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KING JAMES BIBLE · PCE

James 3:14–16

A connected passage, with study helps kept beside the verses they explain.

TEXT EDITION
Pure Cambridge Edition selected

James 3:14

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

James 3:15

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

James 3:16

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

ENSURE CONTEXTUALIZATION

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DEFINED WORDS

James 3:14

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

but

However; introducing a contrast with what precedes.

Meaning drawn from: Skeat 1893 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

bitter

Sharp to the feeling; piercing; painful; that makes to smart.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · Webster 1828 (independently verified transcription) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · KJV usage (PCE)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

envying

Feeling uneasiness at the superior condition and happiness of another; Ill will at others, on account of some supposed superiority.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

hearts

The bodily organ; more often in Scripture, the inward person—the mind, will, affections, conscience, or moral character—according to context.

Meaning drawn from: Approved KJV word-family definition · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · KJV usage (PCE)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

glory

Splendour, honour, praise, majesty, or a ground of rejoicing or boasting.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

lie

To recline, rest, remain, or be situated; also, to speak falsely or a falsehood.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED 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: Skeat 1893

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

truth

That which is true; conformity to fact, reality, faithfulness, or God's revealed word, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

DEFINED WORDS

James 3:15

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

wisdom

Sound judgment and the right use of knowledge; skill, discernment, or understanding.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Webster 1828 · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

but

But; marking a contrast or qualification in the sentence.

Meaning drawn from: Skeat 1893 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

earthly

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

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness) · Webster 1828

MEANING IN THIS VERSE

sensual

Governed by the natural senses or fleshly nature rather than by the Spirit; not spiritual.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

devilish

Partaking of the qualities of the devil; diabolical; very evil and mischievous; malicious; Having communication with the devil; pertaining to the devil.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828

DEFINED WORDS

James 3:16

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

envying

Feeling uneasiness at the superior condition and happiness of another; Ill will at others, on account of some supposed superiority.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

confusion

Disorder, shame, overthrow, or a mingling without proper distinction, according to context.

Meaning drawn from: Bullokar 1616 · Skeat 1893

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

every

Each one of all; all taken separately, without exception in the stated group.

Meaning drawn from: KJV usage (PCE) · Strong 1890 (KJV alignment witness)

APPROVED COMBINED MEANING

work

Labor, activity, deed, operation, or a result produced; as a verb, to labor, act, make, produce, or bring about.

Meaning drawn from: Webster 1828 · KJV usage (PCE + 1611)

SCRIPTURE WITH SCRIPTURE

Cross References

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From verse 14

  1. James 3:16
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  2. 1 Corinthians 13:4
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  3. Philippians 2:3
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  4. 1 Corinthians 3:3
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  5. Romans 13:13
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From verse 15

  1. James 3:17
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  2. 1 Corinthians 3:19
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  3. James 1:17
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  4. 1 Corinthians 2:14
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  5. John 3:17
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From verse 16

  1. James 3:14
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  2. 1 Corinthians 3:3
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  3. 1 Corinthians 14:33
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  4. 1 John 3:12
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  5. Galatians 5:20
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