James 1:17

Translations

Modern

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.

Traditional

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.

Literal

Every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

Latin

Omne datum optimum, et omne donum perfectum desursum est, descendens a Patre luminum, apud quem non est transmutatio, nec vicissitudinis obumbratio.

Original

Greek

English

Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.

Notes

James 1:17

God is the Father of the heavenly lights (see footnote). This is because he created everything in the sky (Genesis 1:3, 14–17). Unlike the moving lights in the sky, God never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

James 1:12–27

James discusses three topics from 1:2–11 and adds new insights to each. External challenges (in 1:2–4) become internal temptations (in 1:11–18). The need for wisdom (in 1:5–8) connects to controlling angry speech (in 1:19–21). Poverty and wealth relate to acting on God's word (1:22–25). This section then summarizes these ideas (1:26–27).

Theme notes and profiles

James, Brother of Jesus Darkness and Light Faith and Good Deeds

Related verses

John 3:27
John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.
Matthew 7:11
So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
John 8:12
Once again, Jesus spoke to the people and said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows Me will never walk in the darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Numbers 23:19
God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?
Psalm 84:11
For the LORD God is a sun and a shield; the LORD gives grace and glory; He withholds no good thing from those who walk with integrity.
1 John 1:5
And this is the message we have heard from Him and announce to you: God is light, and in Him there is no darkness at all.
Proverbs 2:6
For the LORD gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.
James 3:17
But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.
Ephesians 2:8
For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God,
Luke 11:13
So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!”
Malachi 3:6
“Because I, the LORD, do not change, you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed.

Glossary

God, Being and Attributes of Letter of James Light

Topics

Abundance Being a Blessing Being Lucky Being Thankful Blessing: Spiritual, from God Change Character of God Cheerful Children Being a Blessing Christmas Christmas Trees Farewell Finding a Husband Gift Gift Giving Gifts Gifts from God: Unclassified Scriptures Relating to Both Temporal and Spiritual Give God is Declared to Be: Immutable God is Declared to Be: Light God the Father God: Fatherhood of God: Goodness of God: Immutable God: Perfection of God's Character God's Gift Goodness Grace: God is the Giver of Gratitude Infant Baptism Light: Figurative and Symbolical Light: God the Only Source of Luck Making Fun of Others Newborn Baby Perfection Recognition Shadows Steadfastness: Exhibited by God in all his Purposes and Ways

James 1:17

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