• James 1:13
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

    • 13 μηδεὶς No one πειραζόμενος being tried λεγέτω let him be saying ὅτι that ᾿Απὸ From θεοῦ God πειράζομαι· I am being tried; ὁ the γὰρ for θεὸς God ἀπείραστός not to be tried ἐστιν is κακῶν, of bad (things), πειράζει he is trying δὲ but αὐτὸς he οὐδένα. no one.

  • James Study Notes—Chapter 1
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

    • 1:13

      When under trial: Six times in verses 12-14, James uses forms of the same Greek root word (pei·raʹzo) or words related to it, and they are rendered “trial,” “under trial,” “being tried,” “cannot be tried,” “try,” and “is tried.” This root word is broad in meaning and may convey the idea of any trial or test, including those that God may allow to come upon his servants. (Jas 1:12 and study note; see also study note on Heb 2:18.) However, the same word may also refer to a temptation, that is, a trial that may lead a servant of God to behave improperly. That is how the term is used in verses 13 and 14.

      let no one say: “I am being tried by God”: James here refers to being tempted to do what is bad. He does not want Christians who are undergoing such trials or temptations to think that Jehovah would ever entice a Christian to sin. (Job 34:10, 12; Jas 1:14 and study note) It would be a mistake to blame God for the temptation.​—Pr 19:3.

      For with evil things God cannot be tried: This phrase could also be rendered: “For with evil things God cannot be tempted.” Therefore, one idea expressed here is that Jehovah cannot be tried, tested, or tempted to act wickedly; nothing will ever make him feel inclined to do something evil. (De 32:4; Hab 1:13) James’ wording also shows that God’s purpose never changed as a result of the evil that Satan caused by rebelling. (Jas 1:17) James’ statement harmonizes with other Scriptural assurances about the unchangeableness of Jehovah’s personality​—he always acts in a good, holy, and righteous way. (1Sa 2:2; Ps 145:17; Mr 10:18 and study note) According to one scholar, the overall meaning of James’ statement is: “God has nothing to do with evil.”

      nor does he himself try anyone: That is, God does not try anyone with evil things or tempt anyone to do wrong. (Mt 6:13 and study note) Jehovah is the supreme example of such qualities as goodness, holiness, and righteousness, so it is unthinkable that he would commit evil deeds to tempt or try his servants. (Job 34:10, 12) It is impossible for Jehovah to sin or to entice others to sin. Rather, it is Satan who is called “the Tempter.” (1Th 3:5 and study note) As “the wicked one” and “the ruler of this world,” he is the ultimate source of all evil.​—1Jo 5:19; Joh 12:31 and study note.