpose repeating the proposition, which is, that we must rejoice in affliction, for it does not oppress us, but exalt us. (h) Who is afflicted with poverty, or contempt, or with any kind of calamity. PNT: 1:9 Let the brother of low degree. In the humble walks of life. Rejoice in that he is exalted. To be a child of God, a brother of Jesus Christ. WES: 1:9 Let the brother - St James does not give this appellation to the rich. Of low degree - Poor and tempted. Rejoice - The most effectual remedy against doublemindedness. In that he is exalted - To be a child of God, and an heir of glory. MHC: James 1:10 New American Standard Bible: and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. God's Word Translation: Rich believers should be proud because being rich should make them humble. Rich people will wither like flowers. King James Version: But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. Bible in Basic English: But the man of wealth, that he is made low; because like the flower of the grass he will come to his end. Weymouth New Testament: but a rich man should rejoice in being brought low, for like flowers among the herbage rich men will pass away. World English Bible: and the rich, in that he is made humble, because like the flower in the grass, he will pass away. Alphabetical: a and away because But flower flowering glory grass he his humiliation in is like low man one pass position pride rich should take the to who wild will GSB: 1:10 {8} But the {i} rich, in that he is made low: {9} because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. (8) Before he concludes, he gives a doctrine contrasted to the former: that is, how we ought to use prosperity, that is, the abundance of all things: that is, so that no man pleases himself, but rather be humble. (i) Who has all things at his will. (9) An argument taken from the very nature of the things themselves, for that they are empty and unreliable. PNT: 1:10 But the rich, in that he is made low. The one should rejoice in exaltation; the other in humiliation. He is taught that his riches have no power to save, and that his life is as uncertain as that of the grass of the field. WES: 1:10 But the rich, in that he is made low - Is humbled by a deep sense of his true condition. Because as the flower - Beautiful, but transient. He shall pass away - Into eternity. MHC: James 1:11 New American Standard Bible: For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away. God's Word Translation: The sun rises with its scorching heat and dries up plants. The flowers drop off, and the beauty is gone. The same thing will happen to rich people. While they are busy, they will die. King James Version: For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. Bible in Basic English: For when the sun comes up with its burning heat, the grass gets dry and the grace of its form is gone with the falling flower; so the man of wealth comes to nothing in his ways. Weymouth New Testament: The sun rises with his scorching heat and dries up the herbage, so that its flowers drop off and the beauty of its appearance perishes, and in the same way rich men with all their prosperity will fade away. World English Bible: For the sun arises with the scorching wind, and withers the grass, and the flower in it falls, and the beauty of its appearance perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in his pursuits. Alphabetical: a about and appearance away beauty blossom business destroyed even fade falls flower For goes grass he heat his In is its man midst of off plant pursuits rich rises same scorching so sun the too way while will wind with withers GSB: 1:11 For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his {k} ways. (k) Whatever he purposes in his mind or does. PNT: 1:11 For the sun... withereth the grass. When the fierce sun of summer arises the grass in Palestine dies. Thus shall the glory of the rich man fade. WES: 1:11 For the sun arose and withered the grass - There is an unspeakable beauty and elegance, both in the comparison itself, and in the very manner of expressing it, intimating both the certainty and the suddenness of the event. So shall the rich fade away in his ways - In the midst of his various pleasures and employments. MHC: James 1:12 New American Standard Bible: Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. God's Word Translation: Blessed are those who endure when they are tested. When they pass the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. King James Version: Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. Bible in Basic English: There is a blessing on the man who undergoes testing; because, if he has God's approval, he will be given the crown of life, which the Lord has said he will give to those who have love for him. Weymouth New Testament: Blessed is he who patiently endures trials; for when he has stood the test, he will gain the victor's crown--even the crown of Life--which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. World English Bible: Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to those who love him. Alphabetical: a approved because been Blessed crown for God has he him is life Lord love man of once perseveres promised receive stood test that the those to trial under when which who will GSB: 1:12 {10} Blessed [is] the man that endureth {l} temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (10) The conclusion: Therefore we must patiently bear the affliction: and he adds a fourth argument, which comprehends the sum of all the former, that is, we gain the crown of life in this way, yet by grace according to the promise. (l) Affliction, by which the Lord tries him. PNT: 1:12 Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation. He that endures and continues faithful shall have the crown. WES: 1:12 Happy is the man that endureth temptation - Trials of various kinds. He shall receive the crown - That fadeth not away. Which the Lord hath promised to them that love him - And his enduring proves his love. For it is love only that endureth all things. MHC: 1:12-18 It is not every man who suffers, that is blessed; but he who with patience and constancy goes through all difficulties in the way of duty. Afflictions cannot make us miserable, if it be not our own fault. The tried Christian shall be a crowned one. The crown of life is promised to all who have the love of God reigning in their hearts. Every soul that truly loves God, shall have its trials in this world fully recompensed in that world above, where love is made perfect. The commands of God, and the dealings of his providence, try men's hearts, and show the dispositions which prevail in them. But nothing sinful in the heart or conduct can be ascribed to God. He is not the author of the dross, though his fiery trial exposes it. Those who lay the blame of sin, either upon their constitution, or upon their condition in the world, or pretend they cannot keep from sinning, wrong God as if he were the author of sin. Afflictions, as sent by God, are designed to draw out our graces, but not our corruptions. The origin of evil and temptation is in our own hearts. Stop the beginnings of sin, or all the evils that follow must be wholly charged upon us. God has no pleasure in the death of men, as he has no hand in their sin; but both sin and misery are owing to themselves. As the sun is the same in nature and influences, though the earth and clouds, often coming between, make it seem to us to vary, so God is unchangeable, and our changes and shadows are not from any changes or alterations in him. What the sun is in nature, God is in grace, providence, and glory; and infinitely more. As every good gift is from God, so particularly our being born again, and all its holy, happy consequences come from him. A true Christian becomes as different a person from what he was before the renewing influences of Divine grace, as if he were formed over again. We should devote all our faculties to God's service, that we may be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures. James 1:13 New American Standard Bible: Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. God's Word Translation: When someone is tempted, he shouldn't say that God is tempting him. God can't be tempted by evil, and God doesn't tempt anyone. King James Version: Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: Bible in Basic English: Let no man say when he is tested, I am tested by God; for it is not possible for God to be tested by evil, and he himself puts no man to such a test: Weymouth New Testament: Let no one say when passing through trial, "My temptation is from God;" for God is incapable of being tempted to do evil, and He Himself tempts no one. World English Bible: Let no man say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God," for God can't be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one. Alphabetical: am and anyone be being by cannot does evil For God he Himself I is Let me no nor not one say should tempt tempted tempting When GSB: 1:13 {11} Let no man say when he is {m} tempted, I am tempted of God: {12} for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: (11) The third part of this epistle, in which he descends from outward temptations, that is, from afflictions by which God tries us: to inward, that is, to those lusts by which we are stirred up to do evil. The sum is this: Every man is the author of these temptations by himself, and not God: for we carry in our bodies that wicked corruption, which seeks opportunity forever, to stir up evil in us, from which eventually proceeds wicked behaviour, and in conclusion follows death, the just reward of them. (m) When he is provoked to do evil. (12) Here a reason is shown, why God cannot be the author of evil behaviour in us, since he does not desire evil behaviour. PNT: 1:13 Let no man say... I am tempted by God. Some men when they fall try to throw the blame on God, as if God had tempted them. It is impossible that God be tempted of sin, nor does he ever tempt men to sin. WES: 1:13 But let no man who is tempted - To sin. Say, I am tempted of God - God thus tempteth no man. MHC: James 1:14 New American Standard Bible: But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. God's Word Translation: Everyone is tempted by his own desires as they lure him away and trap him. King James Version: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. Bible in Basic English: But every man is tested when he is turned out of the right way by the attraction of his desire. Weymouth New Testament: But when a man is tempted, it is his own passions that carry him away and serve as a bait. World English Bible: But each one is tempted, when he is drawn away by his own lust, and enticed. Alphabetical: and away but by carried desire dragged each enticed evil he his is lust one own tempted when PNT: 1:14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. When he suffers his own lusts to lead and entice him. There can be no temptation unless something within us causes a sinful desire. WES: 1:14 Every man is tempted, when - In the beginning of the temptation. He is drawn away - Drawn out of God, his strong refuge. By his own desire - We are therefore to look for the cause of every sin, in, not out of ourselves. Even the injections of the devil cannot hurt before we make them our own. And every one has desires arising from his own constitution, tempers, habits, and way of life. And enticed - In the progress of the temptation, catching at the bait: so the original word signifies. MHC: James 1:15 New American Standard Bible: Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. God's Word Translation: Then desire becomes pregnant and gives birth to sin. When sin grows up, it gives birth to death. King James Version: Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. Bible in Basic English: Then when its time comes, desire gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is of full growth, gives birth to death. Weymouth New Testament: Then the passion conceives, and becomes the parent of sin; and sin, when fully matured, gives birth to death. World English Bible: Then the lust, when it has conceived, bears sin; and the sin, when it is full grown, brings forth death. Alphabetical: accomplished after and birth brings conceived death desire forth full-grown gives has is it lust sin Then to when GSB: 1:15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth {n) sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. (n) By sin, in this place, he means actual sin. PNT: 1:15 When lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin. The course of sin is described as that of a birth. The sinful desire is the conception; the sinful deed, the birth; moral and eternal death, the final result. WES: 1:15 Then desire having conceived - By our own will joining therewith. Bringeth forth actual sin - It doth not follow that the desire itself is not sin. He that begets a man is himself a man. And sin being perfected - Grown up to maturity, which it quickly does. Bringeth forth death - Sin is born big with death. MHC: James 1:16 New American Standard Bible: Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. God's Word Translation: My dear brothers and sisters, don't be fooled. King James Version: Do not err, my beloved brethren. Bible in Basic English: Do not be turned from the right way, dear brothers. Weymouth New Testament: Do not be deceived, my dearly-loved brethren. World English Bible: Don't be deceived, my beloved brothers. Alphabetical: be beloved brethren brothers dear deceived Do Don't my not GSB: 1:16 {13} Do not err, my beloved brethren. (13) Another reason taken from opposites: God is the author of all goodness, and so, since he is always like himself; how then can he be thought to be the author of evil? PNT: 1:16 Do not err. Either about the source of sin or of all good gifts. WES: 1:16 Do not err - It is a grievous error to ascribe the evil and not the good which we receive to God. MHC: James 1:17 New American Standard Bible: Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. God's Word Translation: Every good present and every perfect gift comes from above, from the Father who made the sun, moon, and stars. The Father doesn't change like the shifting shadows produced by the sun and the moon. King James Version: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. Bible in Basic English: Every good and true thing is given to us from heaven, coming from the Father of lights, with whom there is no change or any shade made by turning. Weymouth New Testament: Every gift which is good, and every perfect boon, is from above, and comes down from the Father, who is the source of all Light. In Him there is no variation nor the slightest suggestion of change. World English Bible: Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, nor turning shadow. Alphabetical: above and change coming does down Every Father from gift given good heavenly is lights like no not of or perfect shadow shadows shifting the there thing variation who whom with GSB: 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the {o} Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither {p}shadow of turning. (o) From him who is the fountain and author of all goodness. (p) He goes on in the metaphor: for the sun by his many and various kinds of turning, makes hours, days, months, years, light and darkness. PNT: 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above. All gifts that truly bless us are God's gifts. And cometh down from the Father of lights. God, the Creator of every light of the material world, and the source of all moral light. With whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. God is unchangeable, always the same, nor does he cast a shadow of turning like the sun. The allusion is to the constantly changing shadows of objects in the sunlight caused by the movement, not of the sun, but of the earth. WES: 1:17 No evil, but every good gift - Whatever tends to holiness. And every perfect gift - Whatever tends to glory. Descendeth from the Father of lights - The appellation of Father is here used with peculiar propriety. It follows, he begat us. He is the Father of all light, material or spiritual, in the kingdom of grace and of glory. With whom is no variableness - No change in his understanding. Or shadow of turning - in his will. He infallibly discerns all good and evil; and invariably loves one, and hates the other. There is, in both the Greek words, a metaphor taken from the stars, particularly proper where the Father of lights is mentioned. Both are applicable to any celestial body, which has a daily vicissitude of day and night, and sometimes longer days, sometimes longer nights. In God is nothing of this kind. He is mere light. If there Is any such vicissitude, it is in ourselves, not in him. MHC: James 1:18 New American Standard Bible: In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. God's Word Translation: God decided to give us life through the word of truth to make us his most important creatures. King James Version: Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. Bible in Basic English: Of his purpose he gave us being, by his true word, so that we might be, in a sense, the first-fruits of all the things which he had made. Weymouth New Testament: In accordance with His will He made us His children through the Message of the truth, so that we might, in a sense, be the Firstfruits of the things which He has created. World English Bible: Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. Alphabetical: a all among be birth brought by chose created creatures exercise first firstfruits forth fruits give He His In kind might of so that the through to truth us we will word would GSB: 1:18 {14} Of his own {q} will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of {r} firstfruits of his creatures. (14) The fourth part concerning the excellency and fruit of the word of God, The sum is this: we must listen to the word of God most carefully and diligently, seeing it is the seed, through which God by his free favour and love has begotten us to himself, picking us out of the number of his creatures. The apostle condemns two faults, which greatly trouble us in this matter. For we so please ourselves, that we would rather speak ourselves, than hear God speaking. Indeed, we are angry when we are reproached and ignore it. Opposed to these faults, he sets a peaceable and quiet mind, and such as desires purity. (q) This is what Paul calls gracious favour, an good will, which is the fountain of our salvation. (r) As it were an holy type of offering, taken out of the remnant of men. PNT: 1:18 Of his own will begat he us. Not in caprice, but our birth as children of God was due to his eternal will. That we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. The early converts are often called first fruits of the gospel. WES: 1:18 Of his own will - Most loving, most free, most pure, just opposite to our evil desire, Jas 1:15. Begat he us - Who believe. By the word of truth - The true word, emphatically so termed; the gospel. That we might be a kind of first - fruits of his creatures - Christians are the chief and most excellent of his visible creatures; and sanctify the rest. Yet he says, A kind of - For Christ alone is absolutely the first - fruits. MHC: James 1:19 New American Standard Bible: This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; God's Word Translation: Remember this, my dear brothers and sisters: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and should not get angry easily. King James Version: Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: Bible in Basic English: You have knowledge of this, dear brothers. But let every man be quick in hearing, slow in words, slow to get angry; Weymouth New Testament: You know this, my dearly-loved brethren. But let every one be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to be angry. World English Bible: So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; Alphabetical: and anger angry be become beloved brethren brothers But dear Everyone hear know listen must My note of quick should slow speak take this to you PNT: 1:19 Let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. Let each saint hear and learn, but be careful not to speak rashly, and especially in anger. WES: 1:19 Let every man be swift to hear - This is treated of from Jas 1:21 to the end of the next chapter . Slow to speak - Which is treated of in he third chapter . Slow to wrath - Neither murmuring at God, nor angry at his neighbour. This is treated of in the third, and throughout the fourth and fifth chapter s. MHC: 1:19-21 Instead of blaming God under our trials, let us open our ears and hearts to learn what he teaches by them. And if men would govern their tongues, they must govern their passions. The worst thing we can bring to any dispute, is anger. Here is an exhortation to lay apart, and to cast off as a filthy garment, all sinful practices. This must reach to sins of thought and affection, as well as of speech and practice; to every thing corrupt and sinful. We must yield ourselves to the word of God, with humble and teachable minds. Being willing to hear of our faults, taking it not only patiently, but thankfully. It is the design of the word of God to make us wise to salvation; and those who propose any mean or low ends in attending upon it, dishonour the gospel, and disappoint their own souls. James 1:20 New American Standard Bible: for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God. God's Word Translation: An angry person doesn't do what God approves of. King James Version: For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. Bible in Basic English: For the righteousness of God does not come about by the wrath of man. Weymouth New Testament: For a man's anger does not lead to action which God regards as righteous. World English Bible: for the anger of man doesn't produce the righteousness of God. Alphabetical: about achieve anger bring desires does for God life man man's not of righteous righteousness that the GSB: 1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the {s} righteousness of God. (s) That which God appoints. PNT: 1:20 For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. An angry man will show forth something very different from God's righteousness. WES: 1:20 The righteousness of God here includes all duties prescribed by him, and pleasing to him. MHC: James 1:21 New American Standard Bible: Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. God's Word Translation: So get rid of all immoral behavior and all the wicked things you do. Humbly accept the word that God has placed in you. This word can save you. King James Version: Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. Bible in Basic English: For this reason, putting away all dirty behaviour and the overweight of evil, take into your souls without pride the word which, being planted there, is able to give you salvation. Weymouth New Testament: Ridding yourselves, therefore, of all that is vile and of the evil influences which prevail around you, welcome in a humble spirit the Message implanted within you, which is able to save your souls. World English Bible: Therefore, putting away all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness, receive with humility the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. Alphabetical: able accept all and aside can evil filth filthiness get humbly humility implanted in is moral of planted prevalent putting receive remains rid save so souls that the Therefore to which wickedness word you your GSB: 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with {t} meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. (t) By meekness he means modesty, and anything that is contrary to a haughty and proud spirit. PNT: 1:21 Lay apart all filthiness. Every impurity of life. And superfluity of naughtiness. Overflowing of wickedness (Revised Version). Wrath would cause such an overflow. Receive with meekness the engrafted word. The word of God planted in your hearts. WES: 1:21 Therefore laying aside - As a dirty garment. All the filthiness and superfluity of wickedness - For however specious or necessary it may appear to worldly wisdom, all wickedness is both vile, hateful, contemptible, and really superfluous. Every reasonable end may be effectually answered without any kind or degree of it. Lay this, every known sin, aside, or all your hearing is vain. With meekness - Constant evenness and serenity of mind. Receive - Into your ears, your heart, your life. The word - Of the gospel. Ingrafted - In believers, by regeneration, Jas 1:18 and by habit, Heb 5:14. Which is able to save your souls - The hope of salvation nourishes meekness. MHC: James 1:22 New American Standard Bible: But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. God's Word Translation: Do what God's word says. Don't merely listen to it, or you will fool yourselves. King James Version: But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. Bible in Basic English: But be doers of the word, and not only hearers of it, blinding yourselves with false ideas. Weymouth New Testament: But prove yourselves obedient to the Message, and do not be mere hearers of it, imposing a delusion upon yourselves. World English Bible: But be doers of the word, and not only hearers, deluding your own selves. Alphabetical: and But deceive delude Do doers hearers it listen merely not of prove says so the themselves to what who word yourselves GSB: 1:22 {15} But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, {16} deceiving your own selves. (15) Another admonition: therefore God's word is heard, that we may model our lives according to the laws it contains. {16} He adds reasons, and those most weighty: first, because they that do otherwise seriously harm themselves. PNT: 1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only. He who is only a hearer deceiveth himself. See Mt 7:21-23. MHC: 1:22-25 If we heard a sermon every day of the week, and an angel from heaven were the preacher, yet, if we rested in hearing only, it would never bring us to heaven. Mere hearers are self-deceivers; and self-deceit will be found the worst deceit at last. If we flatter ourselves, it is our own fault; the truth, as it is in Jesus, flatters no man. Let the word of truth be carefully attended to, and it will set before us the corruption of our nature, the disorders of our hearts and lives; and it will tell us plainly what we are. Our sins are the spots the law discovers: Christ's blood is the laver the gospel shows. But in vain do we hear God's word, and look into the gospel glass, if we go away, and forget our spots, instead of washing them off; and forget our remedy, instead of applying to it. This is the case with those who do not hear the word as they ought. In hearing the word, we look into it for counsel and direction, and when we study it, it turns to our spiritual life. Those who keep in the law and word of God, are, and shall be, blessed in all their ways. His gracious recompence hereafter, would be connected with his present peace and comfort. Every part of Divine revelation has its use, in bringing the sinner to Christ for salvation, and in directing and encouraging him to walk at liberty, by the Spirit of adoption, according to the holy commands of God. And mark the distinctness, it is not for his deeds, that any man is blessed, but in his deed. It is not talking, but walking, that will bring us to heaven. Christ will become more precious to the believer's soul, which by his grace will become more fitted for the inheritance of the saints in light. James 1:23 New American Standard Bible: For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; God's Word Translation: If someone listens to God's word but doesn't do what it says, he is like a person who looks at his face in a mirror, King James Version: For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: Bible in Basic English: Because if any man is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his natural face in a glass; Weymouth New Testament: For if any one listens but does not obey, he is like a man who carefully looks at his own face in a mirror. World English Bible: For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his natural face in a mirror; Alphabetical: a and Anyone at but do doer does face For he hearer his if in is it like listens looks man mirror natural not of says the to what who word GSB: 1:23 {17} For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his {u} natural face in a glass: (17) Secondly: because they lose the most important use of God's word, if they do not use it to correct the faults that they know. (u) He alludes to that natural stain, which is contrary to the purity that we are born again into, the living image which we see in the law. PNT: 1:23,24 He is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass. The point of the comparison is this: Like a man who looks in the glass and soon forgets the impression, so the impression of the word on such a man is soon forgotten. The word must be impressed by the doing of it. WES: 1:23 Beholding his face in a glass - How exactly does the scripture glass show a man the face of his soul! MHC: James 1:24 New American Standard Bible: for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. God's Word Translation: studies his features, goes away, and immediately forgets what he looks like. King James Version: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. Bible in Basic English: For after looking at himself he goes away, and in a short time he has no memory of what he was like. Weymouth New Testament: Although he has looked carefully at himself, he goes away, and has immediately forgotten the sort of man he is. World English Bible: for he sees himself, and goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. Alphabetical: after and at away for forgets forgotten goes gone has he himself immediately kind like looked looking looks of once person was what PNT: 1:23,24 He is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass. The point of the comparison is this: Like a man who looks in the glass and soon forgets the impression, so the impression of the word on such a man is soon forgotten. The word must be impressed by the doing of it. WES: 1:24 He beheld himself, and went away - To other business. And forgot - But such forgetting does not excuse. MHC: James 1:25 New American Standard Bible: But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does. God's Word Translation: However, the person who continues to study God's perfect teachings that make people free and who remains committed to them will be blessed. People like that don't merely listen and forget; they actually do what God's teachings say. King James Version: But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. Bible in Basic English: But he who goes on looking into the true law which makes him free, being not a hearer without memory but a doer putting it into effect, this man will have a blessing on his acts. Weymouth New Testament: But he who looks closely into the perfect Law--the Law of freedom--and continues looking, he, being not a hearer who forgets, but an obedient doer, will as the result of his obedience be blessed. World English Bible: But he who looks into the perfect law of freedom, and continues, not being a hearer who forgets, but a doer of the work, this man will be blessed in what he does. Alphabetical: a abides an and at be become blessed But by continues do doer does doing effectual forgetful forgetting freedom gives has having he heard hearer in intently into it law liberty looks man not of one perfect that the this to what who will GSB: 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth [therein], he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his {x} deed. (x) Behaviour: for works show faith. PNT: 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty. The gospel, which sets men free. He who looks into it, is impressed by it, and obeys it shall be blessed in the doing. WES: 1:25 But he that looketh diligently - Not with a transient glance, but bending down, fixing his eyes, and searching all to the bottom. Into the perfect law - Of love as established by faith. St. James here guards us against misunderstanding what St. Paul says concerning the yoke and bondage of the law. He who keeps the law of love is free, John 8:31, and c. He that does not, is not free, but a slave to sin, and a criminal before God, James 2:10. And continueth therein - Not like him who forgot it, and went away. This man - There is a peculiar force in the repetition of the word. Shall be happy - Not barely in hearing, but doing the will of God. MHC: James 1:26 New American Standard Bible: If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man's religion is worthless. God's Word Translation: If a person thinks that he is religious but can't control his tongue, he is fooling himself. That person's religion is worthless. King James Version: If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain. Bible in Basic English: If a man seems to have religion and has no control over his tongue but lets himself be tricked by what is false, this man's religion is of no value. Weymouth New Testament: If a man thinks that he is scrupulously religious, although he is not curbing his tongue but is deceiving himself, his religious service is worthless. World English Bible: If anyone among you thinks himself to be religious while he doesn't bridle his tongue, but deceives his heart, this man's religion is worthless. Peter's First Letter Alphabetical: a and anyone be bridle but considers deceives does he heart himself his If is keep man's not on own rein religion religious thinks this tight to tongue worthless yet GSB: 1:26 {18} If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his {y} own heart, this man's religion [is] vain. {18} The third admonition: the word of God lays down a rule to not only do well, but also to speak well. (y) The fountain of all babbling, cursed speaking, and impudence is this, that men do not know themselves. PNT: 1:26 If any... seemeth to be religious. He who professes religion and yet bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, does not control his tongue is deceived. Unless he has grace enough to rule the unruly member, he has not enough for salvation. WES: 1:26 If any one be ever so religious - Exact in the outward offices of religion. And bridleth not his tongue - From backbiting, talebearing, evilspeaking, he only deceiveth his own heart, if he fancies he has any true religion at all. MHC: 1:26,27 When men take more pains to seem religious than really to be so, it is a sign their religion is in vain. The not bridling the tongue, readiness to speak of the faults of others, or to lessen their wisdom and piety, are signs of a vain religion. The man who has a slandering tongue, cannot have a truly humble, gracious heart. False religious may be known by their impurity and uncharitableness. True religion teaches us to do every thing as in the presence of God. An unspotted life must go with unfeigned love and charity. Our true religion is equal to the measure in which these things have place in our hearts and conduct. And let us remember, that nothing avails in Christ Jesus, but faith that worketh by love, purifies the heart, subdues carnal lusts, and obeys God's commands. James 1:27 New American Standard Bible: Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. God's Word Translation: Pure, unstained religion, according to God our Father, is to take care of orphans and widows when they suffer and to remain uncorrupted by this world. King James Version: Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world. Bible in Basic English: The religion which is holy and free from evil in the eyes of our God and Father is this: to take care of children who have no fathers and of widows who are in trouble, and to keep oneself untouched by the world. Weymouth New Testament: The religious service which is pure and stainless in the sight of our God and Father is to visit fatherless children and widowed women in their time of trouble, and to keep one's own self unspotted from the world. World English Bible: Pure religion and undefiled before our God and Father is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained by the world. Alphabetical: accepts after and as being by distress Father faultless from God in is keep look of oneself orphans our polluted pure Religion sight that the their this to undefiled unstained visit widows world GSB: 1:27 {19} Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To {z} visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, [and] to keep himself unspotted from the world. (19) The fourth: the true service of God exists in charity towards our neighbours, especially those who need the help of others (fatherless and widows), and purity of life. (z) To care for them and to help them as much as we can. PNT: 1:27 Pure religion and undefiled before God. Combining pure hearts and pure outward lives. This genuine religion has two elements: To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction. First, kind and loving deeds, exemplified especially in helping the helpless, such as widows and orphans, and [And] to keep himself unspotted from the world. Living pure, unsullied lives, unstained by the sins prevalent in this sinful world. WES: 1:27 The only true religion in the sight of God, is this, to visit - With counsel, comfort, and relief. The fatherless and widows - Those who need it most. In their affliction - In their most helpless and hopeless state. And to keep himself unspotted from the world - From the maxims, tempers, and customs of it. But this cannot be done, till we have given our hearts to God, and love our neighbour as ourselves. MHC: NASB, GWT, KJV, NIV, GWT, NLT, ASV, Matthew Henry's Commentary, Chapter and Verse Old and New Testament Christian Bible Study, Concordance, Chain Links, Cross Reference for pastors, teachers and students |