James 1:18

Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Of his own will {G1014} begat he {G616} us {G2248} with the word {G3056} of truth {G225}, that {G1519} we {G2248} should be {G1511} a kind {G5100} of firstfruits {G536} of his {G846} creatures {G2938}.

Having made his decision, he gave birth to us through a Word that can be relied upon, in order that we should be a kind of firstfruits of all that he created.

He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation.

Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Commentary

Commentary on James 1:18 (KJV)

James 1:18 is a pivotal verse in the Epistle of James, beautifully encapsulating the source and purpose of a believer's spiritual life. It highlights God's sovereign initiative in salvation and the transformative power of His Word, establishing the believer's unique position in His creation.

Context

This verse comes immediately after James's assertion of God's unchanging goodness and the absence of evil or shifting shadows in Him (James 1:17). In contrast to the temptations and human desires discussed earlier in the chapter, James emphasizes that the spiritual birth of believers is not from human will or earthly influences, but solely from God's benevolent and deliberate choice. It sets the stage for the importance of receiving and obeying the "engrafted word" later in the chapter (James 1:21).

Key Themes

  • God's Sovereign Will in Salvation: The phrase "Of his own will begat he us" powerfully underscores that spiritual birth, or regeneration, is not achieved by human effort, merit, or decision alone, but originates entirely from God's gracious and deliberate choice. It is a divine act, an expression of His profound love and purpose for humanity. This divine initiative is a cornerstone of Christian theology, affirming that salvation is a gift from God.
  • The Power of the "Word of Truth": The means by which God "begat us" is "with the word of truth." This refers to the Gospel message, the good news of Jesus Christ, which reveals God's plan of salvation. It is through hearing, understanding, and responding to this divine revelation that spiritual life is imparted. The Word of God is the instrument of new birth, illuminating the path to faith and transformation.
  • Believers as "Firstfruits": To be "a kind of firstfruits of his creatures" signifies a special status. In ancient Israel, the firstfruits were the initial and best part of the harvest, offered to God as a sign of consecration and a pledge of the full harvest to come. Similarly, believers are the initial spiritual harvest of God's redemptive work, consecrated to Him, and serving as a preview or earnest of the greater new creation that God will bring forth. This highlights their unique value and purpose in God's plan.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Begat" (Greek: apokyeล): This verb means "to give birth to" or "to bring forth." Its use here emphasizes a spiritual procreation by God, signifying a complete and supernatural regeneration, a new spiritual life that is not merely an improvement of the old.
  • "Word of truth" (Greek: logos alฤ“theias): This phrase unequivocally points to the Gospel. It is the message of salvation, the true and infallible revelation of God's character and His way of reconciling humanity to Himself through Christ.
  • "Firstfruits" (Greek: aparche): This term carries significant Old Testament connotations (e.g., Leviticus 23:10). It denotes the initial offering, the first and best portion presented to God. As "firstfruits," believers are set apart for God, demonstrating the success of His redemptive work and anticipating the full restoration of creation.

Related Scriptures

The concept of being born of God's will is echoed in John 1:13, which states that believers are "born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God." The role of the "word of truth" in regeneration is also central to 1 Peter 1:23, which speaks of being "born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever." The idea of believers as "firstfruits" is further explored in Revelation 14:4, where the 144,000 are described as "the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb."

Practical Application

James 1:18 provides profound assurance and a clear sense of identity for believers. Knowing that our spiritual life originates from God's own will should instill deep gratitude and humility. It reminds us that our salvation is secure because it is His work, not ours. Furthermore, as "firstfruits," we are called to live lives that reflect the holiness and purpose of God. We are representatives of His new creation, demonstrating His transforming power to a world still in darkness. This verse encourages us to value the "word of truth" โ€“ the Bible and the Gospel message โ€“ as the very instrument of our spiritual birth and ongoing growth. Living as God's firstfruits means consecrating our lives to Him and being a living testimony to His goodness and power.

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Cross-References

  • Romans 8:29 (33 votes)

    ยถ For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate [to be] conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren.

  • Romans 8:31 (33 votes)

    ยถ What shall we then say to these things? If God [be] for us, who [can be] against us?

  • 1 Peter 1:23 (24 votes)

    Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever.

  • John 3:3 (19 votes)

    Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.

  • John 3:5 (19 votes)

    Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and [of] the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.

  • John 1:13 (15 votes)

    Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God.

  • 1 Peter 1:3 (13 votes)

    ยถ Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,