New International Version He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. New Living Translation He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession. English Standard Version Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. Berean Standard Bible He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation. Berean Literal Bible Having willed it, He brought us forth by the word of truth, for us to be a certain firstfruits of His creatures. King James Bible Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. New King James Version Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. New American Standard Bible In the exercise of His will He gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. NASB 1995 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. NASB 1977 In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we might be, as it were, the first fruits among His creatures. Legacy Standard Bible In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. Amplified Bible It was of His own will that He gave us birth [as His children] by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits of His creatures [a prime example of what He created to be set apart to Himself—sanctified, made holy for His divine purposes]. Berean Annotated Bible He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation (of His creatures.). Christian Standard Bible By his own choice, he gave us birth by the word of truth so that we would be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. Holman Christian Standard Bible By His own choice, He gave us a new birth by the message of truth so that we would be the firstfruits of His creatures. American Standard Version Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. Contemporary English Version He wanted us to be his own special people, and so he sent the true message to give us new birth. English Revised Version Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. GOD'S WORD® Translation God decided to give us life through the word of truth to make us his most important creatures. Good News Translation By his own will he brought us into being through the word of truth, so that we should have first place among all his creatures. International Standard Version In accordance with his will he made us his children by the word of truth, so that we might become the most important of his creatures. NET Bible By his sovereign plan he gave us birth through the message of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of all he created. New Heart English Bible Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. Webster's Bible Translation Of his own will he hath begotten us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures. Weymouth New Testament In accordance with His will He made us His children through the Message of the truth, so that we might, in a sense, be the Firstfruits of the things which He has created. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleHe chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation. World English Bible Of his own will he gave birth to us by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionhaving willed [it], He begot us with a word of truth, for our being a certain first-fruit of His creatures. Berean Literal Bible Having willed it, He brought us forth by the word of truth, for us to be a certain firstfruits of His creatures. Young's Literal Translation having counselled, He did beget us with a word of truth, for our being a certain first-fruit of His creatures. Smith's Literal Translation Having willed he brought forth by the word of truth, for us to be some first fruit of his creatures. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor of his own will hath he begotten us by the word of truth, that we might be some beginning of his creatures. Catholic Public Domain Version For by his own will he produced us through the Word of truth, so that we might be a kind of beginning among his creatures. New American Bible He willed to give us birth by the word of truth that we may be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures. New Revised Standard Version In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleIt is he, who begot us of his own will with the word of truth, that we should be the firstfruits of his creatures. Aramaic Bible in Plain English He was pleased and gave birth to us by the word of the truth, that we would be the first fruits of his creation. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentOf his own will, he begot us with the word of truth, in order that we might be, as it were, the first-fruits of his creatures. Godbey New Testament Of his own will begat he us by the word of truth, that we should be some first fruit of his creations. Haweis New Testament Of his own choice he produced us by the word of truth, that we might be a sort of first fruit of his creatures.— Mace New Testament 'tis he that has voluntarily renew'd us by the oracles of truth, that we might be the first converts of the new creation. Weymouth New Testament In accordance with His will He made us His children through the Message of the truth, so that we might, in a sense, be the Firstfruits of the things which He has created. Worrell New Testament Having willed it, He brought us forth with a word of truth, that we might be a certain first-fruit of His creatures. Worsley New Testament who hath of his own will begotten us by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context Good and Perfect Gifts…17Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, with whom there is no change or shifting shadow. 18He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we would be a kind of firstfruits of His creation. 19My beloved brothers, understand this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger,… Cross References He chose to give us birth 1 Peter 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! By His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, John 1:12-13 But to all who did receive Him, to those who believed in His name, He gave the right to become children of God— / children born not of blood, nor of the desire or will of man, but born of God. Ephesians 1:4-5 For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world to be holy and blameless in His presence. In love / He predestined us for adoption as His sons through Jesus Christ, according to the good pleasure of His will, through the word of truth, Ephesians 1:13 And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, Colossians 1:5 the faith and love proceeding from the hope stored up for you in heaven, of which you have already heard in the word of truth, the gospel 1 Peter 1:23 For you have been born again, not of perishable seed, but of imperishable, through the living and enduring word of God. that we would be a kind of firstfruits Revelation 14:4 These are the ones who have not been defiled with women, for they are virgins. They follow the Lamb wherever He goes. They have been redeemed from among men as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. 1 Corinthians 16:15 You know that Stephanas and his household were the first converts in Achaia, and they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints. Now I urge you, brothers, Romans 8:23 Not only that, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. of His creation. 2 Corinthians 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away. Behold, the new has come! Galatians 6:15 For neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything. What counts is a new creation. Romans 8:19-21 The creation waits in eager expectation for the revelation of the sons of God. / For the creation was subjected to futility, not by its own will, but because of the One who subjected it, in hope / that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. 1 John 3:9 Anyone born of God refuses to practice sin, because God’s seed abides in him; he cannot go on sinning, because he has been born of God. 1 Corinthians 4:15 Even if you have ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers; for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 But we should always thank God for you, brothers who are loved by the Lord, because God chose you from the beginning to be saved by the sanctification of the Spirit and by faith in the truth. Romans 8:29 For those God foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brothers. Treasury of Scripture Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of first fruits of his creatures. his own. John 1:13 Which were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. John 3:3-5 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God… Romans 4:17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. with. James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls. 1 Corinthians 4:15 For though ye have ten thousand instructors in Christ, yet have ye not many fathers: for in Christ Jesus I have begotten you through the gospel. Ephesians 1:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ. kind. Leviticus 23:10 Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, When ye be come into the land which I give unto you, and shall reap the harvest thereof, then ye shall bring a sheaf of the firstfruits of your harvest unto the priest: Jeremiah 2:3 Israel was holiness unto the LORD, and the firstfruits of his increase: all that devour him shall offend; evil shall come upon them, saith the LORD. Amos 6:1 Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came! Jump to Previous Accordance Begat Begotten Birth Children Chose Created Creatures Exercise First Firstfruits First-Fruits Forth Fruits Kind Message Purpose Sense True. Truth WordJump to Next Accordance Begat Begotten Birth Children Chose Created Creatures Exercise First Firstfruits First-Fruits Forth Fruits Kind Message Purpose Sense True. Truth WordJames 1 1. James greets the twelve tribes among the nations;2. exhorts to rejoice in trials and temptations; 5. to ask patience of God; 13. and in our trials not to impute our weakness, or sins, to him, 19. but rather to hearken to the word, to meditate on it, and to do thereafter. 26. Otherwise men may seem, but never be, truly religious. He chose to give us birth God’s saving work begins with His gracious will, not with human merit or initiative. Spiritual birth brings believers into God’s family and gives them a new identity in Christ. Jesus taught that no one can enter God’s kingdom without being born again (John 3:3), and Paul likewise describes salvation as God’s gift rather than the result of works (Ephesians 2:8–9). 1Pe 1:3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!… through the word of truth, God brings new life through the gospel of Jesus Christ—His death for sin and His resurrection from the dead. The message must be heard and received in faith, for faith comes through hearing the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). The gospel is God’s true and saving revelation in contrast to the deception, temptation, and shifting human ideas addressed throughout James. Eph 1:13 And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth… that we would be a kind of firstfruits Israel offered the first portion of its harvest to the Lord as an acknowledgment that the whole harvest belonged to Him (Leviticus 23:10). Believers, born by the gospel, belong especially to God as the beginning and pledge of His redemptive harvest. The presence of the Spirit in them points forward to the fullness of salvation and resurrection still to come (Romans 8:23). Rev 14:4 These are the ones who have not been defiled with women… of His creation. God’s purpose reaches beyond the rescue of individual sinners to the renewal of all that sin has damaged. Christ, through whom all things were created, is reconciling all things to God (Colossians 1:15–20). The redeemed people of God now bear witness to the coming new creation, when God will make all things new (Revelation 21:1–5). 2Co 5:17 Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation.… Persons / Places / Events 1. JamesThe author of the epistle, traditionally identified as James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Jerusalem church. 2. God The divine being who initiates the spiritual birth of believers. 3. Believers The recipients of the spiritual birth, referred to as "firstfruits" in this passage. 4. Word of Truth The means through which God gives spiritual birth, often understood as the Gospel message. 5. Firstfruits A term used to describe believers, indicating their special status and role in God's creation. Teaching Points Divine Initiative in SalvationGod is the one who initiates our spiritual birth, emphasizing His sovereignty and grace in the process of salvation. The Power of the Word The "word of truth" is central to our spiritual rebirth, highlighting the importance of Scripture and the Gospel in the life of a believer. Identity as Firstfruits Being called "firstfruits" signifies a special identity and purpose, reminding believers of their role in God's redemptive plan. Living Out Our New Birth As those who have been given new life, believers are called to live in a way that reflects their new identity and purpose. The Assurance of God's Choice Understanding that God chose to give us birth provides assurance and confidence in our salvation and standing before Him. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of James 1:18?2. How does James 1:18 emphasize God's will in our spiritual rebirth? 3. What does "firstfruits of His creation" signify about our role as believers? 4. How can we live as "firstfruits" in our daily Christian walk? 5. Connect James 1:18 with John 1:13 on being born of God's will. 6. How does understanding James 1:18 impact your view of God's purpose for you? 7. What does "firstfruits of His creatures" mean in James 1:18? 8. How does James 1:18 relate to the concept of being born again? 9. Why is the "word of truth" significant in James 1:18? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from James 1? What Does James 1:18 Mean He choseGod’s gracious initiative shines here: “He chose.” This reminds us that salvation begins with the deliberate will of God, not human effort (Ephesians 1:4-5; John 15:16). Just as Israel was “a people for His own possession” by divine election (Deuteronomy 7:6-8), believers today stand secure because the Father freely set His love upon us. His choice is personal, loving, and purposeful—never random or impersonal (2 Thessalonians 2:13). to give us birth The purpose of His choice is new life. Scripture consistently presents salvation as a birth, not a self-improvement program: • “Jesus replied, ‘Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again.’” (John 3:3) • “He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ.” (1 Peter 1:3) • “He saved us…through the washing of rebirth and renewal of the Holy Spirit.” (Titus 3:5) This new birth is a decisive miracle: God imparts spiritual life where none existed, moving us from death in sin to life in Christ (Ephesians 2:1-5). through the word of truth The instrument God uses is “the word of truth”—the gospel message recorded in Scripture: • “Faith comes by hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ.” (Romans 10:17) • “You have been born again…through the living and enduring word of God.” (1 Peter 1:23) • “In Him you also, after hearing the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believing in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.” (Ephesians 1:13) The Spirit applies the Word to the heart, opening blinded eyes (2 Corinthians 4:4-6) and bringing about regeneration. God’s written revelation is therefore central to evangelism and discipleship; it carries divine power to create life (Hebrews 4:12). that we would be a kind of firstfruits Firstfruits in Scripture are the initial portion of the harvest devoted to God, guaranteeing more to come (Leviticus 23:10). By calling believers “a kind of firstfruits,” James highlights: • Our consecration: We belong wholly to the Lord (Romans 12:1). • Our preview role: Just as the first sheaf signaled a larger harvest, the church showcases ahead of time what God will one day accomplish universally (Romans 8:23; Revelation 14:4). • Our privilege and responsibility: Being first carries the call to model faithfulness and purity (1 Corinthians 15:20, 23). of His creation God’s saving work points toward a renewed universe. Those in Christ are already “a new creation; the old has passed away, the new has come” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Yet creation itself still awaits full transformation (Romans 8:19-22). Believers therefore: • Embody the coming renewal—living proof that the Creator is making “all things new” (Revelation 21:5). • Serve as ambassadors, inviting others into that coming reality (2 Corinthians 5:20). • Anticipate the day Christ, “the firstborn from the dead,” brings universal restoration (Colossians 1:18). summary James 1:18 celebrates God’s sovereign grace: He intentionally chose to give us new birth. That life arrives through the powerful gospel, setting believers apart as firstfruits—early evidence of the restoration God will extend to all creation. Our identity is secure in His choice, our transformation is rooted in His Word, and our calling is to live as consecrated previews of the world He is making new. (18) Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth.—There is a greater witness to God’s goodness than that which is written upon the dome of heaven, even the regeneration of man. As the old creation was “by the Word” (John 1:3; John 1:10, et seq.), the new is by Him also, the Logos, the Word of Truth, and that by means of His everlasting gospel, delivered in the power of the Holy Ghost. So tenderly is this declared, that a maternal phrase is used—God brought us forth in the new birth; and though “a woman” may forget “the son of her womb” (Isaiah 49:15), yet will He “never leave, nor forsake” (Hebrews 13:5).That we should be a kind of firstfruit of his creatures.—And why this mercy and loving-kindness? for our own sakes, or for others and for His? Surely the latter; and “if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy” (Romans 11:16). We know “Who is the firstborn of every creature” (... Verse 18. - Begat; literally, brought forth; ἀπεκύησεν. The word has been already used of sin in ver. 15. The recurrence of it here points to the connection of thought. The offspring of sin has been shown to be death. God, too, who is both Father and Mother (Bengel), has his offspring. But how different! Us (ημῦς). To whom does this refer?(1) To all Christians. (2) To Christians of the apostolic age. (3) To Jewish Christians, to whom the Epistle is specially addressed. . . . Greek He choseβουληθεὶς (boulētheis) Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 1014: To will, intend, desire, wish. Middle voice of a primary verb; to 'will, ' i.e. be willing. to give us birth ἀπεκύησεν (apekyēsen) Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular Strong's 616: From apo and the base of kuma; to breed forth, i.e. to generate. through [the] word λόγῳ (logō) Noun - Dative Masculine Singular Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression. of truth, ἀληθείας (alētheias) Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular Strong's 225: From alethes; truth. that εἰς (eis) Preposition Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. we ἡμᾶς (hēmas) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 1st Person Plural Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. would be εἶναι (einai) Verb - Present Infinitive Active Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. a kind of τινα (tina) Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object. firstfruits ἀπαρχήν (aparchēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular Strong's 536: From a compound of apo and archomai; a beginning of sacrifice, i.e. The first-fruit. of His αὐτοῦ (autou) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. creation. κτισμάτων (ktismatōn) Noun - Genitive Neuter Plural Strong's 2938: A created thing, a creature. From ktizo; an original formation, i.e. Product. Additonal Resources James 1:18 Blue Letter BibleJames 1:18 Bible Gateway James 1:18 Bible.com James 1:18 NIV |
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