en_tn/jas/01/17.md

# Every good gift and every perfect gift

These two phrases mean basically the same thing. James uses them to emphasize that anything good that a person has comes from God. (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-doublet]])

# the Father of lights

God, the creator of all the lights in the sky (sun, moon, and stars), is said to be their "Father." (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-metaphor]])

# With him there is no changing or shadow because of turning

This expression pictures God as an unchanging light. This is in contrast to the sun, moon, and stars that appear to move in the sky and sometimes are darkened. Alternate translation: "God always stays the same. He does not change like shifting shadows" (See: [[rc://en/ta/man/translate/figs-simile]])