James 3:16 kjv
For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.
James 3:16 nkjv
For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.
James 3:16 niv
For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
James 3:16 esv
For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.
James 3:16 nlt
For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.
James 3 16 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference Note |
|---|---|---|
| Rom 13:13 | Let us walk properly, as in the day, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in lewdness and lust, not in strife and envy. | Links envy to general unrighteous conduct. |
| 1 Cor 3:3 | For you are still carnal. For where there are envy, strife, and divisions among you, are you not carnal...? | Directly links envy and strife to immaturity/carnality. |
| 2 Cor 12:20 | For I fear lest, when I come, I shall not find you such as I wish, and that I shall be found by you such as you do not wish; lest there be contentions, envy, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions... | Shows envy and self-seeking leading to community discord. |
| Gal 5:20 | ...idolatry, sorcery, hatred, contentions, jealousies, outbursts of wrath, selfish ambitions, dissensions, heresies, envy... | Lists envy and self-seeking as works of the flesh. |
| Phil 1:15 | Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife... | Illustrates preaching from wrong motives. |
| 1 Tim 6:4 | ...from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions... | Links envy to corrupted minds and endless disputes. |
| Titus 3:3 | For we ourselves were also once foolish, disobedient, deceived, serving various lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy... | Describes sinful state marked by envy. |
| Rom 2:8 | but to those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness—indignation and wrath... | Identifies self-seeking as disobedient to truth and worthy of wrath. |
| Phil 2:3 | Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. | Calls believers to avoid selfish ambition, promoting humility instead. |
| 1 Cor 14:33 | For God is not the author of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints. | Directly contrasts God's nature (peace) with confusion. |
| Luke 21:9 | But when you hear of wars and commotions (akatastasia), do not be terrified... | Uses "akatastasia" (confusion/commotions) in a broader context of unrest. |
| Jas 3:15 | This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. | Previous verse; explains the source of the issues in James 3:16. |
| Jas 3:17 | But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy. | Contrasts outcomes of true wisdom (peace, good fruits) with false (confusion, evil). |
| Matt 7:17 | Even so, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. | Teaches that one's nature (or wisdom, here) is known by its fruits/outcomes. |
| Luke 6:43-45 | For a good tree does not bear bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit... For out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. | Reinforces the idea that internal disposition manifests in actions/results. |
| Mark 7:21-23 | For from within, out of the heart of men, proceed evil thoughts, fornications, thefts... All these evil things come from within and defile a man. | Reveals the source of "every evil thing" to be the human heart. |
| Prov 4:23 | Keep your heart with all diligence, for out of it spring the issues of life. | Emphasizes the critical importance of guarding the heart's motivations. |
| Rom 1:29-31 | being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness... full of envy, murder, strife... inventors of evil things... | Lists envy and evil inventions as consequences of spiritual degradation. |
| Eph 5:11 | And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. | Exhorts believers to avoid association with evil deeds. |
| 2 Tim 3:13 | But evil men and impostors will grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived. | Highlights the progression of evil when not confronted. |
| Acts 20:30 | Also from among yourselves men will rise up, speaking perverse things, to draw away the disciples after themselves. | Shows a manifestation of self-seeking and division among leaders. |
| Rom 12:18 | If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. | Implies peace is an opposite of confusion and result of not engaging in envy/self-seeking. |
| Jas 4:1 | Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members? | Directly links inner desires/passions to outer conflict and strife. |
| Jer 17:9 | The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it? | A foundational truth about the source of inner depravity leading to outer evil. |
James 3 verses
James 3 16 Meaning
James 3:16 explains the consequence of what the apostle previously calls "earthly, sensual, demonic" wisdom (Jas 3:15). It asserts that wherever "envy" and "self-seeking" motivations dominate, the inevitable result is social and moral "confusion" and the manifestation of "every evil thing" or "base deed." This verse serves as a direct indictment of competitive and self-serving behaviors within the Christian community, contrasting them sharply with the fruit of true, divine wisdom.
James 3 16 Context
James 3:16 is situated within James' extended discourse on true wisdom versus false wisdom, spanning James 3:13-18. Following his earlier warnings about the power of the tongue and the destructive potential of uncontrolled speech (Jas 3:1-12), James shifts focus to the underlying source of such destructive behavior: the type of wisdom that governs one's life. Verse 15 characterizes this negative wisdom as "earthly, sensual, demonic." Verse 16 then elaborates on the practical manifestation and dire consequences of this "earthly" wisdom. It directly follows the declaration that such wisdom "does not descend from above," logically explaining the characteristics found in communities or individuals guided by it. This verse serves as a pivot, immediately followed by the contrast in James 3:17-18, which describes the attributes and outcomes of true "wisdom from above" – a wisdom marked by purity, peace, gentleness, mercy, and righteousness. Historically, the early Christian communities, like many ancient societies, struggled with internal power dynamics, social rivalries, and conflicts stemming from differing teachings or personal ambitions, making James' message particularly pertinent.
James 3 16 Word analysis
- For (γάρ, gar): A conjunction introducing a reason or explanation. It links this verse as the consequence or elaboration of the "earthly, sensual, demonic" wisdom described in James 3:15.
- where (ὅπου, hopou): Indicates a spatial or circumstantial location. It means "in the place where" or "wherever the condition exists."
- envy (ζῆλος, zelos): While zelos can mean positive "zeal," in this context, combined with "self-seeking" and leading to "confusion," it clearly refers to negative "jealousy," "envy," or "bitter rivalry." It describes an intense, often passionate, resentment of another's success, possessions, or status, accompanied by a desire to have what they have or to see them lose it.
- and (καί, kai): A simple conjunction linking the two destructive inner states.
- self-seeking (ἐριθία, eritheia): A critical term. It refers to "selfish ambition," "factious spirit," "rivalry," or "partisanship." It signifies a self-interested drive to promote oneself, one's agenda, or one's faction, often through manipulative means or by creating divisions. It denotes a spirit of contentious striving for advantage or position, as opposed to communal unity or shared purpose. This word has political connotations, reflecting factional strife.
- exist / are (ὑπάρχει, huparchō): The implied verb indicates their active presence or state of being. It's not just that these qualities might pass through, but that they are present or prevalent.
- confusion (ἀκαταστασία, akatastasia): Meaning "disorder," "instability," "unrest," "commotion," or "chaos." It describes a state of affairs that lacks stability, order, or peace. It implies social, communal, or even mental agitation and turmoil, the opposite of the harmony and tranquility found in true Christian community.
- and (καί, kai): Links the immediate result (confusion) to a broader range of negative outcomes.
- every (πᾶν, pan): An all-encompassing quantifier, stressing the comprehensiveness of the outcome. Not just some, but "all" or "every kind of."
- evil thing (φαῦλον πρᾶγμα, phaulon pragma):
- evil (φαῦλον, phaulon): Means "base," "worthless," "bad," "depraved," or "vile." It describes something morally corrupt or contemptible.
- thing (πρᾶγμα, pragma): Refers to "deed," "matter," "practice," or "work." It denotes a concrete action or state of affairs. Together, "every evil thing" implies the manifestation of morally corrupt actions, practices, or conditions within the environment where envy and self-seeking thrive. This goes beyond mere disorder to include active wrongdoing.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- For where envy and self-seeking exist: This phrase sets up a direct cause-and-effect relationship. It identifies specific internal vices – envy (rooted in a corrupt heart desiring what others have) and self-seeking (a drive for personal gain or position) – as the fundamental origin of subsequent external problems. These are not minor flaws but foundational defects of "earthly wisdom."
- confusion and every evil thing are there: This phrase outlines the pervasive and destructive consequences. "Confusion" points to internal and external disunity, disruption, and chaos within a community. "Every evil thing" broadens the scope to encompass all forms of moral corruption, wickedness, and sinful actions that arise from such disordered and selfish roots. The phrasing implies that these negative outcomes are not merely occasional incidents but become the characteristic features of a setting governed by envy and self-seeking.
James 3 16 Bonus section
The linkage between inner vice and outer chaos in James 3:16 serves as a powerful diagnostic tool for Christian communities. When a community experiences chronic discord, fragmentation, and pervasive moral failings, James suggests looking directly at the prevailing "wisdom" or core motivations that guide its members, specifically for the presence of envy and self-seeking. These terms were not merely abstract vices but descriptive of concrete social phenomena in the Greco-Roman world, including rhetorical competitions, political machinations, and social status climbing. James's use of "demonic" (in Jas 3:15) implies that this type of "wisdom" is not merely human imperfection but is subtly influenced by malevolent spiritual forces seeking to sow disunity among God's people. The practical implication is profound: addressing communal issues requires not just superficial rule-making but a profound heart-change, where individuals crucify selfish desires and embrace the pure, peace-producing wisdom that comes from God through humility and sincere love for one another.
James 3 16 Commentary
James 3:16 is a concise and potent declaration revealing the detrimental consequences of a worldly, self-centered approach to life and faith. It states unequivocally that internal spiritual maladies—specifically envy (a malicious covetousness of others' standing or possessions) and self-seeking (ambition driven by personal gain, not the common good)—are direct catalysts for widespread "confusion" and "every evil thing." This disorder is not accidental but is an inherent result of these destructive motivations. Envy gnaws at the social fabric, breeding resentment and disunity. Self-seeking shatters communal harmony by prioritizing individual ascent over collective well-being, leading to factionalism and exploitation. The "confusion" refers to the instability, turmoil, and disarray that manifest in a group where these vices thrive, evident in arguments, strife, and competition. "Every evil thing" signifies a comprehensive degeneration into various forms of wickedness, immorality, and harmful actions. This verse underscores the Christian teaching that the fruit produced (whether peace or chaos, good or evil) is a clear indicator of the root "wisdom" that drives behavior. True wisdom from above (James 3:17) leads to peace and righteousness, while its worldly counterfeit generates discord and sin. Practically, this means genuine spiritual transformation impacts our inner motivations, which in turn profoundly influences our interactions and the atmosphere of our relationships and communities.Example: A church where various members compete for recognition or power instead of serving humbly for the gospel will likely experience factions and bitter disagreements, revealing the 'earthly wisdom' at play.Example: In a family, if one sibling constantly envies another's achievements, it can lead to constant conflict, mistrust, and an inability to experience peace or joy together.