King James Version
James 3:8 in the King James Version says “But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” — study this verse from James chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.”
James 3:8 · KJV
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
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
But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
KJV Study — Public Domain
“the tongue”
G1100the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
“evil”
G2556worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious
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.
James 3:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to James 3:8 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge