James 1:15

KJV

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

KJV (with Strong's)

Then {G1534} when lust {G1939} hath conceived {G4815}, it bringeth forth {G5088} sin {G266}: and {G1161} sin {G266}, when it is finished {G658}, bringeth forth {G616} death {G2288}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then, having conceived, the desire gives birth to sin; and when sin is fully grown, it gives birth to death.

Berean Standard Bible

Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

American Standard Version

Then the lust, when it hath conceived, beareth sin: and the sin, when it is fullgrown, bringeth forth death.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
James 1:15 vividly portrays the perilous spiritual journey from unbridled desire to the ultimate consequence of death, presenting a stark, biological metaphor for the progression of sin. It reveals that temptation, when entertained and allowed to "conceive" within the human heart, inevitably "brings forth" sin. Furthermore, if sin is permitted to mature and reach its full destructive potential, it culminates in spiritual and eternal death, underscoring the profound seriousness of our internal struggles and the critical need for vigilance against the insidious nature of temptation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** James 1:15 is the climactic statement in a crucial passage (James 1:13-15) that directly addresses the origin and progression of temptation and sin. Immediately preceding this verse, James refutes the notion that God tempts anyone, stating, "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" [James 1:13](/james/1-13 "God Does Not Tempt"). Instead, he clarifies that "every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed" [James 1:14](/james/1-14 "The Source of Temptation"). Verse 15 then completes this chain of cause and effect, illustrating the dire outcome when the enticement of "lust" (desire) is not resisted but allowed to mature. This entire section serves as a foundational theological statement within James's letter, setting the stage for subsequent exhortations on wisdom, hearing and doing the word, and the nature of true religion, all of which presuppose an understanding of sin's internal genesis.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Epistle of James was written to Jewish Christians dispersed among the nations (likely the "twelve tribes which are scattered abroad" [James 1:1](/james/1-1 "Greeting to the Twelve Tribes")). These early believers faced various trials and temptations, both external (persecution, poverty) and internal (doubt, favoritism, uncontrolled speech). James's audience would have been familiar with Old Testament wisdom literature, which often depicted sin as a process originating in the heart (e.g., [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Guard Your Heart")). The biological imagery of conception, birth, and maturity used in James 1:15 would have been universally understood, drawing on the common experience of life and death. The emphasis on internal disposition over external circumstances resonates with Jewish ethical thought, which understood sin not merely as an act but as a condition of the heart.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the Epistle of James and broader biblical theology. It profoundly illuminates **the genesis of sin**, establishing that sin's true origin lies not in external forces or even God, but within the individual's own unchecked desires, as articulated in [James 1:14](/james/1-14 "The Origin of Sin"). It highlights **the dangerous progression of evil**, presenting a clear, escalating sequence from desire to conception, then to the birth of sin, and finally to its fatal culmination in death, echoing the warnings found in [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The Wages of Sin"). Furthermore, the verse underscores **the deceptive nature of desire (lust)**, using the term *epithymía* to denote a strong, often illicit craving that, if entertained, becomes the fertile ground for sin. This theme is crucial for understanding the internal battle that believers must wage, a battle against the "lusts of the flesh" that wage war against the soul, as described in [1 Peter 2:11](/1_peter/2-11 "Abstain from Fleshly Lusts"). Ultimately, James 1:15 serves as a solemn warning about **the fatal consequence of unaddressed sin**, emphasizing that its full maturity inevitably leads to death, a concept deeply rooted in the Old Testament narrative of the fall in [Genesis 2:17](/genesis/2-17 "The Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil") and consistently affirmed throughout the New Testament.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Lust (Greek, _epithymía'_):** From G1939, this term denotes a strong longing, craving, or desire. While it can be used neutrally for any strong desire, in this context, especially following [James 1:14](/james/1-14 "Drawn Away by Lust"), it carries the negative connotation of an uncontrolled, often illicit or selfish desire that leads to sin. It refers to the internal, powerful inclination toward something forbidden or harmful.
* **Conceived (Greek, _syllambánō'_):** From G4815, this verb literally means "to clasp" or "to seize," but specifically in this biological context, it means "to conceive" (as in pregnancy). James employs this vivid metaphor to describe the moment when an unholy desire is not merely present but is "taken hold of," entertained, and allowed to take root and develop within the heart and mind. This is the critical internal yielding to temptation.
* **Sin (Greek, _hamartía'_):** From G266, this term refers to a sin, an offense, or a missing of the mark. In James 1:15, it is presented as the "offspring" of conceived lust. It signifies the actual transgression, whether in thought, word, or deed, that results from the internal process of entertaining and nurturing harmful desires. It is the concrete manifestation of the internal corruption.
* **Death (Greek, _thánatos'_):** From G2288, this term refers to death, literally or figuratively. In this context, it signifies the ultimate consequence of sin brought to completion. While it can refer to physical death, its primary meaning here is spiritual separation from God, both in the present life (spiritual alienation, loss of fellowship) and in its eternal, ultimate sense (eternal condemnation). It is the antithesis of the life offered in Christ.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin:"** This clause establishes the initial, crucial step in the progression of sin. "Lust" (uncontrolled desire) is personified as a female figure. When this desire is not resisted but is "conceived"—meaning it is entertained, dwelled upon, and allowed to take root in the heart—it then "brings forth" or gives birth to sin. This highlights the internal, intimate act of yielding to temptation, where a harmful desire is allowed to mature into an actual transgression, whether in thought or deed.
* **"and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death."** This second clause describes the destructive culmination of the process. "Sin," once born, is depicted as growing and maturing. When it is "finished" or brought to full completion—meaning it is habitually practiced, unrepented of, and allowed to dominate one's life—its inevitable "offspring" or consequence is "death." This "death" primarily refers to spiritual separation from God and, ultimately, eternal separation. It underscores the grave, fatal trajectory of unaddressed and persistent sin.

#### Literary Devices
James 1:15 is rich in **Metaphor** and **Personification**, employing vivid biological imagery to illustrate a profound spiritual truth. The abstract concepts of "lust" and "sin" are personified as living entities capable of conception, birth, and maturation. "Lust" is depicted as a female figure that "conceives," implying an internal, intimate act of yielding to temptation. This conceived desire then "brings forth sin," portraying sin as the literal "offspring" or consequence of this internal gestation. The metaphor continues with "sin" itself being described as something that can be "finished" or brought to full term, culminating in the "birth" of "death." This extended metaphor of a reproductive cycle—from conception to birth to the full maturity of an organism—powerfully communicates the insidious, progressive, and ultimately fatal nature of sin when it is not resisted at its earliest stages. The use of such concrete, relatable imagery makes the abstract concept of sin's progression both understandable and deeply impactful.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
James 1:15 offers a profound theological insight into the nature of sin, tracing its origin not to external forces or divine temptation, but to the internal inclinations of the human heart. This echoes the biblical understanding of humanity's fallen nature, where sin is not merely an action but a deeply rooted condition. The verse highlights the progressive and destructive power of sin, moving from an initial thought or desire to its full-blown manifestation and ultimately to spiritual death. This progression serves as a critical warning, emphasizing the importance of addressing temptation at its earliest stages, before it takes root and bears its deadly fruit. The theological implication is clear: human responsibility for sin is absolute, and the consequences are dire, necessitating divine intervention for salvation and transformation.

* [Romans 6:23](/romans/6-23 "The Wages of Sin"): "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."
* [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Guard Your Heart"): "Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life."
* [Matthew 15:19](/matthew/15-19 "What Defiles a Person"): "For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
James 1:15 serves as a sobering mirror, urging us to look inward and confront the true battleground of temptation: our own hearts and desires. It shatters the illusion that sin is merely an external event or an unfortunate accident, revealing it as the natural, albeit tragic, outcome of unmanaged internal cravings. The verse calls us to profound vigilance, not just over our actions, but over the very seeds of desire that can take root within us. Understanding this progression—from desire to conception, to the birth of sin, and ultimately to death—empowers us to intercept sin at its earliest, most vulnerable stage. It compels us to cultivate a disciplined inner life, to guard our thoughts, and to actively surrender our desires to God's transforming grace. This means recognizing the subtle whispers of temptation, discerning unholy cravings, and choosing to starve them before they "conceive." True spiritual maturity involves not just avoiding outward sin, but diligently purifying the wellspring of our hearts, ensuring that the "issues of life" that flow from it are pure and pleasing to God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What specific "lusts" or unchecked desires do I most frequently allow to "conceive" in my heart?**
* **At what point in the progression from desire to sin do I typically fail to resist temptation?**
* **How can I more effectively "guard my heart" (as in [Proverbs 4:23](/proverbs/4-23 "Guard Your Heart")) to prevent the conception of sin?**
* **In what ways have I experienced the "death" that sin brings, whether spiritually, relationally, or emotionally?**

### FAQ
**Does James 1:15 imply that all desires are inherently sinful?**

Answer: No, James 1:15 does not imply that all desires are inherently sinful. The Greek word *epithymía* (lust/desire) can refer to any strong longing. However, in this specific context, especially when read with [James 1:14](/james/1-14 "Drawn Away by Lust"), it clearly refers to desires that draw a person away from God and entice them towards evil. The key is not the presence of desire itself, but whether that desire is for something forbidden or contrary to God's will, and whether it is entertained and allowed to "conceive." God created humans with desires, and many desires are good and natural (e.g., desire for food, companionship, knowledge). It is when these desires become disordered, selfish, or directed towards ungodly ends that they become "lust" in the negative sense described here, leading to sin and death.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While James 1:15 starkly outlines the grim progression of sin from desire to death, it simultaneously sets the stage for the profound necessity and glory of Christ's redemptive work. Humanity's inherent inability to break this chain of sin and death, as highlighted by James, underscores the universal need for a Savior. Jesus Christ, by His sinless life, sacrificial death, and victorious resurrection, perfectly fulfilled the righteous demands of the law and broke the power of sin and death. He became the ultimate antidote to the deadly fruit of sin, offering "life more abundantly" [John 10:10](/john/10-10 "The Good Shepherd") where sin once brought death. Through faith in Him, believers are not merely forgiven of their sins but are also empowered by the Holy Spirit to resist the very "lusts" that lead to sin, as the Spirit enables them to "walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh" [Galatians 5:16](/galatians/5-16 "Walk in the Spirit"). Christ's victory over death, as celebrated in [1 Corinthians 15:55-57](/1_corinthians/15-55-57 "Victory Over Death"), transforms the ultimate consequence of sin into a pathway to eternal life, providing not only an escape from the "wages of sin" but also the divine strength to cultivate desires that align with God's will, leading to righteousness and true life in Him.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Psalms 7:14

Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood.

Job 15:35

They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit.

Romans 5:12

Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all have sinned:

Romans 5:21

That as sin hath reigned unto death, even so might grace reign through righteousness unto eternal life by Jesus Christ our Lord.

Genesis 2:17

But of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, thou shalt not eat of it: for in the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.

Isaiah 59:4

None calleth for justice, nor [any] pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.

Genesis 3:6

¶ And when the woman saw that the tree [was] good for food, and that it [was] pleasant to the eyes, and a tree to be desired to make [one] wise, she took of the fruit thereof, and did eat, and gave also unto her husband with her; and he did eat.