shows where temptation passes into sin. ἐπιθυμία , lust, is clearly not in itself "true and proper sin," but it is no less clear that, as our Article IX . says it "hath of itself the nature of sin." With this whole passage we should compare St. Paul's teaching on ἐπιθυμία , ἀμαρτιὰ , and θανατός , in Romans 7:7-11 . ἀποκύειν occurs only here and in Romans 7:18 ; translate, gendereth. read more
Then when lust hath conceived - Compare Job 15:35. The allusion here is obvious. The meaning is, when the desire which we have naturally is quickened, or made to act, the result is that sin is produced. As our desires of good lie in the mind by nature, as our propensities exist as they were created, they cannot be regarded as sin, or treated as such; but when they are indulged, when plans of gratification are formed, when they are developed in actual life, the effect is sin. In the mere desire... read more
James 1:14-15 . But every man is tempted when In the beginning of the temptation; he is drawn away of his own lust Greek, υπο της ιδιας επιθυμιας εξελκομενος ; literally, he is drawn out of God, his strong refuge, by his own desire; excited by some external object presenting itself; and enticed Δελεαζομενος , caught with a bait. It is generally supposed that the allusion here is to the drawing of fish out of a river with a baited hook: a metaphor used by Plato, as quoted by... read more
1:1-18 LIFE’S TRIALS AND DIFFICULTIESJames’ readers are scattered over the area of the early church’s expansion (1:1), but no matter where they live, they share the same responsibilities as Christians everywhere. One of these responsibilities requires them to do something that by nature is very difficult, namely, face the trials of life with joy. This joy comes through the knowledge that trials help believers to develop endurance and so strengthen their Christian character (2-4).When faced with... read more
when lust, &c . = lust, having conceived. sin . App-128 . finished = completely finished. Greek. apoteleo. Only here. bringeth forth . Greek. apokueo. Only here and James 1:18 . death . See Romans 6:21 . read more
Then the lust, when it hath conceived, beareth sin: and the sin, when it is fullgrown, bringeth forth death.This is one of the boldest and most dramatic metaphors in the Bible. Restated, it means lust has a child named sin; and sin, as soon as it grows up, has a baby named death! Barclay noted that "The word here translated `bringeth forth' is an animal word for birth; and it means that sin spawns death."[36]When man permits his natural desires to dominate his life, he becomes less than a man... read more
James 1:15. Then when lust hath conceived, &c.— "For the gradation is much more swift and fatal than the generality of mankind are aware: lust having conceived, brings forth actual sin by a speedy birth, where perhaps the full indulgence of it was not intended; and sin, when it is finished, or perpetrated, is impregnated with death, and tends in its consequences to the final ruin both of body and soul." According to this fine metaphorical genealogy, Concupiscence is the mother of sin, and... read more
15. The guilty union is committed by the will embracing the temptress. "Lust," the harlot, then, "brings forth sin," namely, of that kind to which the temptation inclines. Then the particular sin (so the Greek implies), "when it is completed, brings forth death," with which it was all along pregnant [ALFORD]. This "death" stands in striking contrast to the "crown of life" (James 1:12) which "patience" or endurance ends in, when it has its "perfect work" (James 1:12- :). He who will fight Satan... read more
II. TRIALS AND TRUE RELIGION 1:2-27James began his letter, which is in many ways a lecture, by dealing with the problem of trials that all believers encounter. Jews who became Christians in the early history of the church experienced much antagonism and persecution from their unbelieving fellow Jews, as is clear in the Book of Acts. All Christians who take a stand for the Lord continue to have to deal with such trials. Thus James’ inspired advice is perennially relevant. read more
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The Pulpit Commentary - James 1:13-18
The genesis of sin. 1. Four stages are described. 2. God is not tempted with evil, and he doth not temps to evil. "Ascribe it not to the Father of lights , but to the prince of darkness. But ascribe all good, from the smallest spark to the greatest beam, from the least good giving to the best and most perfect gift of all, to him, the Father of lights'. If there can be no change with the Father of lights, no "shadow east by turning," what folly to suppose that the works of... read more