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James 1:17
Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation nor turning shadow.
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Interpretation

Paul urges a gifts that is embodied in study and play. James 1:17: trace "every" and "gift". Let gifts in small choices no one sees—carry peace past preference.

Context

The setting is James—epistle/letter, naming gifts. Placed in ch. 1, the nearby lines set its tone. The nearby sentences supply the texture.

Authorship & Historical Background

Long‑standing tradition credits James to James the brother of Jesus. James is frequently described this way: Likely from Jacobian tradition; debated date.. Date: AD 60–100. This verse leans into perseverance & witness. Wisdom style and diaspora address inform its exhortations.

More details
Traditional:James the brother of Jesus
Modern scholarship:Likely from Jacobian tradition; debated date.
Date:AD 60–100
Manuscripts & Textual Witnesses
Well–preserved in all major manuscripts including Papyrus 23 (3rd century) and Papyrus 100 (3rd–4th century). The phrase 'Father of lights' appears consistently, though some manuscripts add 'heavenly.' The poetic structure (possibly a quoted hymn) helped preserve the text accurately. The rare word 'parallage' (variation/shadow) appears only here in the New Testament. Codex Sinaiticus and Vaticanus (4th century) agree completely. The text shows remarkable stability with no significant variants affecting meaning.
Sources & witness notes
SinaiticusVaticanus