King James Version
James 1:18 in the King James Version says “Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.” — study this verse from James chapter 1 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.”
James 1:18 · KJV
Do not err, my beloved brethren.
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.
Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“with the word”
G3056something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
“that”
G1519to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
“of firstfruits”
G536a beginning of sacrifice, i.e., the (jewish) first-fruit (figuratively)
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
This verse is found in the book of James. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
James 1:18 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to James 1:18 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge