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:

JAMES 1:13KJV
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James 1:13 (KJV)

What does James 1:13 mean?

James 1:13 teaches that no one should claim God is the source of their temptation, because God cannot be tempted by evil and does not tempt anyone to do wrong. The verse makes it clear that God is never the cause of a person’s struggle with temptation.

James, writing to early Christians facing trials, wants his readers to understand that temptation does not come from God’s character or actions. Instead, James is correcting a possible misunderstanding: while God may allow tests or hardships, He is never the one who entices people toward evil. This distinction helps the readers see God’s goodness and separates Him from any blame for human wrongdoing.

The Greek behind James 1:13

  • "πειραζόμενος" (peirazomenos, G3985): This word means "being tempted" or "tested." In this context, it refers specifically to being enticed to do something wrong, not just facing a difficult situation.
  • "ἀπὸ θεοῦ" (apo theou, G575 + G2316): This phrase means "from God." James is emphasizing that the source of temptation is not God, pushing back against any idea that God might be responsible for leading people into sin.
  • "ἀπείραστός" (apeirastos, G551): This word means "not able to be tempted" or "untemptable." It underscores that God’s nature is completely untouched by evil, so He cannot be drawn toward it or use it to tempt others.
  • "κακός" (kakos, G2556): This word means "evil" or "bad." James is clear that God has no connection with evil, either in being tempted by it or in tempting others with it.

Why James 1:13 matters

  • James 1:13 corrects the mistaken belief that God might be responsible for a person’s temptation, making it clear that God’s character is pure and separate from evil.
  • The verse highlights the difference between trials (which God may allow for growth) and temptations to sin (which do not come from God), helping readers understand the nature of their struggles.
  • By clarifying God’s role, James 1:13 reassures believers that God is trustworthy and not working against them, which is important for faith and trust in difficult times.

Where else these words appear

“tempted” Greek G3985 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 4:1 Then was Jesus led up of the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted of the devil.
  • Luke 11:16 And others, tempting him, sought of him a sign from heaven.
  • 2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves. Know ye not your own selves, how that Jesus Christ is in you, except ye be reprobates?

“evil” Greek G2556 · used in 46 verses

  • Matthew 21:41 They say unto him, He will miserably destroy those wicked men, and will let out his vineyard unto other husbandmen, which shall render him the fruits in their seasons.
  • Romans 7:19 For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do.
  • Philippians 3:2 Beware of dogs, beware of evil workers, beware of the concision.

“man” Greek G3367 · used in 88 verses

  • Matthew 8:4 And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.
  • Acts 11:12 And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man's house:
  • 2 Corinthians 13:7 Now I pray to God that ye do no evil; not that we should appear approved, but that ye should do that which is honest, though we be as reprobates.