New Testament

James 1:15

The Clear Bible Translation matches the King James Version, written at a 10th-grade reading level in plain English

At a Glance

This verse explains the process of temptation and its consequences.

Author: James, the brother of Jesus
Written: Around AD 45-50
Genre: Letter (epistle)
Original Audience: Jewish Christians scattered abroad

CBTClear Bible Translation

Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is fully grown, brings forth death.

KJVKing James Version

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Verse Analysis

Plain-English insight for readers

This verse explains the process of temptation and its consequences. It starts with lust, which can be understood as a strong desire or craving. When this desire is allowed to grow, it leads to sinful actions. Sin, in turn, has a progression; if it is not addressed, it matures and ultimately results in death, which symbolizes spiritual separation from God. This passage highlights the importance of recognizing and controlling our desires before they lead to harmful actions. It serves as a warning that unchecked temptation can lead to serious consequences, emphasizing the need for vigilance and self-control in our lives.

Key themes

Related Bible verses

How to apply James 1:15 to your life

To apply this verse, we should be mindful of our thoughts and desires. Recognizing the early signs of temptation can help us take action before it leads to sin. Practicing self-control and seeking support from others can prevent the progression of harmful desires into actions that separate us from God.

Curated for this public verse page. James Summary

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick, clear answers about this verse

What does James 1:15 mean?

James 1:15 explains how unchecked desires can lead to sin. It illustrates a process where lust, if not controlled, leads to sinful actions, which can ultimately result in spiritual death.

What is the meaning of lust in James 1:15?

In James 1:15, lust refers to a strong desire or craving that can lead to temptation. When this desire is allowed to grow, it can result in sinful behavior.

How does James 1:15 relate to self-control?

James 1:15 emphasizes the need for self-control by warning that unchecked desires can lead to sin and spiritual separation from God. Practicing self-control helps prevent harmful actions.

What are the consequences mentioned in James 1:15?

The consequences in James 1:15 include sin and ultimately death, which symbolizes spiritual separation from God. This highlights the serious outcomes of allowing temptation to grow.

Book Summary

The Book of James

1

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, greets the twelve tribes scattered abroad. He encourages them to count it all joy when they fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of their faith produces patience. If any of them lacks wisdom, they should ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach. However, they must ask in faith, without doubting, for a double-minded man is unstable in all his ways. The brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his exaltation, but the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the field he will pass away. Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life. No one should say when he is tempted that he is tempted by God, for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. Each person is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. James urges his beloved brethren to be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath. They must be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving themselves. Pure and undefiled religion before God is to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.

2 James warns against holding the faith of Jesus Christ with partiality. He presents a scenario where a rich man in fine apparel and a poor man in filthy clothes enter their assembly. If they show deference to the rich man and contempt for the poor man, they have become judges with evil thoughts. God has chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom. To show partiality is to commit sin and be convicted by the law as transgressors. For whoever keeps the whole law, and yet stumbles in one point, is guilty of all. He then transitions to the relationship between faith and works, stating that faith without works is dead. He argues that it is not enough to say one has faith; that faith must be demonstrated by actions. If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but does not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? He uses the examples of Abraham, who was justified by works when he offered Isaac, and Rahab the harlot, who was justified by works when she received the messengers. Just as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. 3 James cautions his brethren against becoming teachers, knowing that they will receive a stricter judgment. He speaks of the power of the tongue, which, though a small member, boasts great things. It is like the bit in a horse's mouth or the rudder of a ship, able to direct the whole body. The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity, that defiles the whole body and is set on fire by hell. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. With it, they bless God and curse men, who are made in the similitude of God. This should not be. A fountain cannot send forth both fresh and salt water, nor can a fig tree bear olives. James then contrasts two types of wisdom. The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. But if they have bitter envy and self-seeking in their hearts, this wisdom is earthly, sensual, and demonic. Where envy and self-seeking exist, there is confusion and every evil thing. The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

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