James 1:12-18
Context1:12 Happy is the one 1 who endures testing, because when he has proven to be genuine, he will receive the crown of life that God 2 promised to those who love him. 1:13 Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted by evil, 3 and he himself tempts no one. 1:14 But each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires. 1:15 Then when desire conceives, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is full grown, it gives birth to death. 1:16 Do not be led astray, my dear brothers and sisters. 4 1:17 All generous giving and every perfect gift 5 is from above, coming down 6 from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change. 7 1:18 By his sovereign plan he gave us birth 8 through the message of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
[1:12] 1 tn The word for “man” or “individual” here is ἀνήρ (anhr), which often means “male” or “man (as opposed to woman).” However, as BDAG 79 s.v. 2 says, here it is “equivalent to τὶς someone, a person.”
[1:12] 2 tc Most
[1:13] 3 tn Or “God must not be tested by evil people.”
[1:16] 4 tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:2.
[1:17] 5 tn The first phrase refers to the action of giving and the second to what is given.
[1:17] 6 tn Or “All generous giving and every perfect gift from above is coming down.”
[1:17] 7 tn Grk “variation or shadow of turning” (referring to the motions of heavenly bodies causing variations of light and darkness).