Male and female sexual imagery: James 1:14–15,18

Abstract

To sensitise his reader to the long-term destructive effects of yielding to temptation, James 1:14–15,18 utilises male and female sexual imagery. The female metaphor is based upon the notion that to create an offspring out of wedlock with an immoral woman, is catastrophic. Similarly, in the long term, to yield to temptation leads to everlasting death. The male metaphor, in contrast, is based upon the notion that the birth of descendants for a man by his lawful wife, initiated through his own ‘will’. is positive. Similarly, yielding to the opposite of temptation, wisdom, leads to everlasting life. James' choice of metaphors, however, reveals some interesting myths on maleness and femaleness. On a secondary level, they serve to strengthen male patriarchal values. A modern, Christian reading, may require the deconstruction of these myths.