1:14

is tried: Or “is tempted.”​—See study notes on Jas 1:13.

being drawn out and enticed: This phrase contains two Greek verbs that were derived from the practices of hunting and fishing. The first verb, here rendered “drawn out,” may suggest the way a fish is lured from the safety of its underwater refuge or the way an animal is lured into a trap or snare. (Ec 9:12) The second verb, “enticed,” could literally be rendered, “lured (caught) as by bait.” It may have brought to mind the way a fish or an animal is attracted to a tempting piece of bait, only to be caught by a hidden hook or trapped in a snare. In both cases, it is the creature’s own desire that is the driving force.

by his own desire: The Greek word rendered “desire” can refer both to proper desires (Lu 22:15; 1Th 2:17) and to improper ones (Ro 13:14; Ga 5:16, 24). However, in this context, the word refers to a yearning for what is forbidden or to an excessive craving. James thus warns that Christians who fail to control such desires are sure to be caught sooner or later.​—Compare Ge 3:1-6.