James 3 KJV
1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4 Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
James 3 (New Testament)
7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
10 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
12 Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
James 3 (New Testament)
13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
14 But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
15 This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
16 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
17 But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
| Greek Word + Transliteration | Verse + Snippet | Meaning (Hebrew Equivalent) | Scholarly Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| γλῶσσα — glōssa | Verse 6 — “…the tongue is a fire…” | לָשׁוֹן — lashon (tongue/speech) | Glōssa symbolizes human speech (“tongue”). James contrasts its blessing and destructive power. The Hebrew term is identical in metaphorical force. — Richard Trench, Synonyms (1896) |
| φλόγα — floga | Verse 6 — “…a world of iniquity…” | לַהֶבֶת — lahevet (flame) | Floga conveys consuming fire (“flame”). James treats speech as morally volatile. The Hebrew imagery parallels judgment fire. — Franz Delitzsch, Biblical Commentary (1884) |
| καταράομαι — kataromai | Verse 9 — “…therewith curse men…” | קִלְלָה — qillāh (curse) | Kataromai expresses invoking harm (“curse”). James condemns inconsistent speech. The Hebrew word carries covenant seriousness. — Thayer, Lexicon (1889) |
| εὐλογέω — eulogeō | Verse 9 — “…bless God…” | בָּרַךְ — barakh (bless) | Eulogeō means speaking good (“bless”). James exposes the contradiction of blessing and cursing. The Hebrew term is foundational in worship. — Philip Schaff, Commentary (1882) |
| σοφία ἄνωθεν — sophia anōthen | Verse 17 — “…the wisdom from above…” | חָכְמָה עֶלְיוֹנָה — chokmāh elyonah (heavenly wisdom) | Heavenly sophia contrasts earthly disorder (“wisdom from above”). James lists its pure qualities. The Hebrew parallel stresses divine origin. — James Hastings, Dictionary of the Bible (1898) |
| ἁγνός — hagnos | Verse 17 — “…first pure…” | טָהוֹר — tahor (pure) | Hagnos implies moral cleanness (“pure”). James roots wisdom in holiness. Hebrew tahor reinforces ritual and ethical purity. — Thayer, Lexicon (1889) |
| εἰρηνικός — eirēnikos | Verse 17 — “…peaceable…” | שָׁלוֹם — shalom (peace) | Eirēnikos denotes relational harmony (“peaceable”). True wisdom reconciles. The Hebrew term broadens the concept to wholeness. — Richard Trench, Synonyms (1896) |
| ἐπιεικής — epieikēs | Verse 17 — “…gentle…” | עֲנָו — anav (gentle/meek) | Epieikēs describes gracious moderation (“gentle”). James calls believers to soft strength. Hebrew anav reflects humility. — Franz Delitzsch, Commentary (1884) |
| ἀδιάκριτος — adiakritos | Verse 17 — “…without partiality…” | תָּם — tam (undivided) | Adiakritos signifies non-divisive sincerity (“without partiality”). Wisdom does not waver. Hebrew tam denotes wholeness. — Philip Schaff, Church History (1890) |
| ἀνυπόκριτος — anupokritos | Verse 17 — “…without hypocrisy.” | יָשָׁר — yashar (upright/sincere) | Anupokritos means unmasked sincerity (“without hypocrisy”). James emphasizes transparent character. The Hebrew equivalent stresses uprightness. — Joseph Thayer, Lexicon (1889) |
Chapter 3
Verse: "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be." (James 3:9-10)
Lesson: This verse reminds us of the power of our words, and how they can be used to either bless or harm others. We must be mindful of the impact of our words and seek to use them in a way that honors God and builds up others.
What's Next? Read Our Bible Verses About Life With Purpose and Encouragement
Conclusion: Our words have great power and can be used for good or for harm. We must be intentional with our speech, seeking to speak words of love, encouragement, and truth.
Prayer Points: Let us pray for the wisdom to use our words in a way that honors God and blesses others. Let us ask for forgiveness for times when we have used our words to harm others. Let us also pray for those who have been hurt by the words of others, that they would experience healing and restoration.
What's Next? See our Inspirational Motivational Bible Quotes Today
