King James Version

What Does James 3:9 Mean?

“Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.”

Context

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.

Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? place: or, hole

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Commentary

Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers

(9) **Therewith bless we God, even the Father.**—A strange reading of this verse in the more ancient manuscripts makes it, *Therewith bless we the Lord and Father.* And it may serve to remind us of the oneness of our God, that thus He may be termed Lord and Saviour. His worship and praise are, as explained under James 3:6, the right use of the tongue; but, most inconsistently, *therewith curse we* men which have *been made in the image, after the similitude, of God.* See Ps. 1. 16-23, with its final words of warning to the wicked, and praise “to him that ordereth his conversation right.” The “likeness of God” assuredly remains in the most abandoned and fallen; and to curse it is to invoke the wrath of its Creator. What then can be urged in defence of anathemas and fulminations of councils, or the mutual execrations of sects and schisms, in the light of these solemn words? “Though they curse, yet bless thou . . . and let them cover themselves with their own confusion” (Psalm 109:28-29).

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 3:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.