James 1:17
New International Version
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

New Living Translation
Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

English Standard Version
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

Berean Literal Bible
Every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of shifting.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

New American Standard Bible
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

NASB 1995
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

NASB 1977
Every good thing bestowed and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, or shifting shadow.

Legacy Standard Bible
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.

Amplified Bible
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above; it comes down from the Father of lights [the Creator and Sustainer of the heavens], in whom there is no variation [no rising or setting] or shadow cast by His turning [for He is perfect and never changes].

Christian Standard Bible
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Every generous act and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights; with Him there is no variation or shadow cast by turning.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
Every good and perfect gift comes down from the Father who created all the lights in the heavens. He is always the same and never makes dark shadows by changing.

English Revised Version
Every good gift and every perfect boon is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Every good present and every perfect gift comes from above, from the Father who made the sun, moon, and stars. The Father doesn't change like the shifting shadows produced by the sun and the moon.

Good News Translation
Every good gift and every perfect present comes from heaven; it comes down from God, the Creator of the heavenly lights, who does not change or cause darkness by turning.

International Standard Version
Every generous act of giving and every perfect gift is from above and comes down from the Father who made the heavenly lights, in whom there is no inconsistency or shifting shadow.

Majority Standard Bible
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.

NET Bible
All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change.

New Heart English Bible
All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, nor turning shadow.

Webster's Bible Translation
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.

Weymouth New Testament
Every gift which is good, and every perfect boon, is from above, and comes down from the Father, who is the source of all Light. In Him there is no variation nor the slightest suggestion of change.

World English Bible
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation nor turning shadow.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Every good giving, and every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variation, or shadow of turning;

Berean Literal Bible
Every good act of giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of shifting.

Young's Literal Translation
every good giving, and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the lights, with whom is no variation, or shadow of turning;

Smith's Literal Translation
Every good donation and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom not one change, or shadow of turning.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Every best gift, and every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no change, nor shadow of alteration.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Every excellent gift and every perfect gift is from above, descending from the Father of lights, with whom there is no change, nor any shadow of alteration.

New American Bible
all good giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no alteration or shadow caused by change.

New Revised Standard Version
Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Every good and perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variableness nor shadow of change.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Every good and perfect gift descends from above, from The Father of lights with whom there is no change nor a shadow of variation.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
every good gift, and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no change, nor slightest trace of turning.

Godbey New Testament
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of change.

Haweis New Testament
Every good gift, and every perfect gift, is from above, descending from the father of illuminations, with whom there is no variableness, nor shadow of change.

Mace New Testament
every thing that is valuable, every gift that leads to perfection is deriv'd from heaven, it descends from that original light, which knows no change, no shadow, or decline:

Weymouth New Testament
Every gift which is good, and every perfect boon, is from above, and comes down from the Father, who is the source of all Light. In Him there is no variation nor the slightest suggestion of change.

Worrell New Testament
Every good gift, and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the lights, with Whom there is no variableness or shadow cast by turning.

Worsley New Testament
and every perfect gift, but no evil one, is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation, nor shadow of turning:

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Good and Perfect Gifts
16Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17Every 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. 18He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation.…

Cross References
Malachi 3:6
“Because I, the LORD, do not change, you descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed.

Numbers 23:19
God is not a man, that He should lie, or a son of man, that He should change His mind. Does He speak and not act? Does He promise and not fulfill?

Hebrews 13:8
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.

1 Samuel 15:29
Moreover, the Glory of Israel does not lie or change His mind, for He is not a man, that He should change His mind.”

Psalm 102:27
But You remain the same, and Your years will never end.

Isaiah 40:8
The grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of our God stands forever.”

Lamentations 3:22-23
Because of the loving devotion of the LORD we are not consumed, for His mercies never fail. / They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness!

Matthew 7:11
So if you who are evil know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good things to those who ask Him!

John 3:27
John replied, “A man can receive only what is given him from heaven.

John 1:16
From His fullness we have all received grace upon grace.

Romans 11:29
For God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.

1 Corinthians 4:7
For who makes you so superior? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?

Ephesians 1:3
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms.

Ephesians 2:8
For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God,

Philippians 4:19
And my God will supply all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.


Treasury of Scripture

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom is no fickleness, neither shadow of turning.

good.

James 1:5
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

James 3:15,17
This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish…

Genesis 41:16,38,39
And Joseph answered Pharaoh, saying, It is not in me: God shall give Pharaoh an answer of peace…

from the.

Genesis 1:2-5,14,15
And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters…

Deuteronomy 4:19
And lest thou lift up thine eyes unto heaven, and when thou seest the sun, and the moon, and the stars, even all the host of heaven, shouldest be driven to worship them, and serve them, which the LORD thy God hath divided unto all nations under the whole heaven.

Psalm 19:1-8
To the chief Musician, A Psalm of David. The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork…

no variableness.

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 Samuel 15:29
And also the Strength of Israel will not lie nor repent: for he is not a man, that he should repent.

Psalm 122:6
Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee.

Jump to Previous
Boon Cast Change Due Gift Good Heaven Heavenly Lights Perfect Shade Shadow Shadows Shifting Source Suggestion True. Turning
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Boon Cast Change Due Gift Good Heaven Heavenly Lights Perfect Shade Shadow Shadows Shifting Source Suggestion True. Turning
James 1
1. James greets the twelve tribes among the nations;
2. exhorts to rejoice in trials and temptations;
5. to ask patience of God;
13. and in our trials not to impute our weakness, or sins, to him,
19. but rather to hearken to the word, to meditate on it, and to do thereafter.
26. Otherwise men may seem, but never be, truly religious.














Every good and perfect gift
The phrase "Every good and perfect gift" emphasizes the completeness and benevolence of God's blessings. The Greek word for "good" (ἀγαθός, agathos) implies moral goodness and beneficial qualities, while "perfect" (τέλειος, teleios) suggests completeness and maturity. This indicates that God's gifts are not only beneficial but also complete and lacking in nothing. Historically, this reflects the Jewish understanding of God as the ultimate source of all that is good, as seen in the Old Testament, where God's provision and blessings are celebrated. Theologically, it underscores the belief that all goodness originates from God, aligning with the creation narrative where God saw everything He made as "very good" (Genesis 1:31).

is from above
The phrase "is from above" signifies the divine origin of these gifts. The Greek word "ἄνωθεν" (anothen) can mean "from above" or "from the beginning," emphasizing the heavenly and eternal source of these blessings. This aligns with the biblical theme of God's transcendence and His position as the sovereign ruler of the universe. In the context of James, it contrasts earthly wisdom and desires with the pure and holy nature of divine gifts. This heavenly perspective encourages believers to look beyond the temporal and seek the eternal, aligning their lives with God's will.

coming down
The phrase "coming down" suggests a continuous action, indicating that God's gifts are not a one-time event but a perpetual outpouring. The Greek verb "καταβαίνω" (katabaino) implies a descent, reinforcing the idea that these gifts originate from a higher, divine realm. This imagery of descent is reminiscent of the manna from heaven in the Old Testament, symbolizing God's ongoing provision and care for His people. It reassures believers of God's constant involvement in their lives, providing for their needs and guiding them with His wisdom.

from the Father of the heavenly lights
The title "Father of the heavenly lights" highlights God's role as the Creator and Sustainer of the universe. The Greek word "φωτός" (phōtos) refers to light, often symbolizing purity, truth, and divine revelation in Scripture. This phrase evokes the creation account in Genesis, where God is the source of all light, both physical and spiritual. It underscores His authority over creation and His ability to illuminate the darkness in our lives. Historically, this would resonate with a Jewish audience familiar with the imagery of God as the Creator of the sun, moon, and stars, reinforcing His power and majesty.

with whom there is no change
The phrase "with whom there is no change" speaks to God's immutability, a core attribute in Christian theology. The Greek word "παραλλαγή" (parallagē) means variation or change, emphasizing that unlike the shifting shadows of the celestial bodies, God remains constant. This assurance of God's unchanging nature provides stability and confidence for believers, knowing that His character and promises are steadfast. In a world of uncertainty and change, this truth offers comfort and hope, reminding us that God's love and faithfulness endure forever.

or shifting shadow
The phrase "or shifting shadow" contrasts the constancy of God with the variability of shadows, which change with the movement of the sun. The Greek word "τροπῆς" (tropēs) refers to turning or change, often used to describe the cyclical nature of celestial bodies. This imagery reinforces the idea that while the created order is subject to change, God is not. It serves as a metaphor for the reliability of God's nature and His unwavering commitment to His people. This assurance encourages believers to trust in God's eternal nature, knowing that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

(17) Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.--This beautiful sentence, more musical still in the Greek, is thought to be the fragment of some Christian hymn. Two words are translated by our one "gift"; the first is rather the act of giving, the second the gift itself, and the effect of both together is a climax to the statement of God's benevolence. The difference between the two is observed in the Genevan version of 1557. "There are diversities of gifts" (1Corinthians 12:4), even as "one star differeth from another star in glory" (1Corinthians 15:41), but "the same Spirit" is the giver of all. Where in St. John's Gospel (John 3:1) we read, "Except a man be born again," the most probable meaning is "from above," expressed exactly as in the present case; and thus we know whence is the true birth of the soul.

Cometh down from the Father of lights.--Great difference of opinion is found concerning these "lights," whether the term be figurative, as of goodness or wisdom; or a reference to the mysterious Urim (Exodus 28:30, et seq.) which flamed on the breast of Aaron; or spiritual, as of grace and glory; or material, viz., the "lights" set "in the firmament of heaven" (Genesis 1:14-15) "when the morning stars sang together" (Job 38:7). It were not amiss to take the whole of these interpretations, for they, and perhaps others, the purport of which we as yet can barely guess, are included in this Scripture. "God," remarks Bishop Wordsworth, "is the Father of all lights--the light of the natural world, the sun, the moon, and stars, shining in the heavens; the light of reason and conscience; the light of His Law; the light of prophecy, shining in a dark place; the light of the gospel shining throughout the world; the light of apostles, confessors, martyrs, bishops, and priests, preaching that gospel to all nations; the light of the Holy Ghost shining in our hearts; the light of the heavenly city; God is the Father of them all. He is the everlasting Father of the everlasting Son, who is the Light of the world." But that the mind of the sacred writer was mainly on the lights of the material universe may be seen from his next thought. . . .

Verse 17. - Every good gift, etc. The words form a hexameter verse, though this is probably accidental, and no sign that they are a quotation. Δόσις and δώρημα should be distinguished. "Every kind of gift that is good, and every one that is perfect in its kind" (Dean Scott). Δόσις and δῶρον occur together in the LXX. in Proverbs 21:14. They are expressly distinguished by Philo, who says that the latter involves the idea of magnitude and fullness, which is wanting to the former (see Lightfoot on 'Revision,' p. 77) "Every good gift and every perfect boon, R.V. The Father of lights (ἀπὸ τοῦ Πατρὸς τῶν φώτων). The word must refer to the heavenly bodies, of which God may be said to be the Father, in that he is their Creator (for "Father," in the sense of Creator, cf. Job 38:28). From him who "made the stars also" comes down every good and perfect gift, and with him "there can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning." These last words appear to fix the meaning of φῶτα, as τροπή is used in the LXX. as in classical writers for the changes of the heavenly bodies (see Job 38:33; Deuteronomy 33:14; Wisd. 7:18). Οὐκ ἔνι, "there is no room for." It negatives, not only the fact, but the possibility also (cf. Galatians 3:28; Colossians 3:11).

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Every
πᾶσα (pasa)
Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole.

good
δόσις (dosis)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 1394: A giving, gift, donation. From the base of didomi; a giving; by implication, a gift.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

perfect
τέλειον (teleion)
Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 5046: From telos; complete; neuter completeness.

gift
δώρημα (dōrēma)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 1434: A gift, bounty. From doreomai; a bestowment.

is
ἐστιν (estin)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

from above,
ἄνωθέν (anōthen)
Adverb
Strong's 509: From ano; from above; by analogy, from the first; by implication, anew.

coming down
καταβαῖνον (katabainon)
Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2597: To go down, come down, either from the sky or from higher land, descend. From kata and the base of basis; to descend.

from
ἀπὸ (apo)
Preposition
Strong's 575: From, away from. A primary particle; 'off, ' i.e. Away, in various senses.

the
τοῦ (tou)
Article - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

Father
Πατρὸς (Patros)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 3962: Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'.

of the heavenly lights,
φώτων (phōtōn)
Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural
Strong's 5457: Light, a source of light, radiance. From an obsolete phao; luminousness.

with
παρ’ (par’)
Preposition
Strong's 3844: Gen: from; dat: beside, in the presence of; acc: alongside of.

whom
(hō)
Personal / Relative Pronoun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3739: Who, which, what, that.

there is
ἔνι (eni)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1762: Contraction for the third person singular present indicative of eneimi; impersonally, there is in or among.

no
οὐκ (ouk)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

change
παραλλαγὴ (parallagē)
Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular
Strong's 3883: A change, variation, mutation. From a compound of para and allasso; transmutation, i.e. fickleness: variableness.

or
(ē)
Conjunction
Strong's 2228: Or, than. A primary particle of distinction between two connected terms; disjunctive, or; comparative, than.

shifting
τροπῆς (tropēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 5157: A turning, change, mutation. From an apparently primary trepo to turn; a turn, i.e. Revolution.

shadow.
ἀποσκίασμα (aposkiasma)
Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular
Strong's 644: From a compound of apo and a derivative of skia; a shading off, i.e. Obscuration.


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NT Letters: James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift (Ja Jas. Jam)
James 1:16
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