King James Version

What Does James 3:17 Mean?

James 3:17 in the King James Version says “But the wisdom that is from above is first pure , then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and go... — study this verse from James chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

James 3:17 · KJV


Context

15

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

16

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

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. partiality: or, wrangling

18

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


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. Wisdom from above is first pure (hagnē, ἁγνή), then peaceable (eirēnikē, εἰρηνική), gentle (epieikēs, ἐπιεικής), open to reason (eupeithēs, εὐπειθής), full of mercy and good fruits, impartial (adiakritos, ἀδιάκριτος), and sincere (anypokritos, ἀνυπόκριτος). James offers a checklist of heavenly wisdom's fruit.

Reformed believers view Christ as embodiment of this wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30). The list informs spiritual formation and leadership evaluation.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Jewish wisdom literature described virtues similar to these; James reinterprets them Christologically. Diaspora churches needed positive vision after negative warnings. Paul's description of Spirit fruit parallels this list.",

Reflection Questions

  1. Which attribute of heavenly wisdom do you most lack?
  2. How can your community cultivate these qualities together?
  3. How might this checklist inform leadership selection?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 20 words
1 of 20
G3588

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

δὲ2 of 20

But

G1161

but, and, etc

ἄνωθεν3 of 20

that is from above

G509

from above; by analogy, from the first; by implication, anew

σοφία4 of 20

the wisdom

G4678

wisdom (higher or lower, worldly or spiritual)

πρῶτον5 of 20

first

G4412

firstly (in time, place, order, or importance)

μὲν6 of 20

pure

G3303

properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)

ἁγνή7 of 20
G53

properly, clean, i.e., (figuratively) innocent, modest, perfect

ἐστιν8 of 20

is

G2076

he (she or it) is; also (with neuter plural) they are

ἔπειτα9 of 20

then

G1899

thereafter

εἰρηνική10 of 20

peaceable

G1516

pacific; by implication, salutary

ἐπιεικής11 of 20

gentle

G1933

appropriate, i.e., (by implication) mild

εὐπειθής12 of 20

and easy to be intreated

G2138

good for persuasion, i.e., (intransitively) complaint

μεστὴ13 of 20

full

G3324

replete (literally or figuratively)

ἐλέους14 of 20

of mercy

G1656

compassion (human or divine, especially active)

καὶ15 of 20

and

G2532

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

καρπῶν16 of 20

fruits

G2590

fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively

ἀγαθῶν17 of 20

good

G18

"good" (in any sense, often as noun)

ἀδιάκριτος18 of 20

without partiality

G87

properly, undistinguished, i.e., (actively) impartial

καὶ19 of 20

and

G2532

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

ἀνυπόκριτος20 of 20

without hypocrisy

G505

undissembled, i.e., sincere


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 3:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to James 3:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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