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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>James 1:17 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/james/1-17.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/9/59_Jas_01_17.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="James 1:17 - Good and Perfect Gifts" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/james/1-17.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/james/1-17.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/james/">James</a> > <a href="/james/1.htm">Chapter 1</a> > Verse 17</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad17.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/james/1-16.htm" title="James 1:16">◄</a> James 1:17 <a href="/james/1-18.htm" title="James 1:18">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/james/1.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/james/1.htm">New International Version</a> Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. <a href="/nlt/james/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. <a href="/esv/james/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. <a href="/bsb/james/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/blb/james/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of shifting. <a href="/kjv/james/1.htm">King James Bible</a> 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. <a href="/nkjv/james/1.htm">New King James Version</a> Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. <a href="/nasb_/james/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. <a href="/nasb/james/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. <a href="/nasb77/james/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow. <a href="/lsb/james/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow. <a href="/amp/james/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes]. <a href="/csb/james/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. <a href="/hcsb/james/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning. <a href="/asv/james/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning. <a href="/cev/james/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing. <a href="/erv/james/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> Every good gift and every perfect boon is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning. <a href="/gwt/james/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> Every good present and every perfect gift comes from above, from the Father who made the sun, moon, and stars. The Father doesn't change like the shifting shadows produced by the sun and the moon. <a href="/gnt/james/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> Every good gift and every perfect present comes from heaven; it comes down from God, the Creator of the heavenly lights, who does not change or cause darkness by turning. <a href="/isv/james/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> Every generous act of giving and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father who made the heavenly lights, in whom there is no inconsistency or shifting shadow. <a href="/msb/james/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/james/1.htm">NET Bible</a> All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change. <a href="/nheb/james/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, nor turning shadow. <a href="/wbt/james/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> 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. <a href="/wey/james/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Every gift which is good, and every perfect boon, is from above, and comes down from the Father, who is the source of all Light. In Him there is no variation nor the slightest suggestion of change. <a href="/web/james/1.htm">World English Bible</a> Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation nor turning shadow. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/james/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Every good giving, and every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variation, or shadow of turning; <a href="/blb/james/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of shifting. <a href="/ylt/james/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> every good giving, and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the lights, with whom is no variation, or shadow of turning; <a href="/slt/james/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Every good donation and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom not one change, or shadow of turning.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/james/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Every best gift, and every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no change, nor shadow of alteration. <a href="/cpdv/james/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Every excellent gift and every perfect gift is from above, descending from the Father of lights, with whom there is no change, nor any shadow of alteration. <a href="/nabre/james/1.htm">New American Bible</a> all good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change. <a href="/nrsvce/james/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/james/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variableness nor shadow of change. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/james/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Every good and perfect gift descends from above, from The Father of lights with whom there is no change nor a shadow of variation.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/james/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> every good gift, and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no change, nor slightest trace of turning. <a href="/godbey/james/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of change. <a href="/haweis/james/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Every good gift, and every perfect gift, is from above, descending from the father of illuminations, with whom there is no variableness, nor shadow of change. <a href="/mace/james/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> every thing that is valuable, every gift that leads to perfection is deriv'd from heaven, it descends from that original light, which knows no change, no shadow, or decline: <a href="/wey/james/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Every gift which is good, and every perfect boon, is from above, and comes down from the Father, who is the source of all Light. In Him there is no variation nor the slightest suggestion of change. <a href="/worrell/james/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Every good gift, and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the lights, with Whom there is no variableness or shadow cast by turning. <a href="/worsley/james/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> and every perfect gift, but no evil one, is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, nor shadow of turning: <a href="/parallel/james/1-17.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0xUBCzqsAGw?start=131" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/james/1.htm">Good and Perfect Gifts</a> …16Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17<a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pasa (Adj-NFS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.">Every</a> <a href="/greek/18.htm" title="18: agathē (Adj-NFS) -- A primary word; good."></a> <a href="/greek/1394.htm" title="1394: dosis (N-NFS) -- A giving, gift, donation. From the base of didomi; a giving; by implication, a gift.">good</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3956.htm" title="3956: pan (Adj-NNS) -- All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole."></a> <a href="/greek/5046.htm" title="5046: teleion (Adj-NNS) -- From telos; complete; neuter completeness.">perfect</a> <a href="/greek/1434.htm" title="1434: dōrēma (N-NNS) -- A gift, bounty. From doreomai; a bestowment.">gift</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/509.htm" title="509: anōthen (Adv) -- From ano; from above; by analogy, from the first; by implication, anew.">from above,</a> <a href="/greek/2597.htm" title="2597: katabainon (V-PPA-NNS) -- To go down, come down, either from the sky or from higher land, descend. From kata and the base of basis; to descend.">coming down</a> <a href="/greek/575.htm" title="575: apo (Prep) -- From, away from. A primary particle; off, i.e. Away, in various senses.">from</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3962.htm" title="3962: Patros (N-GMS) -- Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a father.">Father</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5457.htm" title="5457: phōtōn (N-GNP) -- Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness.">of the heavenly lights,</a> <a href="/greek/3844.htm" title="3844: par’ (Prep) -- Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of. ">with</a> <a href="/greek/3739.htm" title="3739: hō (RelPro-DMS) -- Who, which, what, that. ">whom</a> <a href="/greek/1762.htm" title="1762: eni (V-PIA-3S) -- Contraction for the third person singular present indicative of eneimi; impersonally, there is in or among.">there is</a> <a href="/greek/3756.htm" title="3756: ouk (Adv) -- No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.">no</a> <a href="/greek/3883.htm" title="3883: parallagē (N-NFS) -- A change, variation, mutation. From a compound of para and allasso; transmutation, i.e. fickleness: variableness.">change</a> <a href="/greek/2228.htm" title="2228: ē (Conj) -- Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.">or</a> <a href="/greek/5157.htm" title="5157: tropēs (N-GFS) -- A turning, change, mutation. From an apparently primary trepo to turn; a turn, i.e. Revolution.">shifting</a> <a href="/greek/644.htm" title="644: aposkiasma (N-NNS) -- From a compound of apo and a derivative of skia; a shading off, i.e. Obscuration.">shadow.</a> 18He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/malachi/3-6.htm">Malachi 3:6</a> “Because I, the LORD, do not change, you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed. <a href="/numbers/23-19.htm">Numbers 23:19</a> 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? <a href="/hebrews/13-8.htm">Hebrews 13:8</a> Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. <a href="/1_samuel/15-29.htm">1 Samuel 15:29</a> Moreover, the Glory of Israel does not lie or change His mind, for He is not a man, that He should change His mind.” <a href="/psalms/102-27.htm">Psalm 102:27</a> But You remain the same, and Your years will never end. <a href="/isaiah/40-8.htm">Isaiah 40:8</a> The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.” <a href="/lamentations/3-22.htm">Lamentations 3:22-23</a> Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. / They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness! <a href="/matthew/7-11.htm">Matthew 7:11</a> 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! <a href="/john/3-27.htm">John 3:27</a> John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven. <a href="/john/1-16.htm">John 1:16</a> From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace. <a href="/romans/11-29.htm">Romans 11:29</a> For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-7.htm">1 Corinthians 4:7</a> For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not? <a href="/ephesians/1-3.htm">Ephesians 1:3</a> Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms. <a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8</a> For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, <a href="/philippians/4-19.htm">Philippians 4:19</a> And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no fickleness, neither shadow of turning.good.<a href="/james/1-5.htm">James 1:5</a> If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.<a href="/james/3-15.htm">James 3:15,17</a> This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish… <a href="/genesis/41-16.htm">Genesis 41:16,38,39</a> And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace… from the.<a href="/genesis/1-2.htm">Genesis 1:2-5,14,15</a> And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters… <a href="/deuteronomy/4-19.htm">Deuteronomy 4:19</a> And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.<a href="/psalms/19-1.htm">Psalm 19:1-8</a> To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork… no variableness.<a href="/numbers/23-19.htm">Numbers 23:19</a> God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good?<a href="/1_samuel/15-29.htm">1 Samuel 15:29</a> And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.<a href="/psalms/122-6.htm">Psalm 122:6</a> Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/2_corinthians/1-11.htm">Boon</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-35.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-17.htm">Change</a> <a href="/titus/1-3.htm">Due</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-4.htm">Gift</a> <a href="/james/1-1.htm">Good</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-26.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-22.htm">Heavenly</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-2.htm">Lights</a> <a href="/james/1-4.htm">Perfect</a> <a href="/acts/5-15.htm">Shade</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-1.htm">Shadow</a> <a href="/jeremiah/6-4.htm">Shadows</a> <a href="/colossians/1-23.htm">Shifting</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-9.htm">Source</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-2.htm">Suggestion</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-10.htm">True.</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-15.htm">Turning</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_peter/1-13.htm">Boon</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-4.htm">Cast</a> <a href="/james/4-9.htm">Change</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-6.htm">Due</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-7.htm">Gift</a> <a href="/james/2-3.htm">Good</a> <a href="/james/3-15.htm">Heaven</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/17-3.htm">Heavenly</a> <a href="/genesis/1-14.htm">Lights</a> <a href="/james/1-25.htm">Perfect</a> <a href="/judges/9-15.htm">Shade</a> <a href="/genesis/19-8.htm">Shadow</a> <a href="/judges/9-36.htm">Shadows</a> <a href="/ephesians/4-14.htm">Shifting</a> <a href="/james/4-1.htm">Source</a> <a href="/exodus/18-19.htm">Suggestion</a> <a href="/james/1-18.htm">True.</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-6.htm">Turning</a><div class="vheading2">James 1</div>1. <a href="/james/1-1.htm">James greets the twelve tribes among the nations;</a> 2. <a href="/james/1-2.htm">exhorts to rejoice in trials and temptations;</a> 5. <a href="/james/1-5.htm">to ask patience of God;</a> 13. <a href="/james/1-13.htm">and in our trials not to impute our weakness, or sins, to him,</a> 19. <a href="/james/1-19.htm">but rather to hearken to the word, to meditate on it, and to do thereafter.</a> 26. <a href="/james/1-26.htm">Otherwise men may seem, but never be, truly religious.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/james/1.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/james/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/james/1.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Every good and perfect gift is from above This phrase emphasizes the divine origin of all that is truly good and perfect. In the biblical context, "good" and "perfect" gifts refer to blessings that align with God's nature and purposes. The idea of gifts coming "from above" underscores the belief in God's sovereignty and His role as the ultimate source of all blessings. This aligns with Jesus' teaching in <a href="/matthew/7-11.htm">Matthew 7:11</a>, where He speaks of the Father giving good gifts to those who ask Him. The concept of gifts from above also reflects the Jewish understanding of God as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe, who provides for His creation.coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights This phrase identifies God as the "Father of the heavenly lights," a title that highlights His role as the Creator of the sun, moon, and stars. In ancient Near Eastern cultures, celestial bodies were often associated with deities, but the Bible consistently presents them as creations of the one true God. This title emphasizes God's authority over creation and His ability to bestow gifts. The imagery of "coming down" suggests a continuous and generous outpouring of blessings from God to humanity. This aligns with the biblical theme of God's providence and care, as seen in passages like <a href="/psalms/19.htm">Psalm 19:1</a>, which declares the heavens as a testament to God's glory.with whom there is no change or shifting shadow This phrase highlights God's unchanging nature, contrasting Him with the variability of the created order. In the ancient world, the movement of celestial bodies was a common metaphor for change and uncertainty. However, God is depicted as constant and reliable, without "shifting shadow." This immutability is a key attribute of God, assuring believers of His faithfulness and dependability. <a href="/malachi/3-6.htm">Malachi 3:6</a> echoes this sentiment, where God declares, "I the LORD do not change." The assurance of God's unchanging nature provides comfort and stability to believers, reinforcing the trustworthiness of His promises and the consistency of His character.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/james.htm">James</a> The author of the epistle, traditionally identified as James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Jerusalem church. He writes to encourage and instruct believers in practical Christian living. 2. <a href="/topical/f/father_of_the_heavenly_lights.htm">Father of the heavenly lights</a> A reference to God as the Creator of the celestial bodies (sun, moon, stars), emphasizing His sovereignty and unchanging nature. 3. <a href="/topical/h/heavenly_lights.htm">Heavenly lights</a> The celestial bodies created by God, symbolizing His power and the constancy of His creation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/g/god_as_the_source_of_all_goodness.htm">God as the Source of All Goodness</a> Recognize that every good and perfect gift in our lives originates from God. This understanding fosters gratitude and humility. <a href="/topical/t/the_unchanging_nature_of_god.htm">The Unchanging Nature of God</a> Trust in God's unchanging character. Unlike the shifting shadows, God remains constant, providing stability and assurance in our lives. <a href="/topical/d/discernment_of_true_gifts.htm">Discernment of True Gifts</a> Develop discernment to identify what is truly good and perfect, aligning our desires with God's will rather than worldly standards. <a href="/topical/g/gratitude_and_worship.htm">Gratitude and Worship</a> Cultivate a heart of gratitude, acknowledging God's gifts in our daily lives, which leads to a deeper worship experience. <a href="/topical/r/reflecting_god's_light.htm">Reflecting God's Light</a> As recipients of God's good gifts, we are called to reflect His light and goodness to others, becoming conduits of His love and grace.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_james_1.htm">Top 10 Lessons from James 1</a> <a href="/q/does_god's_nature_change_or_cast_shadows.htm">Does God's nature ever change or cast shadows?</a> <a href="/q/what_defines_christian_logic.htm">What defines Christian logic?</a> <a href="/q/what_do_bible_verses_say_on_abundance.htm">What do Bible verses say about abundance?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_'father_of_lights'_mean.htm">What does "Father of lights" mean regarding God?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/james/1.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(17) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.--This beautiful sentence, more musical still in the Greek, is thought to be the fragment of some Christian hymn. Two words are translated by our one "gift"; the first is rather the act of giving, the second the gift itself, and the effect of both together is a climax to the statement of God's benevolence. The difference between the two is observed in the Genevan version of 1557. "There are diversities of gifts" (<a href="/1_corinthians/12-4.htm" title="Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit.">1Corinthians 12:4</a>), even as "one star differeth from another star in glory" (<a href="/1_corinthians/15-41.htm" title="There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differs from another star in glory.">1Corinthians 15:41</a>), but "the same Spirit" is the giver of all. Where in St. John's Gospel (<a href="/john/3-1.htm" title="There was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews:">John 3:1</a>) we read, "Except a man be born again," the most probable meaning is "from above," expressed exactly as in the present case; and thus we know whence is the true birth of the soul.Cometh down from the Father of lights.--Great difference of opinion is found concerning these "lights," whether the term be figurative, as of goodness or wisdom; or a reference to the mysterious Urim (<a href="/exodus/28-30.htm" title="And you shall put in the breastplate of judgment the Urim and the Thummim; and they shall be on Aaron's heart, when he goes in before the LORD: and Aaron shall bear the judgment of the children of Israel on his heart before the LORD continually.">Exodus 28:30</a>, et seq.) which flamed on the breast of Aaron; or spiritual, as of grace and glory; or material, viz., the "lights" set "in the firmament of heaven" (<a href="/context/genesis/1-14.htm" title="And God said, Let there be lights in the firmament of the heaven to divide the day from the night; and let them be for signs, and for seasons, and for days, and years:">Genesis 1:14-15</a>) "when the morning stars sang together" (<a href="/job/38-7.htm" title="When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?">Job 38:7</a>). It were not amiss to take the whole of these interpretations, for they, and perhaps others, the purport of which we as yet can barely guess, are included in this Scripture. "God," remarks Bishop Wordsworth, "is the Father of all lights--the light of the natural world, the sun, the moon, and stars, shining in the heavens; the light of reason and conscience; the light of His Law; the light of prophecy, shining in a dark place; the light of the gospel shining throughout the world; the light of apostles, confessors, martyrs, bishops, and priests, preaching that gospel to all nations; the light of the Holy Ghost shining in our hearts; the light of the heavenly city; God is the Father of them all. He is the everlasting Father of the everlasting Son, who is the Light of the world." But that the mind of the sacred writer was mainly on the lights of the material universe may be seen from his next thought. . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/james/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 17. - Every good gift, etc. The words form a hexameter verse, though this is probably accidental, and no sign that they are a quotation. Δόσις and δώρημα should be distinguished. "Every kind of gift that is good, and every one that is perfect in its kind" (Dean Scott). Δόσις and δῶρον occur together in the LXX. in <a href="/proverbs/21-14.htm">Proverbs 21:14</a>. They are expressly distinguished by Philo, who says that the latter involves the idea of magnitude and fullness, which is wanting to the former (see Lightfoot on 'Revision,' p. 77) "Every good gift and every perfect boon, R.V. The Father of lights (ἀπὸ τοῦ Πατρὸς τῶν φώτων). The word must refer to the heavenly bodies, of which God may be said to be the Father, in that he is their Creator (for "Father," in the sense of Creator, cf. <a href="/job/38-28.htm">Job 38:28</a>). From him who "made the stars also" comes down every good and perfect gift, and with him "there can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning." These last words appear to fix the meaning of φῶτα, as τροπή is used in the LXX. as in classical writers for the changes of the heavenly bodies (see <a href="/job/38-33.htm">Job 38:33</a>; <a href="/deuteronomy/33-14.htm">Deuteronomy 33:14</a>; Wisd. 7:18). Οὐκ ἔνι, "there is no room for." It negatives, not only the fact, but the possibility also (cf. <a href="/galatians/3-28.htm">Galatians 3:28</a>; <a href="/colossians/3-11.htm">Colossians 3:11</a>). <a href="/commentaries/james/1-17.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Every πᾶσα (pasa) Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3956.htm">Strong's 3956: </a> All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. good δόσις (dosis) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1394.htm">Strong's 1394: </a> A giving, gift, donation. From the base of didomi; a giving; by implication, a gift. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. perfect τέλειον (teleion) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5046.htm">Strong's 5046: </a> From telos; complete; neuter completeness. gift δώρημα (dōrēma) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1434.htm">Strong's 1434: </a> A gift, bounty. From doreomai; a bestowment. is ἐστιν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. from above, ἄνωθέν (anōthen) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_509.htm">Strong's 509: </a> From ano; from above; by analogy, from the first; by implication, anew. coming down καταβαῖνον (katabainon) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2597.htm">Strong's 2597: </a> To go down, come down, either from the sky or from higher land, descend. From kata and the base of basis; to descend. from ἀπὸ (apo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_575.htm">Strong's 575: </a> From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses. the τοῦ (tou) Article - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Father Πατρὸς (Patros) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3962.htm">Strong's 3962: </a> Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'. of the heavenly lights, φώτων (phōtōn) Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5457.htm">Strong's 5457: </a> Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness. with παρ’ (par’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_3844.htm">Strong's 3844: </a> Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of. whom ᾧ (hō) Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3739.htm">Strong's 3739: </a> Who, which, what, that. there is ἔνι (eni) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1762.htm">Strong's 1762: </a> Contraction for the third person singular present indicative of eneimi; impersonally, there is in or among. no οὐκ (ouk) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3756.htm">Strong's 3756: </a> No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not. change παραλλαγὴ (parallagē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3883.htm">Strong's 3883: </a> A change, variation, mutation. From a compound of para and allasso; transmutation, i.e. fickleness: variableness. or ἢ (ē) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2228.htm">Strong's 2228: </a> Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than. shifting τροπῆς (tropēs) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5157.htm">Strong's 5157: </a> A turning, change, mutation. From an apparently primary trepo to turn; a turn, i.e. Revolution. shadow. ἀποσκίασμα (aposkiasma) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_644.htm">Strong's 644: </a> From a compound of apo and a derivative of skia; a shading off, i.e. Obscuration. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/james/1-17.htm">James 1:17 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/james/1-17.htm">James 1:17 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/james/1-17.htm">James 1:17 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/james/1-17.htm">James 1:17 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/james/1-17.htm">James 1:17 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/james/1-17.htm">James 1:17 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/james/1-17.htm">James 1:17 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/james/1-17.htm">James 1:17 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/james/1-17.htm">James 1:17 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/james/1-17.htm">James 1:17 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/james/1-17.htm">NT Letters: James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift (Ja Jas. Jam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/james/1-16.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="James 1:16"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="James 1:16" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/james/1-18.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="James 1:18"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="James 1:18" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>