King James Version

What Does James 3:11 Mean?

James 3:11 in the King James Version says “Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? place: or, hole — study this verse from James chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? place: or, hole

James 3:11 · KJV


Context

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? place: or, hole

12

Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Does a fountain (pēgē, πηγή) send forth sweet and bitter water simultaneously? Nature teaches consistency; believers should likewise produce uniform speech flavored by grace.

Reformed spirituality looks to creation analogies to illustrate sanctification. A Spring's output reveals its source; tongues reveal hearts.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In arid lands, mixed-water springs were unusable. James's audience valued pure water sources. He uses everyday experience to expose the absurdity of mixed speech.",

Reflection Questions

  1. What influences are polluting the fountain of your heart?
  2. How can you cultivate a consistently sweet stream of words?
  3. Who experiences the refreshment of your speech?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
μήτι1 of 13

Doth

G3385

whether at all

2 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πηγὴ3 of 13

a fountain

G4077

a fount (literally or figuratively), i.e., source or supply (of water, blood, enjoyment) (not necessarily the original spring)

ἐκ4 of 13

at

G1537

a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct

τῆς5 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

αὐτῆς6 of 13

the same

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons

ὀπῆς7 of 13

place

G3692

a hole (as if for light), i.e., cavern; by analogy, a spring (of water)

βρύει8 of 13

send forth

G1032

to swell out, i.e., (by implication) to gush

τὸ9 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γλυκὺ10 of 13

sweet

G1099

sweet (i.e., not bitter nor salt)

καὶ11 of 13

water and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

τὸ12 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πικρόν13 of 13

bitter

G4089

sharp (pungent), i.e., acrid (literally or figuratively)


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of James. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

James 3:11 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

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