James 1 Footnotes

1:13 The word trial is the Greek verb peirazo, which means both “tempt” and “test.” Broadly defined, temptation is the enticement to do evil. Satan is the tempter (Mt 4:3; 1Th 3:5). Beginning with Eve, Satan successfully tempted Adam, Cain, Abraham, and David to sin. He was less successful with Job, and Jesus was “tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin” (Heb 4:15). James explained that God cannot be tempted by evil, and he does not tempt anyone. Temptation may be for the purpose of destroying a person through sin leading to death and hell. This is Satan’s intent. God, however, may allow it for the purpose of bringing forth faith and patience, which ultimately honor him—as in the case of Job. James further explained that a blessing awaits the one who endures trials (v. 12).