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KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

James 3:11–18

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected
Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.
Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.
But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.
This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
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SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

35 Essential passages are open for comparison.

Reference depth

From verse 12

  1. Luke 6:43–44Rank 1 from verse 12
    Open

    43For a good tree bringeth not forth corrupt fruit; neither doth a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

    44For every tree is known by his own fruit. For of thorns men do not gather figs, nor of a bramble bush gather they grapes.

  2. Matthew 12:33Rank 2 from verse 12
    Open

    33Either make the tree good, and his fruit good; or else make the tree corrupt, and his fruit corrupt: for the tree is known by his fruit.

  3. Matthew 7:16–20Rank 3 from verse 12
    Open

    16Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles?

    17Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit.

    18A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.

    19Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire.

    20Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them.

  4. Jeremiah 2:21Rank 4 from verse 12
    Open

    21Yet I had planted thee a noble vine, wholly a right seed: how then art thou turned into the degenerate plant of a strange vine unto me?

  5. Romans 11:16–18Rank 5 from verse 12
    Open

    16For if the firstfruit be holy, the lump is also holy: and if the root be holy, so are the branches.

    17And if some of the branches be broken off, and thou, being a wild olive tree, wert graffed in among them, and with them partakest of the root and fatness of the olive tree;

    18Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.

From verse 13

  1. Galatians 5:23Rank 1 from verse 13
    Open

    23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

  2. James 3:17Rank 2 from verse 13
    Open

    17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

  3. Matthew 5:5Rank 3 from verse 13
    Open

    5Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.

  4. Colossians 3:12Rank 4 from verse 13
    Open

    12Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;

  5. 1 Peter 2:12Rank 5 from verse 13
    Open

    12Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

From verse 14

  1. James 3:16Rank 1 from verse 14
    Open

    16For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

  2. 1 Corinthians 13:4Rank 2 from verse 14
    Open

    4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

  3. Philippians 2:3Rank 3 from verse 14
    Open

    3Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

  4. 1 Corinthians 3:3Rank 4 from verse 14
    Open

    3For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

  5. Romans 13:13Rank 5 from verse 14
    Open

    13Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.

From verse 15

  1. James 3:17Rank 1 from verse 15
    Open

    17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

  2. 1 Corinthians 3:19Rank 2 from verse 15
    Open

    19For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

  3. James 1:17Rank 3 from verse 15
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    17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

  4. 1 Corinthians 2:14Rank 4 from verse 15
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    14But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

  5. John 3:17Rank 5 from verse 15
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    17For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

From verse 16

  1. James 3:14Rank 1 from verse 16
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    14But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

  2. 1 Corinthians 3:3Rank 2 from verse 16
    Open

    3For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

  3. 1 Corinthians 14:33Rank 3 from verse 16
    Open

    33For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

  4. 1 John 3:12Rank 4 from verse 16
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    12Not as Cain, who was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother’s righteous.

  5. Galatians 5:20Rank 5 from verse 16
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    20Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

From verse 17

  1. Galatians 5:22–23Rank 1 from verse 17
    Open

    22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

    23Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

  2. Proverbs 2:6Rank 2 from verse 17
    Open

    6For the Lord giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.

  3. 1 Corinthians 13:4–7Rank 3 from verse 17
    Open

    4Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,

    5Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil;

    6Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;

    7Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.

  4. James 3:15Rank 4 from verse 17
    Open

    15This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

  5. Romans 12:9Rank 5 from verse 17
    Open

    9Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

From verse 18

  1. Matthew 5:9Rank 1 from verse 18
    Open

    9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.

  2. Hosea 10:12Rank 2 from verse 18
    Open

    12Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

  3. Philippians 1:11Rank 3 from verse 18
    Open

    11Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.

  4. Isaiah 32:16–17Rank 4 from verse 18
    Open

    16Then judgment shall dwell in the wilderness, and righteousness remain in the fruitful field.

    17And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.

  5. Galatians 6:8Rank 5 from verse 18
    Open

    8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

WORDS IN THIS PASSAGE

Definitions

Open a word for its full definition and concordance.

DEFINED WORDS

James 3:11

COMBINED MEANING

forth

↗

1. Outward, away, or forward from a place, person, possession, or former position. 2. In constructions of bearing or producing, into birth, growth, fruit, or another stated result. 3. With verbs such as put, stretch, spread, or reach, outward by extension or exertion. 4. In constructions of showing, speaking, issuing, or displaying, into view, expression, publication, or effect. 5. Onward from a stated time or point, as in from that time forth.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

place

↗

Sense 1: A physical location or room. Sense 2: A position or office. Sense 3: An occasion, circumstance, or passage. Sense 4: To set, fix, locate, or establish.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

sweet

↗

Sense 1: Pleasing to the taste or smell. Sense 2: Pleasant, agreeable, or delightful to the senses or mind.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

water

↗

Sense 1: The common liquid necessary for life. Sense 2: As a verb, to supply with water, irrigate, or cause to drink.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

bitter

↗

Having a sharp, unpleasant taste opposed to sweet; grievous, harsh, painful, sorrowful, resentful, or severe in condition, feeling, speech, or effect.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

James 3:12

COMBINED MEANING

brethren

↗

1. Persons of the same people, tribe, community, or shared service who are regarded or addressed as brothers. 2. Persons regarded as brothers by reason of faith or another spiritual relation. 3. Male siblings or other male relatives.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

bear

↗

Sense 1: To carry, support, convey, endure, sustain, or be answerable for. Sense 2: To produce or bring forth offspring, fruit, or another result. Sense 3: In ‘bear witness’ or ‘bear record,’ to testify or give witness. Sense 4: A large wild animal.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

vine

↗

Sense 1: A climbing or spreading plant, commonly a grapevine. Sense 2: A person or people represented by such a plant.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

yield

↗

1. To produce or give forth. 2. To give or grant. 3. To surrender or submit.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

water

↗

Sense 1: The common liquid necessary for life. Sense 2: As a verb, to supply with water, irrigate, or cause to drink.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

fresh

↗

New or newly supplied; not stale, faded, or exhausted; sometimes moist or vigorous.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

James 3:13

COMBINED MEANING

wise

↗

Sense 1: Possessing or exercising understanding, knowledge, prudence, judgment, discernment, or skill; also a wise person. Sense 2: In phrases such as in no wise, way, manner, respect, or degree.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

man

↗

1. A human being or person. 2. Mankind collectively. 3. A male person.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

endued

↗

Furnished, supplied, invested, or gifted with a possession, quality, knowledge, understanding, or power.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

you

↗

The second-person plural pronoun referring to those being addressed.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

let

↗

Sense 1: To allow or permit; in older KJV use, also to hinder or restrain. Sense 2: To lower or send down.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

shew

↗

Sense 1: To cause to see; to display, present, point out, or make visible. Sense 2: To reveal, disclose, declare, explain, teach, direct, or make known. Sense 3: To demonstrate, prove, manifest, or make evident. Sense 4: To exercise or perform kindness, mercy, favour, piety, or another stated disposition toward someone. Sense 5: An outward appearance, display, or presentation to view.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

out

↗

Outside, away from within, forth, absent, or no longer in a stated condition.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

good

↗

Sense 1: Right, morally upright, beneficial, pleasing, useful, suitable, sound, favourable, or excellent. Sense 2: A good thing, benefit, welfare, possession, or goods. Sense 3: In ‘make good,’ to repair, repay, fulfil, establish, or prove.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

conversation

↗

Sense 1: Conduct, behaviour, or manner of life. Sense 2: A person's commonwealth or place of belonging.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

works

↗

Plural of work: acts, deeds, labours, operations, products, or things made.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

wisdom

↗

Knowledge, understanding, judgment, skill, or prudence.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

James 3:14

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

ye

↗

The second-person plural subject pronoun, referring to the persons being addressed as those who are, do, or receive the stated predicate.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

bitter

↗

Having a sharp, unpleasant taste opposed to sweet; grievous, harsh, painful, sorrowful, resentful, or severe in condition, feeling, speech, or effect.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

envying

↗

Present-participial or verbal-noun form of envy, meaning to feel such jealousy.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

your

↗

The possessive form of ye or you, ordinarily plural, marking what belongs to, concerns, proceeds from, or stands in relation to the persons addressed.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

hearts

↗

The inward lives of persons: their thoughts, understanding, conscience, affections, desires, purposes, will, courage, or disposition.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

glory

↗

Sense 1: Splendour, honour, praise, majesty, or a ground of rejoicing or boasting. Sense 2: To boast, exult, take pride, or rejoice in a person or thing.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

lie

↗

Sense 1: To recline, rest, remain, or be situated. Sense 2: In ‘lie with,’ to have sexual intercourse. Sense 3: To speak falsely. Sense 4: A false statement or deception.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

against

↗

Opposed to, contrary to, facing, toward, or in contact with; in some settings, exposed to or ready for a stated time.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

COMBINED MEANING

truth

↗

1. That which is true; conformity to fact or reality. 2. Faithfulness. 3. God's revealed word.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

James 3:15

COMBINED MEANING

wisdom

↗

Knowledge, understanding, judgment, skill, or prudence.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

earthly

↗

Pertaining to the earth or present world; material or worldly rather than heavenly.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

sensual

↗

Fleshly rather than spiritual; having not the Spirit.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

James 3:16

COMBINED MEANING

for

↗

1. In behalf of or in the place of. 2. With respect to, concerning, or toward. 3. Because of or on account of. 4. During or throughout. 5. In order to obtain or reach. 6. As a conjunction, because or seeing that.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

envying

↗

Present-participial or verbal-noun form of envy, meaning to feel such jealousy.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

confusion

↗

Sense 1: Disorder, uncertainty, or lack of understanding. Sense 2: Shame, disgrace, or frustrated defeat. Sense 3: Perverse mingling.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Bullokar 1616 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

every

↗

Each individual or member of the class, group, place, time, side, or kind named; all distributively.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

evil

↗

Sense 1: Moral wickedness, sin, wrong, or corruption. Sense 2: Harm, misery, calamity, adversity, or punishment.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

work

↗

Sense 1: Labour, occupation, an assigned task, or service. Sense 2: An action, deed, operation, effect, product, thing made, or manner of workmanship. Sense 3: To labour, act, operate, perform, make, produce, accomplish, or bring about.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

James 3:17

COMBINED MEANING

but

↗

Sense 1: However; marking contrast or qualification. Sense 2: Except or unless; excluding all others or alternatives. Sense 3: Only; no more than what follows.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893 · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

wisdom

↗

Knowledge, understanding, judgment, skill, or prudence.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

pure

↗

Clean, undefiled, unmixed, uncorrupted, genuine, clear, or sincere; free from contaminating matter or evil.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

easy

↗

Not difficult, burdensome, harsh, or painful; gentle, quiet, or readily accomplished.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

mercy

↗

Compassion or pity shown to the distressed or guilty; kindness that withholds deserved harm.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

good

↗

Sense 1: Right, morally upright, beneficial, pleasing, useful, suitable, sound, favourable, or excellent. Sense 2: A good thing, benefit, welfare, possession, or goods. Sense 3: In ‘make good,’ to repair, repay, fulfil, establish, or prove.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

fruits

↗

Sense 1: The produce of a plant; offspring. Sense 2: The result and effect of conduct.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

without

↗

Outside or on the exterior; beyond a boundary; lacking, absent, free from, not accompanied by, or apart from the person, thing, condition, means, or relation named.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

partiality

↗

Bias, favouritism, prejudgment, or unfair preference that treats persons or matters by personal advantage rather than consistent truth and righteous judgment.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

hypocrisy

↗

Simulation; a feigning to be what one is not; or dissimulation, a concealment of one's real character or motives.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Webster 1828

COMBINED MEANING

hypocracy

↗

Hypocrisy: pretence or insincerity; an outward appearance concealing contrary intent or character.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

DEFINED WORDS

James 3:18

COMBINED MEANING

fruit

↗

Sense 1: The produce borne by plants or the land. Sense 2: Offspring or increase. Sense 3: A result, product, consequence, character, or work proceeding from something.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

sown

↗

1. Scattered or planted as seed. 2. By figure, imparted, spread, or laid down.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

in

↗

1. A preposition marking position, presence, state, circumstance, manner, means, sphere, reference, relation, association, or participation. 2. As an adverb, inward, inside, or into the place or position referred to.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

peace

↗

Freedom from war, strife, disturbance, or inward trouble; quietness, reconciliation, safety, or well-being.

Meaning drawn from: Direct Scripture definition · KJV context and cross-references

COMBINED MEANING

make

↗

To form, create, produce, cause, appoint, perform, or render into a stated condition.

Meaning drawn from: KJV context and cross-references · Skeat 1893

FOLLOW THE THEME

Related Concepts

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READ THE PASSAGE

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Suggested context · James 3:1–18

The selected passage is highlighted. Context is a study aid.

3:1MY brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

3:2For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

3:3Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

3:4Behold 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.

3:5Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

3:6And 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.

3:7For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

3:8But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

3:9Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

3:10Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

3:11Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

Selected passage

3:12Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

Selected passage

3:13Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

Selected passage

3:14But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

Selected passage

3:15This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

Selected passage

3:16For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

Selected passage

3:17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

Selected passage

3:18And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

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