James 1:17
What does James 1:17 mean?
A plain-English look at James 1:17 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What James 1:17 means
James affirms that every good and perfect gift is from above, descending from the Father of lights. God is the Creator of the heavenly lights, yet unlike them—sun, moon, and stars—he does not change or cast shifting shadows. His generosity is consistent and pure. This stands in stark contrast to the deceptive pull of desire and the deadly birth it brings. Instead of tempting, God gives. Instead of instability, he is steadfast. Believers can trust that what is truly good comes from his hand, and that his character will not waver with circumstances. Gratitude and confidence grow from this vision of God.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Every 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.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Every 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Every 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.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949Every good and true thing is given to us from heaven, coming from the Father of lights, with whom there is no change or any shade made by turning.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862every 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;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Every 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.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Every good gift and every perfect gift comes down from above, from the Father of lights, with whom is no variation nor shadow of turning.
Context
Following the warning against deception (verse 16), this verse reasserts God’s goodness and immutability. It counters any thought that God might lure to evil or vary in his kindness. The image of the Father of lights anticipates verse 18, where God’s supreme gift is described—new birth by the word of truth. The flow contrasts two sources and outcomes: human desire leading to death (verses 14–15) versus God’s will bestowing life (verse 18).
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Numbers 23:19
God is not a man, that he should lie, Neither the son of man, that he should repent: Hath he said, and will he not do it? Or hath he spoken, and will he not make it good?
- Isaiah 46:10
declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times things that are not yet done; saying, My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure;
- Ephesians 1:18
having the eyes of your heart enlightened, that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints,
- Daniel 2:27
Daniel answered before the king, and said, The secret which the king hath demanded can neither wise men, enchanters, magicians, nor soothsayers, show unto the king;
- John 8:12
Again therefore Jesus spake unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.
- Matthew 7:11
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father who is in heaven give good things to them that ask him?
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