The Meaning of James 1:18 Explained

James 1:18

KJV: Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

YLT: having counselled, He did beget us with a word of truth, for our being a certain first-fruit of His creatures.

Darby: According to his own will begat he us by the word of truth, that we should be a certain first-fruits of his creatures.

ASV: Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

KJV Reverse Interlinear

Of his own will  begat he  us  with the word  of truth,  that  we  should be  a kind  of firstfruits  of his  creatures. 

What does James 1:18 Mean?

Verse Meaning

The greatest of God"s gifts for believers is the gift of new life in Christ. God"s deliberate initiative provided this gift for us, and His special revelation communicated it to us (i.e, the message marked by truth). This verse along with the preceding one shows clearly that James believed that eternal life was a gift of God"s grace. We need to keep this in mind when we read James" discussion of faith and works that follows in chapter2. James also agreed with Paul that our salvation springs from the sovereign volition of God (cf. Romans 4:21-22; 2 Corinthians 4:6). He initiated it.
The "first fruits" probably refer to all Christians who persevere in spite of trials. All believers will bring glory to God"s name, but believers who remain faithful to Christ will please Him greatly, as the first fruits in Israel were a special offering to God. The Greek word translated "first fruits" (aparche) refers to what is first in honor as well as to what is first in order. The biblical writers used it "of persons superior in excellence to others of the same class." [1]
The point of these verses (17-18) seems to be that God"s intention for all people, and believers in particular, is invariably their blessing. Rather than viewing temptations to depart from the will of God as heaven-sent, we must see them as the potential enemies of spiritual growth. Instead of caving in under their weight we must brace ourselves against them. We can do so knowing that the effort will make us better this side of the grave, and it will yield a wonderful reward the other side of the grave.
"James outlined the source of temptation, the steps in temptation, and the solution for temptation." [2]

Context Summary

James 1:12-18 - God Rewards, Not Tempts
The word temptation may stand for trial and testing, without implying that there is any necessary impulse toward evil; or it may stand for the direct impulse of the evil one. Here, however, it is used in this latter sense. But of whatever kind the temptation is, whether upward or downward, whether of pain and sorrow at the permission of God, or of direct solicitation to evil at the suggestion of Satan, those who refuse to swerve from their high quest of nobility attain to higher levels of life. In the words of this paragraph, they receive the crown of life "here" and hereafter.
Notice the genealogy of sin, James 1:15. Lust is the parent of sin, and sin when matured is the parent of death. How different to the blackness of this dark picture is the light and glory of our Father's home and realm! All the good things of our lives are from His good hand. He is not fickle and changeable. Even our sin cannot make Him turn away. His sun still shines on the evil and the good, and His rain descends on the just and the unjust. See Matthew 5:45. We are His children; let us be sweet to the taste as the grapes of Eschol! [source]

Chapter Summary: James 1

1  James greets the twelve tribes among the nations;
2  exhorts to rejoice in trials and temptations;
5  to ask patience of God;
13  and in our trials not to impute our weakness, or sins, to him,
19  but rather to hearken to the word, to meditate on it, and to do thereafter
26  Otherwise men may seem, but never be, truly religious

Greek Commentary for James 1:18

Of his own will [βουλητεις]
First aorist passive participle of βουλομαι — boulomai Repeating the metaphor of birth in James 1:15, but in good sense. God as Father acted deliberately of set purpose. [source]
He brought us forth [απεκυησεν]
First aorist active indicative of αποκυεω — apokueō (James 1:15), only here of the father (4 Macc. 15:17), not of the mother. Regeneration, not birth of all men, though God is the Father in the sense of creation of all men (Acts 17:28.).By the word of truth (λογωι αλητειας — logōi alētheias). Instrumental case λογωι — logōi The reference is thus to the gospel message of salvation even without the article (2 Corinthians 6:7) as here, and certainly with the article (Colossians 1:5; Ephesians 1:13; 2 Timothy 2:15). The message marked by truth (genitive case αλητειας — alētheias).That we should be Purpose clause εις το — eis to and the infinitive ειναι — einai with the accusative of general reference ημας — hēmās (as to us).A kind of first-fruits (απαρχην τινα — aparchēn tina). “Some first-fruits” (old word from απαρχομαι — aparchomai), of Christians of that age. See Romans 16:5. [source]
By the word of truth [λογωι αλητειας]
Instrumental case λογωι — logōi The reference is thus to the gospel message of salvation even without the article (2 Corinthians 6:7) as here, and certainly with the article (Colossians 1:5; Ephesians 1:13; 2 Timothy 2:15). The message marked by truth (genitive case αλητειας — alētheias). [source]
That we should be [εις το ειναι ημας]
Purpose clause εις το — eis to and the infinitive ειναι — einai with the accusative of general reference ημας — hēmās (as to us).A kind of first-fruits (απαρχην τινα — aparchēn tina). “Some first-fruits” (old word from απαρχομαι — aparchomai), of Christians of that age. See Romans 16:5. [source]
A kind of first-fruits [απαρχην τινα]
“Some first-fruits” (old word from απαρχομαι — aparchomai), of Christians of that age. See Romans 16:5. [source]
Begat [ἀπεκύησεν]
Rev., brought forth. See on James 1:15, and compare 1 John 3:9; 1 Peter 1:23. [source]
A kind of first-fruits [ἀπαρχήν τινα]
A kind of indicates the figurative nature of the term. Time figure is taken from the requirement of the Jewish law that the first-born of men and cattle, and the first growth of fruits and grain should be consecrated to the Lord. The point of the illustration is that Christians, like first-fruits, should be consecrated to God. The expression “first-fruits ” is common in the New Testament. See Romans 8:23; Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 15:20, 1 Corinthians 15:23; Revelation 14:4. [source]

Reverse Greek Commentary Search for James 1:18

Matthew 1:19 Not willing [ἐβουλήθη]
These two words, describing the working of Joseph's mind, and evidently intended to express different phases of thought, open the question of their distinctive meanings in the New Testament, where they frequently occur ( θέλω much oftener than βούλομαι ), and where the rendering, in so many eases by the same words, furnishes no clue to the distinction. The original words are often used synonymously in eases where no distinction is emphasized; but their use in other eases reveals a radical and recognized difference. An interchange is inadmissible when the greater force of the expression requires θέλειν . For instance, βαούλεσθαι , would be entirely inappropriate at Matthew 8:3, “I will, be thou cleansed;” or at Romans 7:15. The distinction, which is abundantly illustrated in Homer, is substantially maintained by the classical writers throughout, and in the New Testament. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
Θέλειν is the stronger word, and expresses a purpose or determination or decree, the execution of which is, or is believed to be, in the power of him who wills. Βούλεσθαι expresses wish, inclination, or disposition, whether one desires to do a thing himself or wants some one else to do it. Θέλειν , therefore, denotes the active resolution, the will urging on to action. Βούλεσθαι is to have a mind, to desire, sometimes a little stronger, running into the sense of purpose. Θέλειν indicates the impulse of the will; βούλεσθαι , its tendency. Βούλεσθαι can always be rendered by θέλειν , but θέλειν cannot always be expressed by βούλεσθαι . -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
Thus, Agamemnon says, “I would not ( οὐκ ἔθελον )-DIVIDER-
receive the ransom for the maid (i.e., Irefused to receive), because I greatly desire ( βούλομαι )-DIVIDER-
to have her at home” (Homer, “II.,” 1:112). So Demosthenes: “It is fitting that you should be willing ( ἐθέλειν ) to listen to those who wish ( βουλομένων ) to-DIVIDER-
advise” (“Olynth.,” 1:1). That is to say, It is in your power to determine whether or not you will listen to those who desire to advise you, but whose power to do so depends on your consent. Again: “If the gods will it ( θέλωσι ) and you wish it ( βούλησθε )”-DIVIDER-
(Demosth., “Olynth.,” 2:20). -DIVIDER-
In the New Testament, as observed above, though the words are often interchanged, the same distinction is recognized. Thus, Matthew 2:18, “Rachael would not ( ἤθελε ) be comforted;” obstinately and positively refused. Joseph, having the right and power under the (assumed) circumstances to make Mary a public example, resolved ( θέλων )-DIVIDER-
to spare her this exposure. Then the question arose - What should he do? On this he thought, and, having thought ( ἐνθυμηθέντος )his mind inclined (tendency), he was minded ( ἐβουλήθη )-DIVIDER-
to put her away secretly. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
Some instances of the interchanged use of the two words are the following: Mark 15:15, “Pilate willing ”-DIVIDER-
( βουλόμενος ); compare Luke 23:20, “Pilate willing ”-DIVIDER-
( θέλων ). Acts 27:43, “The centurion willing ”-DIVIDER-
( βουλόμενος ) Matthew 27:17, “Whom will ye that I release” ( θέλετε ); so Matthew 27:21. John 18:39, “Will ye that I release” ( βούλεσθε ); Matthew 14:5, “When he would have put him to death” ( θέλων ). Mark 6:48, “He would have passed by them” ( ἤθελε ); Acts 19:30, “Paul would have entered” ( βουλόμενος ). Acts 18:27, “He was disposed to pass” ( βουλόμενος ). Titus 3:8, “I will that thou affirm” ( βούλομαι ) Mark 6:25, “I will that thou give me” ( θέλω ), etc., etc. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
In the New Testament θέλω occurs in the following senses:1.A decree or determination of the will. (a ) Of God (Matthew 12:7; Romans 9:16, Romans 9:18; Acts 18:21; 1 Corinthians 4:19; 1 Corinthians 12:18; 1 Corinthians 15:38). (b ) Of Christ (Matthew 8:3; John 17:24; John 5:21; John 21:22). (c ) Of men (Acts 25:9). Festus, having the power to gratify the Jews, and determining to do so, says to Paul, who has the right to decide, “Wilt thou go up to Jerusalem?” John 6:67, Others of the disciples had decided to leave Jesus. Christ said to the twelve, “Will ye also go away?” Is that your determination? John 7:17, If any man sets his will, is determined to do God's will. John 8:44, The lusts of your father your will is set to do. Acts 24:6.2. A wish or desire. Very many of the passages, however, which are cited under this head (as by Grimm) may fairly be interpreted as implying something stronger than a wish; notably Mark 14:36, of Christ in Gethsemane. Our Lord would hardly have used what thou wilt in so feeble a sense as that of a desire or wish on God's part. Mark 10:43, “Whosoever will be great,” expresses more than the desire for greatness. It is the purpose of the life. Matthew 27:15, It was given to the Jews to decide what prisoner should be released. Luke 1:62, The name of the infant John was referred to Zacharias' decision. John 17:24, Surely Christ does more than desire that those whom the Father has given him shall be with him. Luke 9:54, It is for Jesus to command fire upon the Samaritan villages if he so wills. (See, also, John 15:7; 1 Corinthians 4:21; Matthew 16:25; Matthew 19:17; John 21:22; Matthew 13:28; Matthew 17:12.) In the sense of wish or desire may fairly be cited 2 Corinthians 11:12; Matthew 12:38; Luke 8:20; Luke 23:8; John 12:21; Galatians 4:20; Matthew 7:12; Mark 10:35.3. A liking (Mark 12:38; Luke 20:46; Matthew 27:43). (See note there.) Βούλομαι occurs in the following senses:1.Inclination or disposition (Acts 18:27; Acts 19:30; Acts 25:22; Acts 28:18; 2" translation="">2 Corinthians 1:15).2.Stronger, with the idea of purpose (1 Timothy 6:9; James 1:18; James 3:4; 1 Corinthians 12:11; Hebrews 6:17).In most, if not all of these cases, we might expect θέλειν ; but in this use of βούλομαι there is an implied emphasis on the element of free choice or self-determination, which imparts to the desire or inclination a decretory force. This element is in the human will by gift and consent. In the divine will it is inherent. At this point the Homeric usage may be compared in its occasional employment of βούλομαι to express determination, but only with reference to the gods, in whom to wish is to will. Thus, “Whether Apollo will ( βου.λεται ) ward off the plague” (“II.,” 1:67). “Apollo willed ( βούλετο ) victory to the Trojans” (“Il.,” 7:21).To make a public example ( δειγματίσαι )The word is kindred to δείκνυμι , to exhibit, display, point out. Here, therefore, to expose Mary to public shame (Wyc., publish her; Tynd., defame her). The word occurs in Colossians 2:15, of the victorious Saviour displaying the vanquished powers of evil as a general displays his trophies or captives in a triumphal procession. “He made a show of them openly.” A compound of the same word ( παραδειγματίζω ) appears in Hebrews 6:6, “They crucify the Son of God afresh, and put him to an open shame. ” [source]

John 1:12 Sons [τέκνα]
Rev., more correctly, children. Son is υἱός . Τέκνον , child ( τίκτω , to bring forth ), denotes a relation based on community of nature, while υἱός , Son, may indicate only adoption and heirship. See Galatians 4:7. Except in Revelation 21:7, which is a quotation, John never uses υἱός to describe the relation of Christians to God, since he regards their position not as a result of adoption, but of a new life. Paul, on the other hand, regards the relation from the legal standpoint, as adoption, imparting a new dignity and relation (Romans 8:15; Galatians 4:5, Galatians 4:6). See also James 1:18; 1 Peter 1:3, 1 Peter 1:23, where the point of view is John's rather than Paul's. Τέκνον , indicating the relationship of man to God, occurs in John 1:12; John 11:52; 1 John 3:1, 1 John 3:2, 1 John 3:10; 1 John 5:2, and always in the plural. [source]
Romans 14:20 Work of God []
The christian brother, whose christian personality is God's work. See 2 Corinthians 5:17; Ephesians 2:10; James 1:18. [source]
Romans 11:16 The first-fruit - holy []
See on James 1:18, see on Acts 26:10. Referring to the patriarchs. [source]
1 Corinthians 15:20 The first-fruits [ἀπαρχὴ]
See on James 1:18. Omit become. Compare Colossians 1:18, and see on Revelation 1:5. [source]
1 Timothy 4:4 Creature [κτίσμα]
Not in Paul. See James 1:18; Revelation 5:13; Revelation 8:9. A created thing. For κτίσις creation or creature, frequent in Paul, see on Romans 8:19; see on 2 Corinthians 5:17; see on Colossians 1:15. Κτίσμα in lxx, Wisd. 9:2; 13:5; 14:11; 3 Maccabees 5:11. [source]
James 1:21 Engrafted [ἔμφυτον]
Only here in New Testament. Better, and more literally, as Rev., implanted. It marks a characteristic of the word of truth (James 1:18). It is implanted; divinely given, in contrast with something acquired by study. Compare Matthew 13:19, “the word of the kingdom - sown in his heart.” Grafted or graffed is expressed by a peculiar word, employed by Paul only, ἐγκεντρίζω , from κέντρον , a sharp point, thus emphasizing the fact of the incision required in grafting. See Romans 11:17, Romans 11:19, Romans 11:23, Romans 11:24. [source]
James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift [Every good gift and every perfect gift (see Greek above)]
The statement that these gifts are from God is in pursuance of the idea that God does not tempt men to evil. The gifts of God are contrasted with the evil springing from man's lust. Two words are used for gifts. Δόσις occurs only here and Philemon 4:15; there in an active sense; but here passive, as in Romans href="/desk/?q=ro+5:16&sr=1">Romans 5:16. It enlarges slightly upon the other word in emphasizing the gift as free, large, full; an idea which is further developed in James 1:18, of hi s own will. The Rev., rather awkwardly, endeavors to bring out the distinction by the word boon, for which the American Revisers insist on retaining gift. Boon originally means a petition; favor being a secondary and later sense, as of something given in response to a petition. The word is of Scandinavian origin, and the meaningfavor seems to indicate a confusion with the Latin bonus, good; French, bonPerfectEnlarges upon good, bringing out more distinctly the moral quality of the gift. [source]
James 1:15 Bringeth forth [ἀποκύει]
A different verb from the preceding, bringeth forth. Rev. has rendered τίκτει , beareth, in order to avoid the repetition of bringeth forth. The verb is used by James only, here and at James 1:18. The image is interpreted in two ways. Either (1) Sin, figured as female, is already pregnant with death, and, when full grown, bringeth forth death (so Rev., and the majority of commentators). “The harlot, Lust, draws away and entices the man. The guilty union is committed by the will embracing the temptress: the consequence is that she beareth sin … .Then the sin, that particular sin, when grown up, herself, as if all along pregnant with it, bringeth forth death” (Alford). Or (2) Sin, figured as male, when it has reached maturity, becomes the begetter of death. So the Vulgate, generat, and Wyc., gendereth. I am inclined to prefer this, since the other seems somewhat forced. It has the high endorsement of Bishop Lightfoot. There is a suggestive parallel passage in the “Agamemnon” of Aeschylus, 751-771:“There is a saying old,Uttered in ancient days, That human bliss, full grown,-DIVIDER-
Genders, and dies not childless:-DIVIDER-
And, for the coming race,-DIVIDER-
Springs woe insatiate from prosperity. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
But I alone-DIVIDER-
Cherish within my breast another thought. -DIVIDER-
-DIVIDER-
The impious deed-DIVIDER-
Begets a numerous brood alike in kind;-DIVIDER-
While households ruled by right inflexible-DIVIDER-
Blossom with offspring fair. Insolence old-DIVIDER-
In men depraved begetteth insolence,-DIVIDER-
Which springs afresh from time to time-DIVIDER-
As comes the day of doom, and fresh creates-DIVIDER-
In Ate's dismal halls-DIVIDER-
Fierce wrath from light,-DIVIDER-
Unhallowed Daring, fiend invincible,Unconquered, with its parents' likeness stamped.”The magnificent passage in Milton's “Paradise Lost,” ii., 760-801, is elaborated from these verses of James. [source]

James 1:19 Swift to hear [ταχυς εις το ακουσαι]
For this use of εις το — eis to with the infinitive after an adjective see 1 Thessalonians 4:9. For εις το — eis to after adjectives see Romans 16:19. The picture points to listening to the word of truth (James 1:18) and is aimed against violent and disputatious speech (James 3:1-12). The Greek moralists often urge a quick and attentive ear.Slow to speak (βραδυς εις το λαλησαι — bradus eis to lalēsai). Same construction and same ingressive aorist active infinitive, slow to begin speaking, not slow while speaking.Slow to anger He drops the infinitive here, but he probably means that slowness to speak up when angry will tend to curb the anger. [source]
James 1:21 Putting away [αποτεμενοι]
Second aorist middle participle of αποτιτημι — apotithēmi to put off, metaphor of removing clothing as in Romans 13:12; Colossians 3:8; Ephesians 4:22, Ephesians 4:25; 1 Peter 2:1.Filthiness (ρυπαριαν — ruparian). Late word (Plutarch) from ρυπαρος — ruparos dirty (James 2:2), here only in N.T. Surely a dirty garment.Overflowing of wickedness Περισσεια — Perisseia is a late word (from περισσος — perissos abundant, exceeding), only four times in N.T., in 2 Corinthians 8:2 with χαρας — charas (of joy), in Romans 5:17 with χαριτος — charitos (of grace). Κακια — Kakia (from κακος — kakos evil) can be either general like ρυπαρια — ruparia (filthiness, naughtiness), or special like “malice.” But any of either sense is a “superfluity.”With meekness (εν πρατητι — en praūtēti). In docility. “The contrast is with οργη — orgē rather than κακιας — kakias ” (Ropes).The implanted word This old verbal adjective (from εμπυω — emphuō to implant, to grow in), only here in N.T., meaning properly ingrown, inborn, not εμπυτευτον — emphuteuton (engrafted). It is “the rooted word” (James 1:18), sown in the heart as the soil or garden of God (Matt 13:3-23; Matthew 15:13; 1 Corinthians 3:6).Able to save (δυναμενον σωσαι — dunamenon sōsai). Cf. 1 Peter 1:9; James 2:14; James 4:12; James 5:20; Romans 1:16. Ultimate salvation (effective aorist active infinitive σωσαι — sōsai from σωζω — sōzō). [source]
James 1:21 Overflowing of wickedness [περισσειαν κακιας]
Περισσεια — Perisseia is a late word (from περισσος — perissos abundant, exceeding), only four times in N.T., in 2 Corinthians 8:2 with χαρας — charas (of joy), in Romans 5:17 with χαριτος — charitos (of grace). Κακια — Kakia (from κακος — kakos evil) can be either general like ρυπαρια — ruparia (filthiness, naughtiness), or special like “malice.” But any of either sense is a “superfluity.”With meekness (εν πρατητι — en praūtēti). In docility. “The contrast is with οργη — orgē rather than κακιας — kakias ” (Ropes).The implanted word This old verbal adjective (from εμπυω — emphuō to implant, to grow in), only here in N.T., meaning properly ingrown, inborn, not εμπυτευτον — emphuteuton (engrafted). It is “the rooted word” (James 1:18), sown in the heart as the soil or garden of God (Matt 13:3-23; Matthew 15:13; 1 Corinthians 3:6).Able to save (δυναμενον σωσαι — dunamenon sōsai). Cf. 1 Peter 1:9; James 2:14; James 4:12; James 5:20; Romans 1:16. Ultimate salvation (effective aorist active infinitive σωσαι — sōsai from σωζω — sōzō). [source]
James 1:21 The implanted word [τον εμπυτον λογον]
This old verbal adjective (from εμπυω — emphuō to implant, to grow in), only here in N.T., meaning properly ingrown, inborn, not εμπυτευτον — emphuteuton (engrafted). It is “the rooted word” (James 1:18), sown in the heart as the soil or garden of God (Matt 13:3-23; Matthew 15:13; 1 Corinthians 3:6).Able to save (δυναμενον σωσαι — dunamenon sōsai). Cf. 1 Peter 1:9; James 2:14; James 4:12; James 5:20; Romans 1:16. Ultimate salvation (effective aorist active infinitive σωσαι — sōsai from σωζω — sōzō). [source]
James 5:19 From the truth [απο της αλητειας]
For truth see James 1:18; James 3:14; John 8:32; 1 John 1:6; 1 John 3:18. It was easy then, and is now, to be led astray from Christ, who is the Truth.And one convert him (και επιστρεπσηι τις αυτον — kai epistrepsēi tis auton). Continuation of the third-class condition with the first aorist active subjunctive of επιστρεπω — epistrephō old verb, to turn (transitive here as in Luke 1:16., but intransitive often as Acts 9:35). [source]
James 1:25 The perfect law [νομον τελειον]
For τελειον — teleion see James 1:17. See Romans 7:12 for Paul‘s idea of the law of God. James here refers to the word of truth (James 1:18), the gospel of grace (Galatians 6:2; Romans 12:2).The law of liberty (τον της ελευτεριας — ton tēs eleutherias). “That of liberty,” explaining why it is “perfect” (James 2:12 also), rests on the work of Christ, whose truth sets us free (John 8:32; 2 Corinthians 3:16; Romans 8:2).And so continueth First aorist active articular participle again of παραμενω — paramenō parallel with παρακυπσας — parakupsas Παραμενω — Paramenō is to stay beside, and see Philemon 1:25 for contrast with the simplex μενω — menō Rather, “having become” (second aorist middle participle of γινομαι — ginomai to become).Not a hearer that forgetteth (ουκ ακροατης επιλησμονης — ouk akroatēs epilēsmonēs). “Not a hearer of forgetfulness” (descriptive genitive, marked by forgetfulness). Επιλησμονη — Epilēsmonē is a late and rare word (from επιλησμων — epilēsmōn forgetful, from επιλαντομαι — epilanthomai to forget, as in James 1:24), here only in N.T.But a doer that worketh “But a doer of work,” a doer marked by work (descriptive genitive εργου — ergou), not by mere listening or mere talk.In his doing (εν τηι ποιησει αυτου — en tēi poiēsei autou). Another beatitude with μακαριος — makarios as in James 1:12, like the Beatitudes in Matthew 5:3-12. Ποιησις — Poiēsis is an old word (from ποιεω — poieō for the act of doing), only here in N.T. [source]
1 Peter 1:23 Being born again [ἀναγεγεννημένοι]
Rev., having been begotten again. Compare James 1:18. [source]
1 Peter 1:23 Word of God [λόγου Θεοῦ]
The gospel of Christ. Compare 1 Peter 1:25, and Peter's words, Acts 10:36. Also, Ephesians 1:13; Colossians 1:5; James 1:18. Not the personal Word, as the term is employed by John. Nevertheless, the connection and relation of the personal with the revealed word is distinctly recognized. “In the New Testament we trace a gradual ascent from (a) the concrete message as conveyed to man by personal agency through (b )the Word, the revelation of God to man which the message embodies, forming, as it were, its life and soul, to (c) The Word, who, being God, not only reveals but imparts himself to us, and is formed in us thereby” (Scott, on James 1:18, “Speaker's Commentary”). [source]
1 Peter 1:23 Through the word of God [δια λογου τεου]
See James 1:18 for “by the word of truth,” 1 Peter 1:25 here, and Peter‘s use of λογος — logos in Acts 10:36. It is the gospel message. [source]
1 Peter 1:23 Not of corruptible seed [ουκ εκ σπορας πταρτης]
Ablative with εκ — ek as the source, for πταρτος — phthartos see 1 Peter 1:18, and σπορας — sporās (from σπειρω — speirō to sow), old word (sowing, seed) here only in N.T., though σπορος — sporos in Mark 4:26., etc. For “incorruptible” See James 1:18 for “by the word of truth,” 1 Peter 1:25 here, and Peter‘s use of λογος — logos in Acts 10:36. It is the gospel message.Which liveth and abideth These present active participles (from ζαω — zaō and μενω — menō) can be taken with τεου — theou (God) or with λογου — logou (word). In 1 Peter 1:25 μενει — menei is used with ρημα — rēma (word). Still in Daniel 6:26 both μενων — menōn and ζων — zōn are used with τεος — theos Either construction makes sense here. [source]
1 John 1:1 Of life [τῆς ζωῆς]
Lit., the life. See on John 1:4. The phrase ὁ λόγος τῆς ζωῆς , the Word of the Life, occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. The nearest approach to it is Philemon 2:16; but there neither word has the article. In the phrase words of eternal life (John 6:68), and in Acts 5:20, all the words of this life, ῥήματα is used. The question is whether λόγος is used here of the Personal Word, as John 1:1, or of the divine message or revelation. In the four passages of the Gospel where λόγος is used in a personal sense (John 1:1, John 1:14), it is used absolutely, the Word (compare Revelation 19:13). On the other hand, it is often used relatively in the New Testament; as word of the kingdom (Matthew 8:19); word of this salvation (Acts 8:26); word of His grace (Acts 20:32); word of truth (James 1:18). By John ζωῆς oflife, is often used in order to characterize the word which accompanies it. Thus, crown of life (Revelation 2:10); water of life (Revelation 21:6); book of life (Revelation 3:5); bread of life (John 6:35); i.e., the water which is living and communicates life; the book; which contains the revelation of life; the bread which imparts life. In the same sense, John 6:68; Acts 5:20. Compare Titus 1:2, Titus 1:3. Though the phrase, the Word of the Life, does not elsewhere occur in a personal sense, I incline to regard its primary reference as personal, from the obvious connection of the thought with John 1:1, John 1:4. “In the beginning was the Word, - in Him was life.” “As John does not purpose to say that he announces Christ as an abstract single idea, but that he declares his own concrete historical experiences concerning Christ, - so now he continues, not the Logos (Word), but concerning the Word, we make annunciation to you” (Ebrard). At the same time, I agree with Canon Westcott that it is most probable that the two interpretations are not to be sharply separated. “The revelation proclaims that which it includes; it has, announces, gives life. In Christ life as the subject, and life as the character of the revelation, were absolutely united.”-DIVIDER-
[source]

Revelation 5:13 Creature [κτίσμα]
See 1 Timothy 4:4; James 1:18. From κτίζω tofound. A thing founded or created Rev., created thing. See on John 1:3. [source]
Revelation 14:4 First-fruits [ἀπαρχὴ]
See on James 1:18. [source]
Revelation 5:13 Every created thing [παν κτισμα]
Every creature in a still wider antiphonal circle beyond the circle of angels (from κτιζω — ktizō for which see 1 Timothy 4:4; James 1:18), from all the four great fields of life (in heaven, upon the earth, under the earth as in Revelation 5:3, with on the sea επι της ταλασσης — epi tēs thalassēs added). No created thing is left out. This universal chorus of praise to Christ from all created life reminds one of the profound mystical passage in Romans 8:20-22 concerning the sympathetic agony of creation (κτισις — ktisis) in hope of freedom from the bondage of corruption. If the trail of the serpent is on all creation, it will be ultimately thrown off. [source]

What do the individual words in James 1:18 mean?

Having willed [it] He brought forth us by [the] word of truth for - to be firstfruits a certain - of His creatures
βουληθεὶς ἀπεκύησεν ἡμᾶς λόγῳ ἀληθείας εἰς τὸ εἶναι ἀπαρχήν τινα τῶν αὐτοῦ κτισμάτων

βουληθεὶς  Having  willed  [it] 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Participle Passive, Nominative Masculine Singular
Root: βούλομαι  
Sense: to will deliberately, have a purpose, be minded.
ἀπεκύησεν  He  brought  forth 
Parse: Verb, Aorist Indicative Active, 3rd Person Singular
Root: ἀποκυέω  
Sense: to bring forth.
ἡμᾶς  us 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Accusative 1st Person Plural
Root: ἐγώ  
Sense: I, me, my.
λόγῳ  by  [the]  word 
Parse: Noun, Dative Masculine Singular
Root: λόγος  
Sense: of speech.
ἀληθείας  of  truth 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Feminine Singular
Root: ἀλήθεια  
Sense: objectively.
τὸ  - 
Parse: Article, Accusative Neuter Singular
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
εἶναι  to  be 
Parse: Verb, Present Infinitive Active
Root: εἰμί  
Sense: to be, to exist, to happen, to be present.
ἀπαρχήν  firstfruits 
Parse: Noun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: ἀπαρχή  
Sense: to offer firstlings or firstfruits.
τινα  a  certain 
Parse: Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun, Accusative Feminine Singular
Root: τὶς  
Sense: a certain, a certain one.
τῶν  - 
Parse: Article, Genitive Neuter Plural
Root:  
Sense: this, that, these, etc.
αὐτοῦ  of  His 
Parse: Personal / Possessive Pronoun, Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Root: αὐτός  
Sense: himself, herself, themselves, itself.
κτισμάτων  creatures 
Parse: Noun, Genitive Neuter Plural
Root: κτίσμα  
Sense: thing founded.