James 1:17 - Exposition

Every good gift , etc. The words form a hexameter verse, though this is probably accidental, and no sign that they are a quotation. δόσις and δώρημα should be distinguished. "Every kind of gift that is good, and every one that is perfect in its kind" (Dean Scott). δόσις and δῶρον occur together in the LXX . in Proverbs 21:14 . They are expressly distinguished by Philo, who says that the latter involves the idea of magnitude and fullness, which is wanting to the former "Every good gift and every perfect boon, R.V. The Father of lights ( ἀπὸ τοῦ πατρὸς τῶν φώτων ). The word must refer to the heavenly bodies, of which God may be said to be the Father, in that he is their Creator (for "Father," in the sense of Creator, cf. Job 38:28 ). From him who "made the stars also" comes down every good and perfect gift, and with him "there can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning." These last words appear to fix the meaning of φῶτα , as τροπή is used in the LXX . as in classical writers for the changes of the heavenly bodies (see Job 38:33 ; Deuteronomy 33:14 ; Wis. 7:18). οὐκ ἔνι , "there is no room for." It negatives, not only the fact, but the possibility also (cf. Galatians 3:28 ; Colossians 3:11 ).