James 1:16 Meaning and Explanation
“Do not err, my beloved brethren.”
King James Version (KJV)
Read this verse in context with translation switching:
Read Full Chapter →James warns his beloved readers not to be deceived about the source of good and evil.
What Does James 1:16 Mean?
A short, urgent warning stands between the dark account of sin and the bright account of God's goodness. Do not err, James says, do not be led astray. He calls them beloved brethren, softening the warning with affection even as he presses it.
The error he guards against is the lie just exposed, that God might be the author of our temptation, and the deeper lie about to be answered, that God is anything but good. Deception about God's character is the root of much sin. To be kept from straying, the reader must hold fast to the truth of who the Father is, which the next verse declares in full.
James 1:16 in the Original Language
planao (πλανάω), 'err' -- to wander or be led astray from the truth, like a sheep gone off the path.
Frequently Asked Questions About James 1:16
What does James 1:16 mean?
James warns his beloved readers not to be deceived about the source of good and evil.