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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - James 1:15 - 1:15
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Then (eita). The next step.
The lust (hē epithumia). Note article, the lust (Jam 1:14) which one has.
When it hath conceived (sullabousa). Second aorist active participle of sullambanō, old word to grasp together, in hostile sense (Act 26:21), in friendly sense of help (Phi 4:3), in technical sense of a woman taking a man’s seed in conception (Luk 1:24), here also of lust (as a woman), “having conceived.” The will yields to lust and conception takes place.
Beareth sin (tiktei hamartian). Present active indicative of tiktō to bring forth as a mother or fruit from seed, old verb, often in N.T., here only in James. Sin is the union of the will with lust. See Psa 7:14 for this same metaphor.
The sin (hē hamartia). The article refers to hamartia just mentioned.
When it is full-grown (apotelestheisa). First aorist passive participle of apoteleō, old compound verb with perfective use of apo, in N.T. only here and Luk 13:32. It does not mean “full-grown” like teleioō, but rather completeness of parts or functions as opposed to rudimentary state (Hort) like the winged insect in contrast with the chrysalis or grub (Plato). The sin at birth is fully equipped for its career (Rom 6:6; Col 3:5).
Bringeth forth death (apokuei thanaton). Late compound (kueō to be pregnant, perfective use of apo) to give birth to, of animals and women, for normal birth (papyrus example) and abnormal birth (Hort). A medical word (Ropes) rather than a literary one like tiktō. The child of lust is sin, of sin is death, powerful figure of abortion. The child is dead at birth. For death as the fruit of sin see Rom 6:21-23; Rom 8:6. “The birth of death follows of necessity when one sin is fully formed” (Hort).