James 1:19 kjv

Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

James 1:19 nkjv

So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;

James 1:19 niv

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,

James 1:19 esv

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;

James 1:19 nlt

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.

James 1 verses

James 1 19 Meaning

James 1:19 is a concise ethical exhortation for believers to develop spiritual maturity through thoughtful reception, careful communication, and self-control over emotional responses. It teaches that being quick to listen reflects a receptive heart to God's word and others' wisdom, being slow to speak fosters prudence and avoids hasty or damaging words, and being slow to wrath restrains destructive anger, which hinders righteousness. This posture cultivates inner peace and effective witness.

James 1 19 Context

James chapter 1 begins with James greeting the scattered believers, encouraging them to find joy in trials as they develop perseverance and spiritual maturity (James 1:2-4). He emphasizes asking God for wisdom generously (James 1:5) and with unwavering faith (James 1:6-8). The chapter then transitions to rich and poor, temptation not coming from God (James 1:9-18), and then the direct exhortation to be doers of the word (James 1:22-25), with the present verse (James 1:19) serving as a critical bridge. It precedes James's crucial statement in verse 20 that "the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God," explaining why being "slow to wrath" is vital. Historically, James is writing to Jewish Christians dispersed outside Palestine, urging them towards practical, authentic faith, addressing issues prevalent in a community setting, such as speech and conflict, that could undermine their witness and unity. This verse underscores the Christian virtue of measured responses, crucial for living out the Gospel in community and under pressure.

James 1 19 Word analysis

• Know (ἴστε - iste): This imperative verb signifies a command to know, perceive, understand, or realize. It implies an awareness that should guide one's actions, grounding the following instructions in divine wisdom.
• this (τοῦτο - touto): Points to the preceding instruction and sets up the following three complementary commands as a key insight or principle.
• my (μου - mou): A possessive pronoun, emphasizing a personal pastoral appeal from James to his "beloved" brethren (ἀγαπητοί μου ἀδελφοί), reinforcing the familial bond and the sincerity of his counsel.
• beloved (ἀγαπητοί - agapētoi): Term of endearment, characteristic of apostolic letters, highlighting affection and emphasizing the instruction is given in love, not merely as rules.
• brothers (ἀδελφοί - adelphoi): Refers to fellow Christians, signifying a shared spiritual family and community, reinforcing that these principles apply within Christian fellowship.
• Let every (πᾶς - pas): Universal in scope, applying to each individual believer without exception, stressing personal responsibility.
• person (ἄνθρωπος - anthrōpos): Generic term for 'man' or 'human being', indicating the universal applicability of the command to all individuals.
• be quick (ταχὺς - tachys): An adjective meaning 'swift,' 'hasty,' or 'ready.' Here, it suggests an eager readiness or disposition. It contrasts with 'slow,' implying active rather than passive participation.
• to hear (εἰς τὸ ἀκοῦσαι - eis to akousai): The infinitive form, indicating purpose. "Quick unto hearing." This isn't just about the physical act of hearing, but about receptive listening—attentive, humble, and eager to understand, learn, and obey God's word and the wisdom of others. It implies valuing information input above output.
• slow (βραδὺς - bradys): An adjective meaning 'slow,' 'deliberate,' 'reluctant.' It implies patience, thoughtfulness, and hesitation before action, rather than sluggishness.
• to speak (εἰς τὸ λαλῆσαι - eis to lalēsai): The infinitive form, "slow unto speaking." This calls for prudence, careful consideration, and control over one's words. It is a command against hasty, thoughtless, or potentially damaging speech, whether through gossip, anger, or premature judgments. It encourages reflecting before verbalizing.
• slow (βραδὺς - bradys): Repeated from the previous phrase, reinforcing the principle of deliberation and restraint.
• to wrath (εἰς ὀργήν - eis orgēn): The infinitive "unto wrath," referring to the inward surge of strong indignation or violent passion. It cautions against allowing human anger to ignite quickly or to dictate one's actions. This links directly to verse 20, as human wrath cannot achieve divine righteousness.

Words-group by words-group analysis data

• "Know this, my beloved brothers": This opening establishes a direct, intimate, and urgent tone. It is a crucial truth James wants his readers to internalize, presented with pastoral authority and deep care, setting the stage for vital ethical instruction for the community.
• "Let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath": This triad is a summary of practical wisdom, encapsulating key aspects of self-control essential for righteous living. It suggests an active, receptive stance (hearing), a reflective, cautious posture (speaking), and a patient, restrained spirit (wrath). This sequence is significant: wise reception of information (hearing) should precede and inform carefully chosen words (speaking), both of which are critical for controlling destructive emotions (wrath). The underlying principle is self-governance and putting off human impulse to allow God's work.

James 1 19 Bonus section

The structure of James 1:19 reflects a wisdom tradition common in both Jewish and Greco-Roman contexts, emphasizing balance and self-control. The imperative "Know this" highlights that these aren't merely suggestions but crucial principles to internalize for true spiritual growth. The verse effectively provides a pre-emptive solution to many interpersonal conflicts and spiritual stumbling blocks that often arise from a lack of self-control in reception, speech, and emotion. It is a microcosm of practical godliness.

James 1 19 Commentary

James 1:19 is a foundational verse for Christian ethics, laying out three practical principles that are interconnected and crucial for spiritual maturity and community harmony. "Quick to hear" means cultivating a receptive, attentive spirit, eager to learn from God's Word, and willing to listen to others with empathy and patience. This humility is vital for absorbing truth and gaining wisdom. "Slow to speak" complements this by emphasizing thoughtful communication, not impulsiveness. It calls for guarding the tongue against gossip, slander, hasty judgments, or careless words that can wound or ignite conflict. Instead, believers are urged to pause, process, and speak words that are seasoned with grace and truth. Finally, "slow to wrath" is perhaps the culmination, addressing the powerful, destructive emotion of anger. James immediately follows this by explaining that human wrath "does not produce the righteousness of God" (James 1:20). Uncontrolled anger, especially self-righteous indignation or personal vengeance, directly opposes the fruit of the Spirit and disrupts godly character. Therefore, exercising restraint over our passions—particularly our quickness to anger—is a hallmark of one who lives righteously. Together, these commands form a guide for responding to life's circumstances and interactions in a way that reflects Christ-like character, builds up the body of Christ, and allows the implanted Word to bear fruit.