James 1:13

¶ Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

Let {G3004} no man {G3367} say {G3004} when he is tempted {G3985},{G3754} I am tempted {G3985} of {G575} God {G2316}: for {G1063} God {G2316} cannot be tempted {G551}{G2076} with evil {G2556}, neither {G1161} tempteth {G3985} he {G846}{G3985} any man {G3762}:

No one being tempted should say, “I am being tempted by God.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, and God himself tempts no one.

When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone.

Let 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:

James 1:13 (KJV)

¶ Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

Commentary:

This verse directly addresses a potential misunderstanding regarding the origin of temptation to sin. James emphatically states that God is not the source of such enticement.

Historical and Cultural Context: James is writing to Jewish Christians facing various trials (mentioned earlier in the chapter). In some Jewish thought, God was seen as sovereign over all things, which could lead to the conclusion that even temptation came directly from Him. James corrects this, drawing a clear distinction between the trials God allows for growth and the sinful desires that lead to temptation.

Key Themes and Messages:

  • God's nature is absolutely holy and pure.
  • God is immune to the allure of evil ("cannot be tempted with evil").
  • God does not entice or lure people into sin ("neither tempteth he any man").
  • Responsibility for yielding to temptation lies elsewhere (as explained in the following verses).

Linguistic Insights: The Greek word translated "tempted" (peirazō) can mean both "to test, try" (as in James 1:2) and "to tempt, entice to sin" (as clearly used here). James distinguishes between these two senses. The phrase "cannot be tempted with evil" translates apeirastos kakōn, meaning "untried by evils" or "inexperienced in evil things." God's very being is separate from and unaffected by evil.

Cross-references: While God tests faith and character (Genesis 22:1, Deuteronomy 8:2), James explains the source of temptation to sin in the very next verses: James 1:14-15 states that a person is tempted "when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed."

Practical Application: This verse removes any excuse for blaming God for our sin. It clarifies that while God may allow us to face challenging circumstances (trials) that test our faith, He never actively tempts us to do evil. The desire that leads to sin originates within us or from external evil forces, not from our holy God.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Habakkuk 2:12

    Woe to him that buildeth a town with blood, and stablisheth a city by iniquity!

  • Habakkuk 2:13

    Behold, [is it] not of the LORD of hosts that the people shall labour in the very fire, and the people shall weary themselves for very vanity?

  • James 1:12

    Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

  • Romans 9:19

    Thou wilt say then unto me, Why doth he yet find fault? For who hath resisted his will?

  • Romans 9:20

    Nay but, O man, who art thou that repliest against God? Shall the thing formed say to him that formed [it], Why hast thou made me thus?

  • Isaiah 63:17

    O LORD, why hast thou made us to err from thy ways, [and] hardened our heart from thy fear? Return for thy servants' sake, the tribes of thine inheritance.

  • James 1:2

    ¶ My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;
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