James 1:14-15

The Pulpit Commentary - James 1:12-15

The natural history of evil. In the previous part of the chapter James has spoken of "temptation" in the general sense of "trial," and as coming mainly in connection with outward circumstances. In this passage he proceeds to speak of it in the sense in which the word is now ordinarily used, as meaning only internal trial by solicitation to sin. Verse 12 marks the transition from the one sense to the other, and predicates "blessedness" of "the man that endureth temptation" in either form. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - James 1:12-18

Return to the subject of temptation. James 1:2 taught that temptation regarded as an opportunity should be a cause for joy. James 1:12 teaches that the endurance of temptation brings a blessing from God, even the crown of life. Comp. Revelation 2:10 , the only other place in the New Testament where the "crown of life" is mentioned; and there also it stands in close connection with the endurance of temptation. Elsewhere we read of the "crown of righteousness" ( 2 Timothy 4:8 ),... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - James 1:12-18

Temptation and its history. We are carried back by the first word to our Lord's pronouncement of the Beatitudes in the sermon on the mount. And here, as there, we are confronted with paradox. The words of the earlier Beatitudes had doubtless come with a shock of astonishment to many, who listened for statements that should accord with their carnal life. "Blessed are"—the proud, the strong, the conquering? Nay; but "the poor in spirit, the mourners, the meek, the merciful ones." So now.... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - James 1:14

states the true origin of temptation. While the occasion might be of God "in the order of his providence and of our spiritual training," the inclination is not of him. Compare with this verse the description of the harlot in Proverbs 7:6-27 . Here lust is personified, and represented as a seducing harlot, to whose embraces man yields, and the result is the birth of sin, which in its turn gives birth to death. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - James 1:15

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

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - James 1:14

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust - That is, the fountain or source of all temptation is in man himself. It is true that external inducements to sin may be placed before him, but they would have no force if there was not something in himself to which they corresponded, and over which they might have power. There must be some “lust;” some desire; some inclination; something which is unsatisfied now, which is made the foundation of the temptation, and which gives it... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - James 1:15

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

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - James 1:14-15

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

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - James 1:1-18

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

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