James 1:17
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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 23
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τέλειον
perfect
G5046
τέλειον
perfect
Strong's:
G5046
Word #:
7 of 23
complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with g3588) completeness
ἄνωθέν
from above
G509
ἄνωθέν
from above
Strong's:
G509
Word #:
8 of 23
from above; by analogy, from the first; by implication, anew
ἀπὸ
from
G575
ἀπὸ
from
Strong's:
G575
Word #:
11 of 23
"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 #:
12 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πατρὸς
the Father
G3962
πατρὸς
the Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
13 of 23
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
τῶν
G3588
τῶν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 23
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
φώτων
of lights
G5457
φώτων
of lights
Strong's:
G5457
Word #:
15 of 23
luminousness (in the widest application, natural or artificial, abstract or concrete, literal or figurative)
παρ'
with
G3844
παρ'
with
Strong's:
G3844
Word #:
16 of 23
properly, near; i.e., (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with dative case) at (or in) the vicinity of (objectively or subj
ᾧ
whom
G3739
ᾧ
whom
Strong's:
G3739
Word #:
17 of 23
the relatively (sometimes demonstrative) pronoun, who, which, what, that
παραλλαγὴ
variableness
G3883
παραλλαγὴ
variableness
Strong's:
G3883
Word #:
20 of 23
transmutation (of phase or orbit), i.e., (figuratively) fickleness
Cross References
John 3:27John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven.Matthew 7:11If 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 13:8Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.John 8:12Then 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 23:19God 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 1:5This 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.James 3:17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.Proverbs 2:6For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.Psalms 84:11For 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.Malachi 3:6For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
Historical Context
Surrounded by pagan myths of capricious deities, diaspora Christians needed assurance that the God of Abraham, now revealed fully in Christ, is consistently generous. James, writing from Jerusalem, reinforces Jewish monotheistic conviction while highlighting Christological fulfillment. Paul's doxologies (Romans 11:33-36) resonate with the same theme.
The astronomical metaphor would resonate with communities who used lunar cycles for festivals; James repurposes familiar imagery to declare God's unchanging fidelity.
Questions for Reflection
- How does God's immutability comfort you amid change?
- What daily gifts can you intentionally trace back to the Father of lights?
- How might gratitude reshape your stewardship this week?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
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 good gift (pasa dosis, πᾶσα δόσις) and perfect gift (dōrēma, δώρημα) descends from the Father of lights, with whom there is "no variableness" (parallagē, παραλλαγή) nor "shadow of turning" (tropēs aposkiasma, τροπῆς ἀποσκίασμα). James draws from astronomy: unlike moving shadows cast by shifting heavenly bodies, God's character does not change.
This robust doctrine of divine immutability comforts believers. Grace flows steadily because God's nature is unwavering. Reformed theology treasures this: the God who gave His Son will not withhold wisdom or mercy. The mention of "good gift" links to the wisdom promised earlier and prepares for the gift of new birth in verse 18.