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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 1:18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/james/1-18.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/10/59_Jas_01_18.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="James 1:18 - Good and Perfect Gifts" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation." /><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/1-18.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/1-18.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 18</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="/ad18.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/1-17.htm" title="James 1:17">◄</a> James 1:18 <a href="/james/1-19.htm" title="James 1:19">►</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> He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. <a href="/nlt/james/1.htm">New Living Translation</a> He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession. <a href="/esv/james/1.htm">English Standard Version</a> Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. <a href="/bsb/james/1.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation. <a href="/blb/james/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Having willed it, He brought us forth by the word of truth, for us to be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. <a href="/kjv/james/1.htm">King James Bible</a> Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. <a href="/nkjv/james/1.htm">New King James Version</a> Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. <a href="/nasb_/james/1.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> In the exercise of His will He gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. <a href="/nasb/james/1.htm">NASB 1995</a> In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. <a href="/nasb77/james/1.htm">NASB 1977 </a> In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we might be, as it were, the first fruits among His creatures. <a href="/lsb/james/1.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. <a href="/amp/james/1.htm">Amplified Bible</a> It was of His own will that He gave us birth [as His children] by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits of His creatures [a prime example of what He created to be set apart to Himself—sanctified, made holy for His divine purposes]. <a href="/csb/james/1.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> By his own choice, he gave us birth by the word of truth so that we would be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. <a href="/hcsb/james/1.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> By His own choice, He gave us a new birth by the message of truth so that we would be the firstfruits of His creatures. <a href="/asv/james/1.htm">American Standard Version</a> Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. <a href="/cev/james/1.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> He wanted us to be his own special people, and so he sent the true message to give us new birth. <a href="/erv/james/1.htm">English Revised Version</a> Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. <a href="/gwt/james/1.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> God decided to give us life through the word of truth to make us his most important creatures. <a href="/gnt/james/1.htm">Good News Translation</a> By his own will he brought us into being through the word of truth, so that we should have first place among all his creatures. <a href="/isv/james/1.htm">International Standard Version</a> In accordance with his will he made us his children by the word of truth, so that we might become the most important of his creatures. <a href="/msb/james/1.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation. <a href="/net/james/1.htm">NET Bible</a> By his sovereign plan he gave us birth through the message of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. <a href="/nheb/james/1.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. <a href="/wbt/james/1.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Of his own will he hath begotten us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures. <a href="/wey/james/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> In accordance with His will He made us His children through the Message of the truth, so that we might, in a sense, be the Firstfruits of the things which He has created. <a href="/web/james/1.htm">World English Bible</a> Of his own will he gave birth to us by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/james/1.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> having willed [it], He begot us with a word of truth, for our being a certain first-fruit of His creatures. <a href="/blb/james/1.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Having willed it, He brought us forth by the word of truth, for us to be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. <a href="/ylt/james/1.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> having counselled, He did beget us with a word of truth, for our being a certain first-fruit of His creatures. <a href="/slt/james/1.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Having willed he brought forth by the word of truth, for us to be some first fruit of his creatures.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/james/1.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For of his own will hath he begotten us by the word of truth, that we might be some beginning of his creatures. <a href="/cpdv/james/1.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For by his own will he produced us through the Word of truth, so that we might be a kind of beginning among his creatures. <a href="/nabre/james/1.htm">New American Bible</a> He willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. <a href="/nrsvce/james/1.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/james/1.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> It is he, who begot us of his own will with the word of truth, that we should be the firstfruits of his creatures. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/james/1.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> He was pleased and gave birth to us by the word of the truth, that we would be the first fruits of his creation.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/james/1.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Of his own will, he begot us with the word of truth, in order that we might be, as it were, the first-fruits of his creatures.<CM> <a href="/godbey/james/1.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Of his own will begat he us by the word of truth, that we should be some first fruit of his creations. <a href="/haweis/james/1.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Of his own choice he produced us by the word of truth, that we might be a sort of first fruit of his creatures.? <a href="/mace/james/1.htm">Mace New Testament</a> 'tis he that has voluntarily renew'd us by the oracles of truth, that we might be the first converts of the new creation. <a href="/wey/james/1.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> In accordance with His will He made us His children through the Message of the truth, so that we might, in a sense, be the Firstfruits of the things which He has created. <a href="/worrell/james/1.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Having willed it, He brought us forth with a word of truth, that we might be a certain first-fruit of His creatures. <a href="/worsley/james/1.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> who hath of his own will begotten us by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures. <a href="/parallel/james/1-18.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=142" 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> …17Every 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. 18<a href="/greek/1014.htm" title="1014: boulētheis (V-APP-NMS) -- To will, intend, desire, wish. Middle voice of a primary verb; to will, i.e. be willing.">He chose</a> <a href="/greek/616.htm" title="616: apekyēsen (V-AIA-3S) -- From apo and the base of kuma; to breed forth, i.e. to generate.">to give us birth</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmas (PPro-A1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I."></a> <a href="/greek/3056.htm" title="3056: logō (N-DMS) -- From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.">through the word</a> <a href="/greek/225.htm" title="225: alētheias (N-GFS) -- From alethes; truth.">of truth,</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">that</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmas (PPro-A1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">we</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: einai (V-PNA) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">would be</a> <a href="/greek/5100.htm" title="5100: tina (IPro-AFS) -- Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.">a kind of</a> <a href="/greek/536.htm" title="536: aparchēn (N-AFS) -- From a compound of apo and archomai; a beginning of sacrifice, i.e. The first-fruit.">firstfruits</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autou (PPro-GM3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">of His</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/2938.htm" title="2938: ktismatōn (N-GNP) -- A created thing, a creature. From ktizo; an original formation, i.e. Product.">creation.</a> 19My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,…<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="/john/1-12.htm">John 1:12-13</a> But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God— / children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God. <a href="/1_peter/1-23.htm">1 Peter 1:23</a> For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. <a href="/ephesians/1-13.htm">Ephesians 1:13-14</a> And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, / who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession, to the praise of His glory. <a href="/1_john/3-9.htm">1 John 3:9</a> Anyone born of God refuses to practice sin, because God’s seed abides in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. <a href="/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">1 Corinthians 4:15</a> Even if you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-13.htm">2 Thessalonians 2:13</a> 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. <a href="/romans/8-29.htm">Romans 8:29</a> 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. <a href="/1_peter/2-9.htm">1 Peter 2:9</a> But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. <a href="/john/3-3.htm">John 3:3-5</a> Jesus replied, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.” / “How can a man be born when he is old?” Nicodemus asked. “Can he enter his mother’s womb a second time to be born?” / Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. <a href="/titus/3-5.htm">Titus 3:5</a> He saved us, not by the righteous deeds we had done, but according to His mercy, through the washing of new birth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. <a href="/1_john/5-18.htm">1 John 5:18</a> We know that anyone born of God does not keep on sinning; the One who was born of God protects him, and the evil one cannot touch him. <a href="/colossians/1-5.htm">Colossians 1:5-6</a> the faith and love proceeding from the hope stored up for you in heaven, of which you have already heard in the word of truth, the gospel / that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood the grace of God. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm">2 Corinthians 5:17</a> Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come! <a href="/matthew/13-38.htm">Matthew 13:38</a> The field is the world, and the good seed represents the sons of the kingdom. The weeds are the sons of the evil one, <a href="/hebrews/12-23.htm">Hebrews 12:23</a> 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,</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures.his own.<a href="/john/1-13.htm">John 1:13</a> Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.<a href="/john/3-3.htm">John 3:3-5</a> Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God… <a href="/romans/4-17.htm">Romans 4:17</a> (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.with.<a href="/james/1-21.htm">James 1:21</a> Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.<a href="/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">1 Corinthians 4:15</a> For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel.<a href="/ephesians/1-12.htm">Ephesians 1:12</a> That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.kind.<a href="/leviticus/23-10.htm">Leviticus 23:10</a> Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest:<a href="/jeremiah/2-3.htm">Jeremiah 2:3</a> Israel was holiness unto the LORD, and the firstfruits of his increase: all that devour him shall offend; evil shall come upon them, saith the LORD.<a href="/amos/6-1.htm">Amos 6:1</a> Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came!<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/2-4.htm">Accordance</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/4-15.htm">Begat</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-17.htm">Begotten</a> <a href="/james/1-15.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-8.htm">Children</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-25.htm">Chose</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-27.htm">Created</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-13.htm">Creatures</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-2.htm">Exercise</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-23.htm">First</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-15.htm">Firstfruits</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-15.htm">First-Fruits</a> <a href="/james/1-15.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-6.htm">Fruits</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-16.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-7.htm">Message</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-27.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-18.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/james/1-17.htm">True.</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-27.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-22.htm">Word</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_peter/1-2.htm">Accordance</a> <a href="/1_john/5-1.htm">Begat</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-3.htm">Begotten</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-23.htm">Birth</a> <a href="/james/1-27.htm">Children</a> <a href="/genesis/6-2.htm">Chose</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-12.htm">Created</a> <a href="/james/4-4.htm">Creatures</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-2.htm">Exercise</a> <a href="/james/3-17.htm">First</a> <a href="/revelation/14-4.htm">Firstfruits</a> <a href="/revelation/14-4.htm">First-Fruits</a> <a href="/james/3-10.htm">Forth</a> <a href="/james/3-17.htm">Fruits</a> <a href="/james/1-24.htm">Kind</a> <a href="/james/1-21.htm">Message</a> <a href="/james/4-5.htm">Purpose</a> <a href="/james/3-13.htm">Sense</a> <a href="/james/1-25.htm">True.</a> <a href="/james/3-14.htm">Truth</a> <a href="/james/1-21.htm">Word</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'; 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The concept of being "born again" is central to Christian theology, as seen in <a href="/john/3-3.htm">John 3:3</a>, where Jesus tells Nicodemus that one must be born again to see the kingdom of God. This new birth is not a result of human effort but a divine act of grace, aligning with <a href="/ephesians/2-8.htm">Ephesians 2:8-9</a>, which underscores salvation as a gift from God. The imagery of birth signifies a new beginning and transformation, reflecting the radical change in identity and status for believers.through the word of truth The "word of truth" refers to the gospel message, the good news of Jesus Christ's death and resurrection for the salvation of humanity. This aligns with passages like <a href="/ephesians/1-13.htm">Ephesians 1:13</a>, where the "word of truth" is equated with the gospel of salvation. The phrase underscores the power and necessity of the gospel in the process of spiritual rebirth, as faith comes from hearing the message of Christ (<a href="/romans/10-17.htm">Romans 10:17</a>). The truth of the gospel stands in contrast to the false teachings and philosophies prevalent in the world, highlighting the importance of sound doctrine.that we would be a kind of firstfruits The term "firstfruits" has rich Old Testament connotations, referring to the initial portion of the harvest offered to God as a sign of gratitude and dedication (<a href="/leviticus/23-10.htm">Leviticus 23:10</a>). In the New Testament context, believers are seen as the firstfruits of God's new creation, indicating their special status and role in God's redemptive plan. This concept is echoed in <a href="/romans/8-23.htm">Romans 8:23</a>, where believers are described as having the firstfruits of the Spirit. The idea of firstfruits also points to the eschatological hope of a future harvest, where God's kingdom will be fully realized.of His creation This phrase highlights the broader scope of God's redemptive work, which encompasses all of creation. It reflects the biblical narrative of creation, fall, and redemption, where God is actively restoring and renewing the world through Christ. <a href="/colossians/1-15.htm">Colossians 1:15-20</a> speaks of Christ's preeminence in creation and His role in reconciling all things to Himself. The inclusion of believers as firstfruits signifies their participation in this cosmic renewal, serving as a foretaste of the new heavens and new earth promised in <a href="/revelation/21.htm">Revelation 21:1</a>.<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. 2. <a href="/topical/g/god.htm">God</a> The divine being who initiates the spiritual birth of believers. 3. <a href="/topical/b/believers.htm">Believers</a> The recipients of the spiritual birth, referred to as "firstfruits" in this passage. 4. <a href="/topical/w/word_of_truth.htm">Word of Truth</a> The means through which God gives spiritual birth, often understood as the Gospel message. 5. <a href="/topical/f/firstfruits.htm">Firstfruits</a> A term used to describe believers, indicating their special status and role in God's creation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/d/divine_initiative_in_salvation.htm">Divine Initiative in Salvation</a> God is the one who initiates our spiritual birth, emphasizing His sovereignty and grace in the process of salvation. <a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_the_word.htm">The Power of the Word</a> The "word of truth" is central to our spiritual rebirth, highlighting the importance of Scripture and the Gospel in the life of a believer. <a href="/topical/i/identity_as_firstfruits.htm">Identity as Firstfruits</a> Being called "firstfruits" signifies a special identity and purpose, reminding believers of their role in God's redemptive plan. <a href="/topical/l/living_out_our_new_birth.htm">Living Out Our New Birth</a> As those who have been given new life, believers are called to live in a way that reflects their new identity and purpose. <a href="/topical/t/the_assurance_of_god's_choice.htm">The Assurance of God's Choice</a> Understanding that God chose to give us birth provides assurance and confidence in our salvation and standing before Him.<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/what_is_'firstfruits_of_his_creatures'.htm">What does "Firstfruits of His creatures" mean?</a> <a href="/q/what_does_rachel's_weeping_signify.htm">What does 'Firstfruits of His creatures' mean?</a> <a href="/q/how_can_we_live_a_godly_life_daily.htm">What is the significance of offering firstfruits to God?</a> <a href="/q/why_offer_firstfruits_to_god.htm">What is the significance of offering firstfruits to 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>(18) Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth.--There is a greater witness to God's goodness than that which is written upon the dome of heaven, even the regeneration of man. As the old creation was "by the Word" (<a href="/john/1-3.htm" title="All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made.">John 1:3</a>; <a href="/john/1-10.htm" title="He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not.">John 1:10</a>, et seq.), the new is by Him also, the Logos, the Word of Truth, and that by means of His everlasting gospel, delivered in the power of the Holy Ghost. So tenderly is this declared, that a maternal phrase is used--God brought us forth in the new birth; and though "a woman" may forget "the son of her womb" (<a href="/isaiah/49-15.htm" title="Can a woman forget her sucking child, that she should not have compassion on the son of her womb? yes, they may forget, yet will I not forget you.">Isaiah 49:15</a>), yet will He "never leave, nor forsake" (<a href="/hebrews/13-5.htm" title="Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have: for he has said, I will never leave you, nor forsake you.">Hebrews 13:5</a>).That we should be a kind of firstfruit of his creatures.--And why this mercy and loving-kindness? for our own sakes, or for others and for His? Surely the latter; and "if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy" (<a href="/romans/11-16.htm" title="For if the first fruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.">Romans 11:16</a>). We know "Who is the firstborn of every creature" (<a href="/colossians/1-15.htm" title=" Who is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature:">Colossians 1:15</a>) "the firstbegotten of the dead" (<a href="/revelation/1-5.htm" title="And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. To him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,">Revelation 1:5</a>), nay, "the beginning of the creation of God" (<a href="/revelation/3-14.htm" title="And to the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things said the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God;">Revelation 3:14</a>); "and we are created in Christ Jesus" (<a href="/ephesians/2-10.htm" title="For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to good works, which God has before ordained that we should walk in them.">Ephesians 2:10</a>), become new in Him (comp. <a href="/2_corinthians/5-17.htm" title="Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.">2Corinthians 5:17</a>; <a href="/galatians/6-15.htm" title="For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision avails any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature.">Galatians 6:15</a>), made the firstfruits of His redemption; and, moreover, it would seem we are the sign of the deliverance promised to the brute creation "which waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God" (<a href="/romans/8-19.htm" title="For the earnest expectation of the creature waits for the manifestation of the sons of God.">Romans 8:19</a>; <a href="/romans/8-21.htm" title="Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.">Romans 8:21</a>). The longing for a future perfection is shared by all created beings upon earth, and their discontent at present imperfection points to another state freed from evil (<a href="/context/romans/8-18.htm" title="For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.">Romans 8:18-22</a>). "The creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of Him who hath subjected the same in hope" (<a href="/romans/8-20.htm" title="For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him who has subjected the same in hope,">Romans 8:20</a>). And the fruition of this hope is foreshadowed in the words above. "The very struggles," it has been well observed by Dean Howson, "which all animated beings make against pain and death show that pain and death are not a part of the proper laws of their nature, but rather a bondage imposed upon them from without; thus every groan and fear is an unconscious prophecy of liberation from the power of evil." "The creature itself also shall be delivered" is the plain assertion of St. Paul (<a href="/romans/8-21.htm" title="Because the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty of the children of God.">Romans 8:21</a>); comparing his with that of St. James, we must conclude that they point to all nature, animate and inanimate as well. "We look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness" (<a href="/2_peter/3-13.htm" title="Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwells righteousness.">2Peter 3:13</a>), and "there shall be no more death . . . nor any more pain" (<a href="/revelation/21-4.htm" title="And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.">Revelation 21:4</a>). . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/james/1.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 18. - Begat; literally, brought forth; ἀπεκύησεν. The word has been already used of sin in ver. 15. The recurrence of it here points to the connection of thought. The offspring of sin has been shown to be death. God, too, who is both Father and Mother (Bengel), has his offspring. But how different! Us (ημῦς). To whom does this refer? (1) To all Christians. (2) To Christians of the apostolic age. (3) To Jewish Christians, to whom the Epistle is specially addressed. . . . <a href="/commentaries/james/1-18.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>He chose βουληθεὶς (boulētheis) Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1014.htm">Strong's 1014: </a> To will, intend, desire, wish. Middle voice of a primary verb; to 'will, ' i.e. be willing. to give us birth ἀπεκύησεν (apekyēsen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_616.htm">Strong's 616: </a> From apo and the base of kuma; to breed forth, i.e. to generate. through [the] word λόγῳ (logō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3056.htm">Strong's 3056: </a> From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression. of truth, ἀληθείας (alētheias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_225.htm">Strong's 225: </a> From alethes; truth. that εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. we ἡμᾶς (hēmas) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. would be εἶναι (einai) Verb - Present Infinitive Active <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. a kind of τινα (tina) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5100.htm">Strong's 5100: </a> Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. firstfruits ἀπαρχήν (aparchēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_536.htm">Strong's 536: </a> From a compound of apo and archomai; a beginning of sacrifice, i.e. The first-fruit. of His αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. creation. κτισμάτων (ktismatōn) Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2938.htm">Strong's 2938: </a> A created thing, a creature. From ktizo; an original formation, i.e. Product. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/james/1-18.htm">James 1:18 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/james/1-18.htm">James 1:18 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/james/1-18.htm">James 1:18 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/james/1-18.htm">James 1:18 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/james/1-18.htm">James 1:18 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/james/1-18.htm">James 1:18 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/james/1-18.htm">James 1:18 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/james/1-18.htm">James 1:18 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/james/1-18.htm">James 1:18 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/james/1-18.htm">James 1:18 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/james/1-18.htm">NT Letters: James 1:18 Of his own will he brought us (Ja Jas. Jam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/james/1-17.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="James 1:17"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="James 1:17" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/james/1-19.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="James 1:19"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="James 1:19" /></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>