What does James mean when He says there is no "shadow of turning" with the Father?
James 1:17
ESV - 17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
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Asked October 31 2018
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Gregory Jones
Supporter
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Tim Maas
Supporter
In my opinion, James in this verse is contrasting God the Father with the movement of heavenly bodies (including the sun and moon) that exhibit differing levels of illumination, or changes in the shadows that they cast, as they "turn" (that is, as their position or appearance in relation to the earth changes). The Father does not possess this variability. He is the "Father of lights", and is the same from eternity past to eternity future. As such, He is a continuing source of gifts, even to the unjust (as Jesus noted in Matthew 5:45), but especially to those who seek Him and His will through Christ, and to whom He is faithful in keeping His promises.
Donald Martin
Supporter
In my opinion, "shadow of turning" is an isolated thought process outside of God’s perfect wisdom; it’s a type of wisdom that is chaotic and confusing in and of itself. Compare to the following statement by the Institute for Creation Research: The word “turning” is from the Greek trope. When combined with the Greek for “in” (that is, en), it becomes entrope, which means in the Greek “confusion” or “shame.” We get our English word “entropy” from this source, which thus literally means “in-turning.” In science, any system which “turns in” on itself, without drawing on external sources of energy or information (in other words, a “closed system” will experience an increase of entropy, or disorganization
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
Good question, Brother Gregory! James 1:17, a verse I memorized @ Scottsdale Bible Church, says: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning." (KJV) Another translation has this phrase: the Father of lights has no “variation or shifting shadow.” The phrase "no shadow of turning" refers to God's unchanging nature. It uses imagery from astronomy, where the movement of celestial bodies (such as the sun and moon) causes shifting shadows. Unlike the natural world, which changes constantly, God remains absolutely steadfast. Meaning and Implications: God’s Character is Unchanging – Unlike people who are inconsistent, God remains the same. His goodness, faithfulness, and truth do not fluctuate. (Malachi 3:6 – "For I am the LORD, I change not.") God’s Gifts are Always Good – The verse emphasizes that every good and perfect gift comes from God. Since He does not change, we can trust that His blessings are always for our good. No Deception or Shifting – The phrase suggests that God does not change like shadows that shift with the time of day. He is constant, reliable, and completely trustworthy. (Numbers 23:19 – "God is not a man, that he should lie...") A Contrast with Human Nature and the World – The world is full of changes, trials, and uncertainties, but God remains a firm foundation. This truth is especially encouraging in times of trouble. In short, "no shadow of turning" means that God is unwavering, perfectly faithful, and eternally good. You can trust Him completely.
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