James 1:18

Translations

Modern

He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation.

Traditional

Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Literal

Having willed it, He brought us forth by the word of truth, for us to be a certain firstfruits of His creatures.

Latin

Voluntarie enim genuit nos verbo veritatis, ut simus initium aliquod creaturæ ejus.

Original

Greek

English

He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation.

Notes

James 1:18

The word of truth is the good news about Jesus (1:21–23; 1 Peter 1:23–25).
give us birth: The image of a mother giving birth shows the full extent of God’s parental love for his children (compare Luke 13:34; John 1:13; 3:3–8; 1 Peter 1:23).
a kind of firstfruits (compare Exodus 23:16; Leviticus 23:9–14; 1 Corinthians 15:20; Colossians 1:18): Christians are examples of the ultimate restoration of all creation (Romans 8:20–22).

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 The Coming of the Lord as Judge

Related verses

Romans 8:29–31
For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers.
1 Peter 1:23
For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God.
John 3:3–5
Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.”
John 1:13
…children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God.
1 Peter 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
2 Thessalonians 2:13–14
But we should always thank God for you, brothers who are loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning to be saved by the sanctification of the Spirit and by faith in the truth.
Revelation 14:4
These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they are virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever He goes. They have been redeemed from among men as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.
Ephesians 2:4–5
But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,
Jeremiah 2:3
Israel was holy to the LORD, the firstfruits of His harvest. All who devoured her were found guilty; disaster came upon them,’” declares the LORD.
Ephesians 1:12
…in order that we, who were the first to hope in Christ, would be for the praise of His glory.
Hebrews 12:23
…in joyful assembly, to the congregation of the firstborn, enrolled in heaven. You have come to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of the righteous made perfect,
Colossians 1:20–21
…and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through the blood of His cross.

Glossary

Feasts and Festivals of Israel Firstfruits Letter of James Renewal, Regeneration

Topics

Blessing: Spiritual, from God First Fruits: Figurative God: Love of, Exemplified Gospel: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Predestination: General Scriptures Concerning Regeneration: General Scriptures Concerning The First Fruits: Church of Christ The Gospel is Called the Word of Truth The New Birth is of the Will of God The New Birth: Through the Instrumentality of The Word of God The Scriptures are Called The: Word of Truth The Scriptures: Designed For: Regenerating Word of God: Called: Word of Truth Word of Truth

James 1:18

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Original?

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Glossary?

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Translations

Original

Notes

Related verses

Glossary

Topics