James 1:15 net — Then when desire conceives, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is full grown, it gives birth to death.

NET Bible

"Then when desire conceives, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is full grown, it gives birth to death."

— James 1:15, NET Bible

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James 1:15 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

James 1 — Context

12

Happy is the one who endures testing, because when he has proven to be genuine, he will receive the crown of life that God promised to those who love him.

13

Let no one say when he is tempted,“I am tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted by evil, and he himself tempts no one.

14

But each one is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires.

15

Then when desire conceives, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is full grown, it gives birth to death.

16

Do not be led astray, my dear brothers and sisters.

17

All generous giving and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or the slightest hint of change.

18

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.

James 1:15 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does James 1:15 say?
James 1:15 in the NET Bible reads: “Then when desire conceives, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is full grown, it gives birth to death.”
Where is James 1:15 in the Bible?
James 1:15 is found in the New Testament, in the book of James, chapter 1, verse 15.
Who wrote James?
James is traditionally attributed to James, half-brother of Jesus, leader of the Jerusalem church. It was written c. AD 44–49.
What is the book of James about?
James is the New Testament's closest cousin to Old-Testament wisdom literature — pungent, practical, and uncompromising. Faith without works is dead. The tongue is a fire. The prayers of a righteous man avail much. It calls Christians to walk their talk.
What are the major themes of James?
James explores themes including Faith and Works, Wisdom, Speech, Suffering, Prayer. These themes shape the meaning and context of James 1:15.
What translation should I read James 1:15 in?
James 1:15 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize James 1:15?
James 1:15 reads (NET): “Then when desire conceives, it gives birth to sin, and when sin is full grown, it gives birth to death.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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