King James Version

What Does James 3:6 Mean?

James 3:6 in the King James Version says “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and ... — study this verse from James chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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. course: Gr. wheel

James 3:6 · KJV


Context

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! a matter: or, wood

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. course: Gr. wheel

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 : kind: Gr. nature mankind: Gr. nature of man

8

But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
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. The tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity, staining the whole body, setting on fire the course of nature, and itself set on fire by hell (Gehenna, γέεννα). James vividly portrays speech as instrument of hellish destruction when uncontrolled.

Reformed demonology acknowledges Satan's desire to use speech to divide. James reminds believers that tongues can become pipelines of hell or instruments of grace; neutrality is impossible.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Gehenna imagery resonated with Jews familiar with Jerusalem's refuse fire. Diaspora believers faced slanderous accusations; James warns them not to return fire with hellish speech. Paul's admonition in Ephesians 4:27 to not give the devil opportunity parallels this.

Reflection Questions

  1. Where has your speech carried the smell of hell rather than heaven?
  2. What disciplines can purify your tongue's fire?
  3. How can you respond to provocation with sanctified words?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 32 words
καὶ1 of 32

And

G2532

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

2 of 32
G3588

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

γλῶσσα3 of 32

the tongue

G1100

the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)

πῦρ·4 of 32

is a fire

G4442

"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)

5 of 32
G3588

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

κόσμος6 of 32

a world

G2889

orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))

τῆς7 of 32
G3588

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

ἀδικίας8 of 32

of iniquity

G93

(legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act)

οὕτως9 of 32

so

G3779

in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)

10 of 32
G3588

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

γλῶσσα11 of 32

the tongue

G1100

the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)

καθίσταται12 of 32

is

G2525

to place down (permanently), i.e., (figuratively) to designate, constitute, convoy

ἐν13 of 32

among

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τοῖς14 of 32
G3588

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

μέλεσιν15 of 32

members

G3196

a limb or part of the body

ἡμῶν16 of 32

our

G2257

of (or from) us

17 of 32
G3588

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

σπιλοῦσα18 of 32

that it defileth

G4695

to stain or soil (literally or figuratively)

ὅλον19 of 32

the whole

G3650

"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb

τὸ20 of 32
G3588

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

σῶμα21 of 32

body

G4983

the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

καὶ22 of 32

And

G2532

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

φλογιζομένη23 of 32

it is set on fire

G5394

to cause a blaze, i.e., ignite (figuratively, to inflame with passion)

τὸν24 of 32
G3588

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

τροχὸν25 of 32

the course

G5164

a wheel (as a runner), i.e., (figuratively) a circuit of physical effects

τῆς26 of 32
G3588

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

γενέσεως27 of 32

of nature

G1078

nativity; figuratively, nature

καὶ28 of 32

And

G2532

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

φλογιζομένη29 of 32

it is set on fire

G5394

to cause a blaze, i.e., ignite (figuratively, to inflame with passion)

ὑπὸ30 of 32

of

G5259

under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (

τῆς31 of 32
G3588

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

γεέννης32 of 32

hell

G1067

valley of (the son of) hinnom; ge-henna (or ge-hinnom), a valley of jerusalem, used (figuratively) as a name for the place (or state) of everlasting p


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 3:6 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 3:6 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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