James 1:15

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

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}.

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

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

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

Commentary

Commentary on James 1:15 KJV

James 1:15 is a profound and sobering verse that graphically illustrates the dangerous progression from unchecked desire to sin and ultimately, to spiritual death. It serves as a stark warning about the internal battle against temptation and the critical importance of addressing our innermost inclinations.

Context

This verse is part of a larger discussion in James chapter 1, where the author addresses the nature of temptation. James emphasizes that God does not tempt anyone; rather, individuals are "drawn away of his own lust, and enticed" (James 1:14). Verse 15 then describes the inevitable and dire outcome if that enticement is not resisted, presenting a clear chain of cause and effect.

Key Themes

  • The Genesis of Sin: James uses vivid biological imagery to explain how sin originates not from external forces, but from within a person's own desires and choices.
  • The Progression of Evil: The verse outlines a clear, escalating sequence: desire leads to conception, which leads to sin, which when fully developed, leads to death.
  • The Deceptive Nature of Desire (Lust): Unchecked desires, or epithymia, are presented as the fertile ground where sin is conceived, highlighting the internal battle before outward action.
  • The Fatal Consequence: The verse clearly states the ultimate result of sin brought to completion: death, both spiritual and, in its fullest sense, eternal separation from God.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word translated as "lust" is epithymia (ἐπιθυμία), which can mean strong desire, craving, or longing. While it can be used neutrally, in this context, it distinctly refers to an uncontrolled, often illicit, or selfish desire that leads to sin.
  • "Conceived" (syllambano, συλλαμβάνω) employs the imagery of a woman becoming pregnant. This powerful metaphor highlights the internal, intimate act of giving in to temptation, allowing a harmful desire to take root and grow within the heart.
  • "Bringeth forth" (apokyeo, ἀποκυέω) continues the birth metaphor, indicating that sin is the "offspring" that is born when conceived desire is allowed to mature.
  • "Finished" (apoteléo, ἀποτελέω) implies that sin, like a living organism, grows and matures. When it reaches its full, destructive potential, its ultimate fruit is death.
  • "Death" (thanatos, θάνατος) here refers primarily to separation from God, both in this life (spiritual death) and ultimately, in its eternal consequences, as the final wages of unrepentant sin.

The Progression of Sin

James lays out a chilling, step-by-step process of how temptation, if not resisted, leads to destructive outcomes:

  1. Desire (Lust): It begins with an initial, often strong, internal craving or temptation (epithymia). This is not yet sin, but the ground where sin can take root.
  2. Conception: When this desire is entertained, dwelled upon, and allowed to take root in the heart, it "conceives." This is the critical moment of inward yielding or decision, where the temptation is embraced rather than rejected.
  3. Birth of Sin: The conceived desire then manifests as an outward action or inward attitude that is contrary to God's will. This is the "birth" of actual sin.
  4. Completion/Maturity of Sin: If this sin is not repented of, it grows, becomes habitual, and dominates the individual's life. It reaches its "finished" or mature state.
  5. Death: The inevitable outcome of sin reaching its full destructive potential is death. This echoes the biblical truth found in Romans 6:23, which states, "For the wages of sin is death." This death encompasses spiritual separation from God now and eternal separation in the future.

Practical Application

This powerful verse urges believers to be extremely vigilant over their inner desires and thoughts. It's a call to address temptation at its earliest stage, before it "conceives" and leads to sinful actions. Understanding this progression helps us recognize the subtle ways sin can take hold in our lives. We are encouraged to cultivate self-control, to guard our hearts, and to lean on God's grace to resist the pull of harmful desires. By living in the Spirit, as encouraged in Galatians 5:16, we can avoid fulfilling the lusts of the flesh. James 1:15 underscores the seriousness of sin, reminding us that its ultimate trajectory is destructive, and calls us to actively pursue righteousness and life in Christ.

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Cross-References

  • Psalms 7:14 (24 votes)

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

  • Job 15:35 (20 votes)

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

  • Romans 5:12 (14 votes)

    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 (14 votes)

    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 (13 votes)

    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 (9 votes)

    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 (8 votes)

    ¶ 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.