Every 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.
Every {G3956} good {G18} gift {G1394} and {G2532} every {G3956} perfect {G5046} gift {G1434} is {G2076} from above {G509}, and cometh down {G2597} from {G575} the Father {G3962} of lights {G5457}, with {G3844} whom {G3739} is {G1762} no {G3756} variableness {G3883}, neither {G2228} shadow {G644} of turning {G5157}.
Every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father who made the heavenly lights; with him there is neither variation nor darkness caused by turning.
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow.
Every 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.
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John 3:27
John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. -
Matthew 7:11
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? -
Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever. -
John 8:12
¶ Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. -
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 shall he not do [it]? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? -
1 John 1:5
¶ This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. -
Psalms 84:11
For the LORD God [is] a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good [thing] will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.
Commentary on James 1:17 (KJV)
This verse from the Epistle of James is a foundational statement about the character of God and the origin of good things in the lives of believers.
Context
James begins his letter by addressing believers scattered abroad, encouraging them to find joy in trials because testing produces perseverance (James 1:2-4). He then discusses asking God for wisdom (James 1:5) and warns against being double-minded. Leading into verse 17, James contrasts God's character with the source of temptation; temptation does not come from God, but from man's own desires (James 1:13-14). Therefore, any good thing we experience must originate elsewhere – from God Himself.
Key Themes
Linguistic Insights
The Greek word for "gift" (δόσις - dosis, and δώρημα - dōrēma, implied in "perfect gift") emphasizes the act of giving and the result of that giving. The term "Father of lights" (Πατὴρ τῶν φώτων - Patēr tōn phōtōn) likely refers to God as the creator of the celestial bodies (sun, moon, stars) which provide light, drawing a contrast between their cyclical nature and His own unchanging nature. It can also speak to God as the source of spiritual light and knowledge. "Variableness" (παραλλαγὴ - parallagē) means change or alteration, while "shadow of turning" (τροπῆς ἀποσκίασμα - tropēs aposkiasma) refers to the shadow cast by the turning or rotation of a celestial body, emphasizing the idea of shifting or change over time. God is utterly without such change.
Reflection and Application
This verse provides immense comfort and assurance. When we receive something good – whether a spiritual blessing, a material provision, or a moment of joy – we can confidently attribute it to God's generous hand. Furthermore, knowing that God is unchanging means we can trust His promises and His character implicitly, even when circumstances around us are unstable. His goodness is not subject to fluctuation like human moods or earthly conditions. This truth encourages us to approach Him with thanksgiving for the good things He provides and to rely on His stable nature during times of trial.