James 1:13
What does James 1:13 mean?
A plain-English look at James 1:13 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What James 1:13 means
James corrects a dangerous thought: when you are tempted, do not say, “I am tempted by God.” God is untemptable by evil and does not tempt anyone. His holy nature is incompatible with luring to sin. This protects God’s character and redirects responsibility. Trials may be from God’s providence, but the pull toward evil within a trial is not from him. Blaming God excuses sin and breeds cynicism. James calls believers to see temptation for what it is—an internal moral struggle—rather than attributing it to the One who is light and in whom is no darkness. God proves; sin entices.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God; for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempteth no man:
KJV
King James Version · 1611Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God; for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempteth no man:
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Let no man say when he is tested, I am tested by God; for it is not possible for God to be tested by evil, and he himself puts no man to such a test:
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Let no one say, being tempted--`From God I am tempted,' for God is not tempted of evil, and Himself doth tempt no one,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Let no man, when he is tempted, say that he is tempted by God. For God is not a tempter of evils: and he tempteth no man.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Let no man, being tempted, say, I am tempted ofGod. ForGod cannot be tempted by evil things, and himself tempts no one.
Context
This verse follows the promise of blessing for endurance (verse 12) by clarifying the moral dynamics of temptation. James separates God’s testing, which refines, from temptation, which entices to evil. Verses 14–15 will trace temptation’s true origin and deadly progression, ensuring readers take responsibility and seek God’s help. The structure defends God’s goodness (verses 13, 17) while exposing sin’s inner roots (verses 14–15).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Genesis 3:12
And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.
- James 1:2
Count it all joy, my brethren, when ye fall into manifold temptations;
- Romans 9:19
Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he still find fault? For who withstandeth his will?
- Isaiah 63:17
O Jehovah, why dost thou make us to err from thy ways, and hardenest our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants’ sake, the tribes of thine inheritance.
- Habakkuk 2:12
Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and establisheth a city by iniquity!
- James 1:12
Blessed is the man that endureth temptation; for when he hath been approved, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord promised to them that love him.
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore James 1
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on James 1.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Anger
The Bible addresses anger directly, offering wisdom on its destructive potential and how believers can manage it righteously.
Topic
Bible Verses About Conflict Resolution
What does the Bible teach us about resolving conflicts and finding peace with others according to God's Word?
Topic
Bible Verses About Discipleship
Discipleship is an intentional journey of following Jesus, learning from Him, and growing in His likeness.
What the Bible says about…
Answer
What does the Bible say about anger?
Be slow to anger, quick to listen, and quick to forgive.
Answer
What does the Bible say about patience?
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord's coming.
Answer
What does the Bible say about suffering?
Our light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory.
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for Making a Big Decision
Six verses to pray before the meeting, the move, or the answer you have to give.
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You're Struggling With Addiction
When the cycle won't break — verses for the long road home.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Praying for a Sick Loved One
When someone you love is suffering — verses to pray over their healing.