James 1:15
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.
Original Language Analysis
εἶτα
Then
G1534
εἶτα
Then
Strong's:
G1534
Word #:
1 of 12
a particle of succession (in time or logical enumeration), then, moreover
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
συλλαβοῦσα
hath conceived
G4815
συλλαβοῦσα
hath conceived
Strong's:
G4815
Word #:
4 of 12
to clasp, i.e., seize (arrest, capture); specially, to conceive (literally or figuratively); by implication, to aid
τίκτει
it bringeth forth
G5088
τίκτει
it bringeth forth
Strong's:
G5088
Word #:
5 of 12
to produce (from seed, as a mother, a plant, the earth, etc.), literally or figuratively
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
7 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀποτελεσθεῖσα
when it is finished
G658
ἀποτελεσθεῖσα
when it is finished
Strong's:
G658
Word #:
10 of 12
to complete entirely, i.e., consummate
Cross References
Psalms 7:14Behold, he travaileth with iniquity, and hath conceived mischief, and brought forth falsehood.Job 15:35They conceive mischief, and bring forth vanity, and their belly prepareth deceit.Genesis 2:17But 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 59:4None calleth for justice, nor any pleadeth for truth: they trust in vanity, and speak lies; they conceive mischief, and bring forth iniquity.Genesis 3:6And 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.
Historical Context
This imagery echoes wisdom literature like Proverbs 5-7, warning against seductress-like temptations. For persecuted believers, the temptation to compromise with worldly systems promised safety but ultimately produced death. Paul similarly describes the wages of sin as death (Romans 6:23), showing unity of apostolic doctrine.
James's congregation needed to see beyond momentary relief to the lethal trajectory of sin, strengthening their resolve to remain faithful.
Questions for Reflection
- Where do you see the conception-to-death pattern operating in your life?
- What decisive step can you take today to interrupt sin's progression?
- How does Christ's victory over death motivate you to pursue holiness?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. James traces the lifecycle of sin: desire conceives (syllabousa, συλλαβοῦσα), gives birth to sin (hamartian, ἁμαρτίαν), and sin when mature (apoteleisthēsa, ἀποτελεσθεῖσα) brings forth death (thanaton, θάνατον). The reproductive metaphor shows inevitability—unchecked lust inevitably kills. Sin is not an isolated act but a process culminating in spiritual death.