James 1:18

Because he so willed, he gave us life, through the message of the truth, so that we should be, as it were, a kind of first fruits of his creation.

Open English Bible (UK)

In The King James Version

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

In Context

17Every good thing given us, and every perfect gift, is from above, and comes down to us from the Father of the lights in the heavens, who is himself never subject to change or to eclipse.

19Mark this, my dear friends – Let everyone be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry;

Read all of James 1

Cross References

John 1:13For not to natural conception, nor to human instincts, nor to human will did they owe the new life, but to God.

Romans 4:17as scripture says – “I have made you the father of many nations.”) And this they do in the sight of that God in whom Abraham had faith, and who gives life to the dead, and speaks of what does not yet exist as if it did.

Romans 9:15For his words to Moses are – “I will take pity on whom I take pity, and be merciful to whom I am merciful.”

Ephesians 1:12that we should enhance his glory – we who have been the first to rest our hopes on the Christ.

Colossians 1:20and through him to reconcile all things to himself (making peace by the shedding of Christ’s blood offered on the cross) – whether on earth or in heaven.

Matthew Henry on James 1:14-19

Procedure and Results of Sin. ( a. d. 61.) 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: 14 But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed. 15 Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death. 16 Do not err, my beloved brethren. 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

Study James 1:18