Tim Maas Supporter Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

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.

October 31 2018 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Donald Martin Supporter I am one who has been given mercy by our Lord Jesus Christ

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

October 18 2022 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jack Gutknecht Supporter Arizona Bible College graduate and Dallas Seminary graduate

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.

February 14 2025 • 1 response • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What does James mean when He says there is no "shadow of turning" with the Father?

In James 1:17, "no shadow of turning" means God is perfectly immutable—never changing, wavering, or shifting in His character, goodness, or love. As the "Father of lights" (creator of celestial bodies), He differs from the sun/moon, which create changing shadows, highlighting His consistent, reliable nature.

Some Implications of "No Shadow of Turning":

Unchanging Character: Unlike humans, God's nature, faithfulness, and truth do not fluctuate. 

Constant Goodness: Every good gift comes from Him because He remains consistently good and does not change in his intentions toward us. 

Contrast with Creation: While heavenly bodies (lights) move and cast shifting shadows, God is the constant, unmoving source of all light. 

Reliability in Trials: Because He does not change, Christians can trust in His promises and steadfast love, regardless of circumstances.

The Bible records God as saying: "I am Jehovah; I do not change." Malachi 3:6 ESV: "For I, Jehovah, change not; therefore ye, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed."

Similarly, the Bible says in James 1:17 ESV: "Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom can be no variation, neither shadow that is cast by turning."

This does not contradict what the Bible says about God changing his mind. God is unchangeable in that his personality and standards of love and justice never alter. (Deuteronomy 32:4; 1 John 4:8) Still, he can give different instructions to people at different times. For instance, God gave opposite instructions to King David for fighting two consecutive battles, yet both methods succeeded.​—2 Samuel 5:​18-​25.

As Jehovah told the people of Israel: "I am Jehovah; I have not changed." (Mal 3:6) This was some 3,500 years after God created humanity and 1,500 years after God made the Abrahamic covenant. While some claim that the God revealed in the Hebrew Scriptures differs from the God revealed by Jesus Christ and by the writers of the Christian Greek Scriptures, examination shows this claim to be without any foundation. Of God, the disciple James rightly said: "With him there is not a variation of the turning of the shadow." (Jas 1:17) There was no 'mellowing' [ or -to become softer and more developed in a pleasing way:] of Jehovah God's personality during the centuries, for no mellowing was needed. His severity, as revealed in the Christian Greek Scripture, is no less than, nor his love any greater than it was at the beginning of his dealings with humanity in Eden.

Regarding Malachi 3:6, C. French Bible scholar L. Fillion observed that this declaration is closely associated with the accomplishment of divine promises. "Jehovah could have annihilated his rebellious people," wrote Fillion, "but being unchangeable in his promises, he will, despite everything, be faithful to the promises he made in the past." God's promises, whether to an individual, a nation, or all humanity, will not be forgotten but will be carried out in his due time. Psalm 105: 8: ESV: "He hath remembered his covenant for ever, The word which he commanded to a thousand generations,"

Have you ever noticed what happens to the shadow that a tree casts on the ground? Why, the shadow keeps changing in size and direction! Human endeavours and promises are often as unsteady as a shadow. Jehovah God, on the other hand, does not change with time. James 1:17:

Jehovah is constant and dependable, even in the minutest details. He is "a God of faithfulness."​—Deuteronomy 32:4.

7 days ago • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report