King James Version
What Does James 3:8 Mean?
“But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.”
Context
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.
9
Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
10
Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(8) **But the tongue can no man tame; it** **is an unruly **(or, *restless*) **evil, full of deadly poison.**—Mortiferous, bringer of death, like a poisoned dart or arrow; and therefore most suggestive of envenomed flights at the fame of others. St. James does not mean that no one can tame his own tongue, for so he would hardly be responsible for its vagaries; and lower down it is written expressly, “these things ought not so to be.” The hopeless savagery of the tongue, excelling the fury of wild beasts, must be that of the liar, the traducer, and blasphemer. (Comp. Psalms 140)
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 3:8 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to James 3:8
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge