King James Version

What Does James 3:16 Mean?

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

Context

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

And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(16) **For where envying and strife is, there is confusion.**—Where emulation, zeal, and rivalry exist, there also are sedition, anarchy, restless disturbance, and every villainous act. The whole state is evil, and utterly contrary to the rule of the Gospel— “For words and names let angry zealots fight: Whose life is in the wrong can ne’er be right.”

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 3:16 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.