But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
English Standard Version (ESV)
This verse reveals a subtle but crucial point: temptation isn't some external force that happens to us, but rather a process that begins with our own desires being "drawn out" and "enticed." It highlights that our inner cravings are the bait and the trap, actively pulling us away from where we should be.
But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After discussing how trials can actually be a source of joy and wisdom, James pivots to explain where temptation really comes from. He clarifies that God doesn't tempt anyone, but rather, each person is tempted when their own internal desires lure them away from what's right, like a fisherman enticing a fish with bait.
Where does temptation really come from? It's not just external forces. Discover the surprising truth about the engine driving our deepest struggles.
James cuts straight to the heart of the matter in verse 14: 'But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.'
This verse is a powerful reminder that temptation isn't primarily an external force attacking us. While the devil and the world may present opportunities, the real power of temptation lies within us.
Temptation isn't a sudden attack, but a gradual seduction. How does our inner desire work with external forces to lead us astray?
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James uses two powerful verbs to describe how our own desires interact with temptation: 'lured' (exelkomenos) and 'enticed' (deleazomenos).
Being 'Drawn Away': The word 'lured' (exelkomenos) suggests being dragged out from a place of safety or security. Imagine a wild animal being enticed out of its den into a hunter's trap. It’s a process of being pulled away from our spiritual 'safe place'—our connection with God and His commands.
Being 'Enticed': The word 'enticed' (deleazomenos) is a fishing metaphor. It speaks of being lured in by bait, thinking you're getting something good, only to be caught. This highlights the deceptive nature of temptation; it often presents itself as desirable, masking the danger.
The Internal-External Connection: These words emphasize that temptation is a cooperative effort. The external 'bait' (the situation, the suggestion) finds a corresponding 'hook' within our own desires. Our inner longing makes us vulnerable to the external allure, and the external allure fuels the internal longing, creating a cycle.
Understand the original words
epithymia · Greek Noun
An intense, often sinful craving or longing for that which is forbidden or contrary to the will of God. It is the root of internal temptation and the catalyst for sinful actions.
This passage describes Eve's temptation, showing how the sight of the forbidden fruit led to desire, which then led to acting on that desire, mirroring James's point about being lured by one's own desire.
Proverbs 7:7The description of the harlot enticing a young man illustrates the 'drawn away and enticed' imagery, showing how temptation often works by luring someone away from a place of safety and into a snare through deceptive allurements.
Romans 7:11Paul describes how sin used the commandment to deceive and kill him, highlighting how an internal force (sin, akin to lust here) can actively deceive and lead a person astray into transgression.
Galatians 5:16This verse directly contrasts 'walking by the Spirit' with 'fulfilling the desires of the flesh,' showing that these inner desires are the source from which temptation and sin spring.
1 Peter 1:14Peter calls believers to be obedient children, not conforming to the former lusts that were theirs in their ignorance, reinforcing the idea that these personal desires are the roots of temptation and misdirected living.
vincentJames 1:14: "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed."
Drawn away (ἐξελκόμενος)Only here in New Testament. This and the following word are metaphors from hunting and fishing. Drawn away, as beasts are enticed from a safecovert into a place beset with snares. Note the present participle, as indicating the progress of the temptation: "is being drawn away."Enticed (δελεαζόμενος)As a fish with bait. Also the present participle. See on 2 Peter 2:14.
clarkeJames 1:14: "But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed."
But every man is tempted - Successfully solicited to sin, when he is drawn away of his own lust - when, giving way to the evil propensity of his own heart, he does that to which he is solicited by the enemy of his soul. Among the rabbins we find some fine sayings on this subject. In Midrash hanaalam, fol. 20, and Yalcut Rubeni, fol. 17, it is said: "This is the custom of evil concupiscence, יצר הרע yets…
This verse reveals a subtle but crucial point: temptation isn't some external force that happens to us, but rather a process that begins with our own desires being "drawn out" and "enticed." It highlights that our inner cravings are the bait and the trap, actively pulling us away from where we should be.
After discussing how trials can actually be a source of joy and wisdom, James pivots to explain where temptation really comes from. He clarifies that God doesn't tempt anyone, but rather, each person is tempted when their own internal desires lure them away from what's right, like a fisherman enticing a fish with bait.
After discussing how trials can actually be a source of joy and wisdom, James pivots to explain where temptation really comes from. He clarifies that God doesn't tempt anyone, but rather, each person is tempted when their own internal desires lure them away from what's right, like a fisherman enticing a fish with bait.
"But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire." — This verse reveals a subtle but crucial point: temptation isn't some external force that happens to us, but rather a process that begins with our own desires being "drawn out" and "enticed." It h…
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Last reviewed October 2026