King James Version
James 3:9 in the King James Version says “Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.” — study this verse from James chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.
“Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.”
James 3:9 · King James Version
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
KJV Study — Public Domain
Compare 3 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“bless we”
G2127to speak well of, i.e., (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper)
“God”
G2316a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
“and”
G2532and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
“after”
G2596(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
“God”
G2316a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
“are made”
G1096to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
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 3:9 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Verses related to James 3:9 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge