Every Good Gift and Every Perfect Gift is from Above

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above....” James 1:17

At first glance this seems to fit perfectly with our view of material or monetary things we want God to give us. However, when James the earthly half- brother of Jesus writes this he is speaking to the essence of God. Let us break this verse apart. First, when we look at the word ‘gift’ in the text it is speaking to the divine personification of God’s grace or graciousness.

In modern Hebrew we find the use of the word hānan which is to pardon or show mercy. For reference in 1 Chronicles 8:38, you will find a descendant of Saul (David’s father) named Hanan who’s biblical name means merciful. We need this as our foundation to have proper context of the verse. Now, the ‘good gift’ indicates the act of giving. The latter ‘perfect gift’ indicates the object given. Let’s drill a bit deeper. In modern Hebrew we also find the words tôb meaning good, favorable, pleasing. Then shai ‘which is to receive a gift. Lastly tāmîm which is perfect, blameless entire, complete, full. So in everyday terms we can relate it to this:

God in His essence showed mercy by providing the only favorable and pleasing gift made flesh. Who was perfect, blameless and the fullness of God. That we might receive the gift of SALVATION through the Savior Jesus, who is, not was, the only begotten Son of God. Therefore everything related to divine giving comes down to us from the Father above.

Read: Colossians 1:19-20, Ephesians 3:19