James Chapter 1 · Verse 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:
Original Language Analysis
πειράζει
I am tempted
G3985
πειράζει
I am tempted
Strong's:
G3985
Word #:
2 of 18
to test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline
λεγέτω
Let
G3004
λεγέτω
Let
Strong's:
G3004
Word #:
3 of 18
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
ὅτι
G3754
Ἀπὸ
of
G575
Ἀπὸ
of
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
5 of 18
"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
7 of 18
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
πειράζει
I am tempted
G3985
πειράζει
I am tempted
Strong's:
G3985
Word #:
8 of 18
to test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γὰρ
for
G1063
γὰρ
for
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
10 of 18
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
θεὸς
God
G2316
θεὸς
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
11 of 18
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ἐστιν
G2076
κακῶν
with evil
G2556
κακῶν
with evil
Strong's:
G2556
Word #:
14 of 18
worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious
πειράζει
I am tempted
G3985
πειράζει
I am tempted
Strong's:
G3985
Word #:
15 of 18
to test (objectively), i.e., endeavor, scrutinize, entice, discipline
Cross References
Genesis 3:12And the man said, The woman whom thou gavest to be with me, she gave me of the tree, and I did eat.James 1:12Blessed 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.James 1:2My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;Isaiah 63:17O 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.
Historical Context
Jewish tradition sometimes attributed temptation to God as a test akin to Abraham's trial. James corrects misinterpretations circulating among diaspora Christians who might have used persecution as justification for sin. His teaching aligns with Paul's assertion that God provides a way of escape in temptation (1 Corinthians 10:13).
Under pressure from hostile authorities, some may have rationalized compromise. James asserts that the holy God of Israel revealed fully in Christ is never complicit in evil, urging believers to guard their hearts.
Questions for Reflection
- How does James's view of God's holiness confront excuses you make for sin?
- What strategies help you expose and confess desires before they entice?
- Who can you invite into your fight against temptation this week?
Analysis & Commentary
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 distinguishes trials from temptations to sin. God cannot be tempted (apeirastos, ἀπείραστος) by evil nor does He tempt (peirazei, πειράζει) anyone. The same Greek root peirasmos describes external testing, but James insists God is never the author of sin. The issue lies in human response.
This preserves God's holiness: He ordains trials for our good but never injects evil desires. Reformed orthodoxy teaches secondary causes—God sovereignly governs all yet remains unstained, while humans bear responsibility. James counters fatalistic excuses and defends the character of the Father of lights (1:17). By clarifying God's purity, he guides believers to confess their own desires rather than blaming divine providence for moral failure.