James 1:16 kjv

Do not err, my beloved brethren.

James 1:16 nkjv

Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.

James 1:16 niv

Don't be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.

James 1:16 esv

Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.

James 1:16 nlt

So don't be misled, my dear brothers and sisters.

James 1 verses

James 1 16 Meaning

James 1:16 is a direct and urgent warning from the Apostle James, exhorting believers not to be misled or tricked concerning the nature of God, especially in the context of trials and temptations. It immediately follows James's clear statement that God does not tempt anyone and cannot be tempted by evil (Jas 1:13). The admonition "Do not be deceived" emphasizes the crucial truth that evil, temptation, and sin do not originate from God, but from human lust (Jas 1:14). It sets the stage for the following verse (Jas 1:17), which highlights God as the unwavering source of only good and perfect gifts. The affectionate address, "my beloved brothers," underscores the sincerity, care, and importance of this truth for their spiritual well-being.

James 1 16 Context

James's letter is addressed to "the twelve tribes in the Dispersion" (Jas 1:1), primarily Jewish believers scattered outside Palestine, facing significant trials and various forms of oppression. Chapter 1 introduces the theme of trials and their purpose in producing steadfastness. The verses immediately preceding James 1:16 (Jas 1:13-15) directly confront a dangerous theological error: attributing temptation and evil to God. James categorically states that God is not the author of evil, nor can He be tempted by it; rather, temptation originates from one's own desires. Thus, James 1:16 serves as a pivotal warning, encapsulating this crucial theological point: Do not be misled into thinking God is involved in bringing about evil or enticement to sin. It sets the stage for the positive assertion in verse 17 that God is, in fact, the unchanging source of all good gifts.

James 1 16 Word analysis

• "Do not be deceived" (Μὴ πλανᾶσθε - Mē planasthe):

  • Μὴ (Mē): A strong prohibitive particle, meaning "not" or "do not." Used with the present imperative, it conveys either "stop doing something you are already doing" or "do not begin doing something." Here, it signals an immediate and pressing danger of being misled.
  • πλανᾶσθε (planasthe): This is the present imperative, passive voice, of the verb planáo.
    • Planáo literally means "to cause to wander, lead astray."
    • In the passive, it means "to be led astray, be mistaken, be deceived, err."
    • The word implies a mental or spiritual wandering away from truth, or being led into error, often through cunning or misdirection.
    • Its root concept relates to planets, anciently called "wandering stars," symbolizing deviation from a fixed course.
    • Significance: This command underscores that a false belief about God's character is a dangerous error that can actively mislead believers. It's a call to active discernment against spiritual error, which if unaddressed, could be a continuous state.

• "my beloved brothers" (ἀδελφοί μου ἀγαπητοί - adelphoi mou agapētoi):

  • ἀδελφοί (adelphoi): "Brothers," a common term in the New Testament referring to fellow believers in Christ, regardless of gender. It signifies a familial bond and spiritual unity within the Christian community.
  • μου (mou): "My," a possessive pronoun expressing personal connection and belonging.
  • ἀγαπητοί (agapētoi): "Beloved" or "dearly loved." This term, derived from agapē (selfless, divine love), expresses deep affection, fondness, and sincere concern.
  • Significance: James addresses his audience not as a stern, distant authority but as a caring pastor with deep affection. This warm and personal address softens the urgent warning and establishes a foundation of trust, making the imperative more impactful and readily received. It implies that the danger of this specific deception is real and personal for those he cherishes.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "Do not be deceived": This powerful imperative highlights the urgent need for believers to maintain sound theological understanding, particularly concerning God's character. It is not merely about avoiding specific wrong actions but about preventing a fundamental misunderstanding that could compromise their faith and distort their perception of God. This prohibition appears throughout the New Testament as a vital safeguard against various forms of error—doctrinal, ethical, and eschatological.
  • "my beloved brothers": This endearing salutation places the severe warning within a framework of profound love and pastoral care. It communicates that James's admonition stems from genuine concern for the spiritual well-being of his audience. It also emphasizes the communal aspect of discernment; they are a family in Christ who need to stand united against misleading ideas.

James 1 16 Bonus section

• The verb planáo, translated "be deceived," is used across the New Testament to warn against being led astray morally, theologically, or practically, often implying a wandering from the path of truth (e.g., Matt 18:12, 1 Cor 6:9, Tit 3:3, 1 Pet 2:25, Rev 12:9). In James, it points specifically to a dangerous error about God's character.
• This verse effectively counters the human tendency to shift blame. When confronted with personal failings, there's a natural inclination to attribute responsibility elsewhere—to circumstances, to others, or even to God. James unequivocally redirects that gaze inward, affirming God's pristine character as the Giver of only good and perfect gifts, not the source of temptation.
• The warning here implicitly underscores the importance of sound doctrine. A correct understanding of God's attributes is not merely academic but profoundly practical, influencing how believers respond to trials, combat sin, and perceive His provisions. To be deceived on this point jeopardizes spiritual growth and perseverance.
• James 1:16 functions as an antithesis to popular but flawed theology, emphasizing that one must actively guard against ideas that misrepresent God. It's a call to spiritual vigilance and discerning thought.

James 1 16 Commentary

James 1:16 functions as a critical, affectionate injunction following James's foundational clarification on the origin of temptation. Having clearly refuted the notion that God is the author of evil or tempts anyone (Jas 1:13-15), James now pivots with a direct and solemn command: "Do not be deceived." This is not a casual remark but a heartfelt plea from a spiritual leader to his flock. The potential deception is deadly serious, striking at the core of understanding God's holy and benevolent nature. If believers were to erroneously conclude that God instigates temptation or evil, it would undermine His trustworthiness, provide an excuse for sin, and distort their entire relationship with Him. James's use of "my beloved brothers" signifies his deep pastoral concern; he urges them to grasp this vital truth about God's unwavering goodness, thereby setting the stage for the glorious declaration in James 1:17 that every perfect gift emanates from the unchangeable Father of lights.