King James Version

What Does James 3:15 Mean?

“This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. sensual: or, natural”

Context

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.

But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. sensual: or, natural

For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. confusion: Gr. tumult or unquietness

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. partiality: or, wrangling

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Topics in This Verse

Wisdom

Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(15) **This wisdom descendeth not from above . . . .**—Better thus, *This is not the wisdom coming down from above, but is earthly, natural, devilish.* This—it were profanation to call it by the holy name of Σοφία (*Sophia*)*, *being in sharpest contrast to it, of the earth earthy; natural (as margin), or “psychical,” in the second sense of the tripartite division of man—body, *soul, *and spirit—explained under James 1:21 (comp. Jude 1:19, “Sensual, having not the Spirit”); and even worse, akin to the craft of devils.

Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.

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 3:15 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.