Commentaries:
Robertson's Word Pictures (NT)
Then (eita). The next step.
The lust (h epiqumia). Note article, the lust (verse James 1:14) which one has.
When it hath conceived (sullabousa). Second aorist active participle of sullambanw, old word to grasp together, in hostile sense (Acts 26:21), in friendly sense of help (Philippians 4:3), in technical sense of a woman taking a man's seed in conception (Luke 1:24), here also of lust (as a woman), "having conceived." The will yields to lust and conception takes place.
Beareth sin (tiktei amartian). Present active indicative of tiktw to bring forth as a mother or fruit from seed, old verb, often in N.T., here only in James. Sin is the union of the will with lust. See Psalms 7:14 for this same metaphor.
The sin (h amartia). The article refers to amartia just mentioned.
When it is full-grown (apotelesqeisa). First aorist passive participle of apotelew, old compound verb with perfective use of apo, in N.T. only here and Luke 13:32. It does not mean "full-grown" like teleiow, but rather completeness of parts or functions as opposed to rudimentary state (Hort) like the winged insect in contrast with the chrysalis or grub (Plato). The sin at birth is fully equipped for its career (Romans 6:6; Colossians 3:5).
Bringeth forth death (apokuei qanaton). Late compound (kuew to be pregnant, perfective use of apo) to give birth to, of animals and women, for normal birth (papyrus example) and abnormal birth (Hort). A medical word (Ropes) rather than a literary one like tiktw. The child of lust is sin, of sin is death, powerful figure of abortion. The child is dead at birth. For death as the fruit of sin see Romans 6:21-23; Romans 8:6. "The birth of death follows of necessity when one sin is fully formed" (Hort).
Other Robertson's Word Pictures (NT) entries containing James 1:15:
Luke 1:24
James 1:13
James 1:18
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