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James 3:8

James 3:8 in Multiple Translations

but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

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

but the tongue can no man tame; it is a restless evil, it is full of deadly poison.

But the tongue may not be controlled by man; it is an unresting evil, it is full of the poison of death.

but no one can tame the tongue—it's an evil thing, hard to control, full of deadly poison.

But the tongue can no man tame. It is an vnruly euill, full of deadly poyson.

and the tongue no one of men is able to subdue, [it is] an unruly evil, full of deadly poison,

but nobody can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

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

But the tongue no man can tame, an unquiet evil, full of deadly poison.

no person ◄on his own/by himself► is able to control what he says [MTY]. And when people say evil things, it shows that they are unstable/uncontrolled and wicked [MTY]. As the poison of a snake kills people [MTY], we harm others [MET] by what we say.

But nobody can control their own tongue properly. It is always saying bad things and hurting people, like it has poison in it, just like a cheeky snake.

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Berean Amplified Bible — James 3:8

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Word Study

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James 3:8 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK την δε γλωσσαν ουδεις δυναται ανθρωπων δαμασαι ακατασχετον κακον μεστη ιου θανατηφορου
την ho G3588 the/this/who Art-ASF
δε de G1161 then Conj
γλωσσαν glōssa G1100 tongue Noun-ASF
ουδεις oudeis G3762 none Adj-NSM-N
δυναται dunamai G1410 be able Verb-PNI-3S
ανθρωπων anthrōpos G444 a human Noun-GPM
δαμασαι damazō G1150 to tame Verb-AAN
ακατασχετον akataschetos G183 uncontrollable Adj-NSN
κακον kakos G2556 evil/harm: evil Adj-NSN
μεστη mestos G3324 full Adj-NSF
ιου ios G2447 poison/rust Noun-GSM
θανατηφορου thanatēphoros G2287 deadly Adj-GSM
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — James 3:8

την ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-ASF
The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.
Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.
δε de G1161 "then" Conj
This is a conjunction that means and, but, or then, used to connect ideas like in Matthew 1:2 and 2 Corinthians 6:15.
Definition: δέ (before vowels δ᾽; on the general neglect of the elision in NT, see WH, App., 146; Tdf., Pr., 96), post-positive conjunctive particle; __1. copulative, but, in the next place, and, now (Abbott, JG, 104): Mat.1:2ff., 2Co.6:15, 16, 2Pe.1:5-7; in repetition for emphasis, Rom.3:21, 22, 9:30, 1Co.2:6, Gal.2:2, Php.2:8; in transition to something new, Mat.1:18, 2:19, Luk.13:1, Jhn.7:14, Act.6:1, Rom.8:28, 1Co.7:1 8:1, al.; in explanatory parenthesis or addition, Jhn.3:19, Rom.5:8, 1Co.1:12, Eph.2:4, 5:32, al.; ὡς δέ, Jhn.2:9; καὶ . . . δέ, but also, Mat.10:18, Luk.1:76, Jhn.6:51, Rom.11:23, al.; καὶ ἐὰν δέ, yea even if, Jhn.8:16. __2. Adversative, but, on the other hand, prop., answering to a foregoing μέν (which see), and distinguishing a word or clause from one preceding (in NT most frequently without μέν; Bl., §77, 12): ἐὰν δέ, Mat.6:14, 23, al.; ἐγὼ (σὺ, etc.) δέ, Mat.5:22, 6:6, Mrk.8:29, al.; ὁ δέ, αὐτὸς δέ, Mrk.1:45, Luk.4:40, al.; after a negation, Mat.6:19, 20, Rom.3:4, 1Th.5:21, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2552 NT verses. KJV: also, and, but, moreover, now (often unexpressed in English) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 12:9; 1 Peter 1:7.
γλωσσαν glōssa G1100 "tongue" Noun-ASF
The tongue refers to the organ of speech, as seen in Mark 7:33 and 35. It can also mean a language, such as in Acts 2:11. The Bible talks about the tongue as a powerful tool for communication and expression.
Definition: γλῶσσα, -ης, ἡ, [in LXX chiefly for לָשׁוֹן ;] __1. the tongue, as the organ of speech: Mrk.7:33, 35 Luk.1:64 16:24, Act.2:26" (LXX), Rom.3:13 (LXX) 14:11 (LXX), 1Co.14:9, Php.2:11, Jas.1:26 3:5, 6 8, 1Pe.3:10" (LXX), 1Jo.3:18, Rev.16:10; of a tongue-like object, Act.2:3. __2. a tongue, language: Act.2:11; joined with φυλή, λαός, ἔθνος, frequently in pl., Rev.5:9 7:9 10:11 11:9 13:7 14:6 17:15; λαλεῖν ἑτέραις γ., Act.2:4; γ. λαλεῖν καιναῖς, WH, txt. (RV, mg., omit καιναῖς), Mrk.16:17; λαλεῖν γλώσσαις, γλώσσῃ (see ICC, ll. with; DB, iv, 793ff.), Mrk.16:17, WH, txt., R, mg., Act.10:46 19:6, 1Co.12:30 13:1 14:2, 4-6, 13, 18, 23, 27, 39; γλῶσσαι (= λόγοι ἐν γλώσσῃ, 1Co.14:19), 1Co.13:8 14:22; γένη γλωσσῶν, 1Co.12:10, 28; προσεύχεσθαι γλώσσῃ, 1Co.14:14; γλῶσσαν ἔχειν, 1Co.14:26 (Cremer, 163, 679).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 47 NT verses. KJV: tongue See also: 1 Corinthians 12:10; Acts 2:11; 1 Peter 3:10.
ουδεις oudeis G3762 "none" Adj-NSM-N
This word means 'none' or 'nobody', used in Luke 4:24 and Romans 8:1 to emphasize the absence of something or someone. It's a strong way to say that nothing or no one is present or available.
Definition: οὐδείς, -δεμία, -δέν (also in WH, txt., the Hellenistic forms -θείς, -θέν, Luk.22:35 23:14, Act.15:9 19:27 26:26, 1Co.13:2, 2Co.11:8; cf. BL, §6, 7; M, Pr., 56n, Thackeray, Gr., 58), related to μηδείς as οὐ to μή, no, no one, none: with nouns, Luk.4:24, Jhn.10:41, Rom.8:1, al.; absol., Mat.6:24, Mrk.3:27, Luk.1:61, Jhn.1:18, Act.18:10, Rom.14:7, al. mult.; with genitive partit., Luk.4:26, Jhn.13:28, al.; neut., οὐδέν, Mat.10:26, al.; id. with genitive partit., Luk.9:36, Act.18:17, al.; οὐδὲν εἰ μή, Mat.5:13, Mrk.9:29, al.; with neg., strengthening the negation, Mrk.15:4, 5 Luk.4:2, Jhn.3:27, al.; adverbially, Act.25:10, Gal.4:12, al. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 223 NT verses. KJV: any (man), aught, man, neither any (thing), never (man), no (man), none (+ of these things), not (any, at all, -thing), nought See also: 1 Corinthians 1:14; John 10:18; Hebrews 2:8.
δυναται dunamai G1410 "be able" Verb-PNI-3S
To be able or have power, as in Matthew 6:24 and Mark 2:7, meaning to have the capability or strength to do something.
Definition: δύναμαι, depon., [in LXX chiefly for יָכֹל ;] to be able, have power, whether by personal ability, permission, or opportunity: with inf. (M, Pr., 205; WM, §44, 3) pres., Mat.6:24, Mrk.2:7, Jhn.3:2, 1Co.10:21, al.; with inf. aor., Mat.3:9, Mrk.1:45, Jhn.3:3, 4 Rom.8:39, al.; with accusative, to be able to do something: Mrk.9:22, Luk.12:26; 2Co.13:8; absol., to be able, capable, powerful: 1Co.3:2 10:13. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 199 NT verses. KJV: be able, can (do, + -not), could, may, might, be possible, be of power See also: 1 Corinthians 2:14; John 15:4; Hebrews 2:18.
ανθρωπων anthrōpos G444 "a human" Noun-GPM
This word means a human being, and is used in the Bible to describe people, like in John 16:21 and Romans 7:1.
Definition: ἄνθρωπος, -ου, ὁ, [in LXX chiefly for אִישׁ ,אָדָם, also for אֱנוֹשׁ, etc. ;] man: __1. generically, a human being, male or female (Lat. homo): Jhn.16:21; with art., Mat.4:4 12:35, Mrk.2:27, Jhn.2:25, Rom.7:1, al; disting. from God, Mat.19:6, Jhn.10:33, Col.3:23, al.; from animals, etc., Mat.4:19, Luk.5:10, Rev.9:4, al.; implying human frailty and imperfection, 1Co.3:4; σοφία ἀνθρώπων, 1Co.2:5; ἀνθρώπων ἐπιθυμίαι, 1Pe.4:2; κατὰ ἄνθρωπον περιπατεῖν, 1Co.3:3; κατὰ ἄ. λέγειν (λαλεῖν), Rom.3:5, 1Co.9:8; κατὰ ἄ- λέγειν, Gal.3:15 (cf. 1Co.15:32, Gal.1:11); by meton., of man's nature or condition, ὁ ἔσω (ἔξω) ἄ., Rom.7:22, Eph.3:16, 2Co.4:16 (cf. 1Pe.3:4); ὁ παλαιὸς, καινὸς, νέος ἄ., Rom.6:6, Eph.2:15 4:22, 24 Col.3:9, 10; joined with another subst., ἄ. ἔμπορος, a merchant, Mat.13:45 (WH, txt. om. ἄ.); οἰκοδεσπότης, Mat.13:52; βασιλεύς, 18:23; φάγος, 11:19; with name of nation, Κυρηναῖος, Mat.27:32; Ἰουδαῖος, Act.21:39; Ῥωμαῖος, Act.16:37; pl. οἱ ἄ., men, people: Mat.5:13, 16 Mrk.8:24, Jhn.4:28; οὐδεὶς ἀνθρώπων, Mrk.11:2, 1Ti.6:16. __2. Indef., ἄ. = τις, some one, a man: Mat.17:14, Mrk.12:1, al.; τις ἄ., Mat.18:12, Jhn.5:5, al.; indef. one (Fr. on), Rom.3:28, Gal.2:16, al.; opposite to women, servants, etc., Mat.10:36 19:10, Jhn.7:22, 23. __3. Definitely, with art., of some particular person; Mat.12:13, Mrk.3:5, al.; οὗτος ὁ ἄ., Luk.14:30; ὁ ἄ οὗτος, ἐκεῖνος, Mrk.14:71, Mat.12:45; ὁ ἄ. τ. ἀνομίας, 2Th.2:3; ἄ τ. θεοῦ (of Heb. אִישׁ אֱלֹהִים), 1Ti.6:11, 2Ti.3:17, 2Pe.1:21; ὁ υἰὸς τοῦ ἀ., see: υἱός. SYN.: ἀνήρ, which see (and cf. MM, VGT, 44; Cremer, 103, 635). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 503 NT verses. KJV: certain, man See also: 1 Corinthians 1:25; Acts 22:25; 1 Peter 1:24.
δαμασαι damazō G1150 "to tame" Verb-AAN
To tame means to subdue or control something, used in Mark 5:4 to describe a man who could not be tamed. It also appears in James 3:7-8, where it describes the difficulty of taming the tongue.
Definition: δαμάζω [in LXX: Dan.2:40 (חֲשַׁל) * ;] to tame, subdue: Mrk.5:4, Jas.3:7; metaphorically, τ. γλῶσσαν, Jas.3:8 (Field, Notes, 237f.).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: tame See also: James 3:7; James 3:8; Mark 5:4.
ακατασχετον akataschetos G183 "uncontrollable" Adj-NSN
Uncontrollable or unable to be restrained, as in James 3:8, where it describes the tongue as unruly and impossible to tame.
Definition: ἀκατάσχετος, -ον (κατέχω), [in LXX: Job.31:11, 3Ma.6:17 * ;] that cannot be restrained: Jas.3:8 Rec. (for -στατος, which see).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: unruly See also: James 3:8.
κακον kakos G2556 "evil/harm: evil" Adj-NSN
This word means evil or worthless, describing something or someone as bad or depraved. It appears in Matthew 21:41 and Romans 13:3, contrasting with what is good. It is often translated as 'evil' or 'wicked'.
Definition: κακός, -ή, -όν [in LXX chiefly for רַע ;] __1. in general, opposite to ἀγαθός, καλός, in various senses, bad, mean, base, worthless (cl.). __2. In ethical sense, base, evil, wicked: of persons, Mat.21:41 24:48, Php.3:2, Rev.2:2; διαλογισμοί, Mrk.7:21; ὁμιλίαι, 1Co.15:33; ἐπιθυμία (Pro.12:12), Col.3:5; ἔργον, Rom.13:3; neut., κακόν, τὸ κ., evil: Jhn.18:23, Act.23:9, Rom.7:21 14:20 16:19, 1Co.13:5, Heb.5:14, 1Pe.3:10-11, 3Jn.11; pl., Rom.1:30, 1Co.10:6, 1Ti.6:10, Jas.1:13; κ. (τὸ, τὰ κ.) ποιεῖν (πράσσειν), Mat.27:23, Mrk.15:14, Luk.23:22, Jhn.18:30, Rom.3:8 7:19 13:4, 2Co.13:7, 1Pe.3:12; κατεργάζεσθαι, Rom.2:9; of wrongs inflicted, Act.9:13, Rom.12:17, 21 13:10, 1Th.5:15, 2Ti.4:14, 1Pe.3:9. __3. pernicious, harmful, evil: Luk.16:25, Act.16:28 28:5, Tit.1:12, Jas.3:8, Rev.16:2 (Cremer, 325, 741). † SYN.: see: (ἄθεσμος) (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 46 NT verses. KJV: bad, evil, harm, ill, noisome, wicked See also: 1 Corinthians 10:6; Luke 23:22; 1 Peter 3:9.
μεστη mestos G3324 "full" Adj-NSF
This word means being full of something, like feelings or thoughts. In John 19:29 and 21:11, it describes being full of fish or a drink. It can also describe being full of emotions or ideas, as in Matthew 23:28.
Definition: μεστός, -ή, -όν [in LXX: Nam.1:10, Eze.37:1 (מָלֵא), Est.5:2, Pro.6:34 * ;] full: with genitive of thing(s), Jhn.19:29 21:11, Jas.3:8; metaphorically, of thoughts and feelings, Mat.23:28, Rom.1:29 15:14, 2Pe.2:14, Jas.3:17 (cf. Pr, l.with).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 8 NT verses. KJV: full See also: 2 Peter 2:14; John 21:11; James 3:8.
ιου ios G2447 "poison/rust" Noun-GSM
This word means 'poison' or 'rust', as in James 5:3, where it refers to corroded metal. It can also mean 'venom', like snake poison, as seen in Romans 3:13 and James 3:8.
Definition: ἰός, -οῦ, ὁ [in LXX: Eze.24:6, 11-12 (חֶלְאָה), Psa.140:3 (חֵמָה), al. ;] __1. an arrow. __2. rust (Ez, l.with): Jas.5:3 (cf. MM, Exp., xv). __3. poison: figuratively, Rom.3:13 (Ps. l.with), Jas.3:8.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: poison, rust See also: James 3:8; James 5:3; Romans 3:13.
θανατηφορου thanatēphoros G2287 "deadly" Adj-GSM
This word describes something that brings death or is deadly. It's used in James 3:8 to describe the tongue's power to cause harm. It's about having the ability to cause fatal damage.
Definition: θανατη-φόρος, -ον (θάνατος, φέρω), [in LXX: Num.18:22 (מוּת), Job.33:23, 4Ma.8:18 4Mac 8:26 4Mac 15:26 * ;] deadly, death-bringing: Jas.3:8.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: deadly See also: James 3:8.

Study Notes — James 3:8

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Romans 3:13 “Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The venom of vipers is on their lips.”
2 Psalms 140:3 They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah
3 Psalms 55:21 His speech is smooth as butter, but war is in his heart. His words are softer than oil, yet they are swords unsheathed.
4 James 3:6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
5 Psalms 57:4 My soul is among the lions; I lie down with ravenous beasts— with men whose teeth are spears and arrows, whose tongues are sharp swords.
6 Psalms 64:3–4 who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows, ambushing the innocent in seclusion, shooting suddenly, without fear.
7 Psalms 59:7 See what they spew from their mouths— sharp words from their lips: “For who can hear us?”
8 Psalms 58:4 Their venom is like the venom of a snake, like a cobra that shuts its ears,
9 Ecclesiastes 10:11 If the snake bites before it is charmed, there is no profit for the charmer.
10 Deuteronomy 32:33 Their wine is the venom of serpents, the deadly poison of cobras.

James 3:8 Summary

The verse James 3:8 tells us that our tongues are very hard to control and can cause a lot of harm to ourselves and others. This is because our words have the power to hurt or help, as seen in Proverbs 18:21. The good news is that God can help us to transform our speech and use our tongues to bless and edify others, as promised in Ephesians 4:29. By seeking God's help and being mindful of our words, we can learn to use our tongues to build up and not tear down, and to bring life and encouragement to those around us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does the Bible say that the tongue is a restless evil?

The Bible describes the tongue as a restless evil because of its tendency to cause harm and spread darkness, as seen in James 3:8, and its connection to the heart, as Jesus teaches in Matthew 15:18-19.

Can anyone tame their tongue?

According to James 3:8, no man can tame the tongue, emphasizing the need for divine help and the work of the Holy Spirit in transforming our speech, as promised in Ezekiel 36:26-27.

What kind of poison is the tongue full of?

The deadly poison referred to in James 3:8 is the kind that destroys relationships, reputations, and even our own souls, as warned in Proverbs 18:21, highlighting the critical importance of careful and edifying speech.

How does this verse relate to my everyday life?

This verse reminds us that our words have power and consequences, and as believers, we are called to speak life and truth, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29, and to be mindful of the impact of our words on others and our own spiritual well-being.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some ways that I have used my tongue to hurt or harm others, and how can I seek forgiveness and restoration?
  2. How can I practically apply the teaching of James 3:8 to my daily conversations and interactions with others?
  3. In what ways do I struggle with taming my tongue, and what spiritual disciplines or practices can help me to grow in this area?
  4. What would my relationships and community look like if I consistently used my tongue to bless and edify others, rather than to curse or harm?

Gill's Exposition on James 3:8

But the tongue can no man tame,.... Either his own, or others; not his own, for the man that has the greatest guard upon himself, his words and actions; yet, what through pride or passion, or one

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on James 3:8

But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. No man - literally, no one of men: neither can a man control his neighbour's nor even his own tongue. Hence, the truth of Jas 3:2 appears.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on James 3:8

But the tongue; not only other men’ s tonges, but his own. Can no man tame; no man of himself, and without the assistance of Divine grace, can bring his tongue into subjection, and keep it in order; nor can any man, by the assistance of any grace promised in this life, so keep it, as that it shall never at all offend. It is an unruly evil; or, which cannot be restrained, and kept within bounds: wild beasts are kept in by grates and bars, but this by no restraint. Full of dead poison; the wickedness of the tongue is compared to poison, in respect of the mischief it doth to others. It seems to allude to those kinds of serpents which have poison under their tongues, , with which they kill those they bite. The poison of the tongue is no less deadly, it murders men’ s reputations by the slanders it utters, their souls by the lusts and passions it stirs up in them, and many times their bodies too by the contentions and quarrels it raiseth against men.

Trapp's Commentary on James 3:8

8 But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. Ver. 8. But the tongue, &c.] Where then are our justiciaries with their pretended perfection? David’ s heart deceived him Psalms 39:1; "I said, I will look to my ways, I will bridle my tongue." But presently after, he shows how soon he brake his word. "My heart was hot," &c., and "I spake with my tongue." Pambus, in the ecclesiastical history, could never take out that one lesson read him out of Psa 39:1. There is one Bennus celebrated in the same ecclesiastical history for this (but I can hardly believe it), that he was never seen of any man to be angry, never beard to swear, or lie, or utter a vain word. (Sozomen, vi. 28.) An unruly evil] There be but five virtues of the tongue reckoned by philosophers. But there are 24 different sins of the tongue, as Peraldus recounteth them. The Arabians have a proverb, Cave ne feriat lingua tua collum tuum; Take heed thy tongue cut not thy throat. An open mouth is often a purgatory to the master. Full of deadly poison] Such as poisoneth itself, and poisoneth at a distance, which no other poison doth. Some poisons are not poisonous to some creatures; storks feed upon serpents, ducks upon toads, &c. But the tongue is a universal poison, &c.

Ellicott's Commentary on James 3:8

(8) But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly (or, restless) evil, full of deadly poison.—Mortiferous, bringer of death, like a poisoned dart or arrow; and therefore most suggestive of envenomed flights at the fame of others. St. James does not mean that no one can tame his own tongue, for so he would hardly be responsible for its vagaries; and lower down it is written expressly, “these things ought not so to be.” The hopeless savagery of the tongue, excelling the fury of wild beasts, must be that of the liar, the traducer, and blasphemer. (Comp. Psalms 140)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on James 3:8

Verse 8. But the tongue wan no man tame] No cunning, persuasion, or influence has ever been able to silence it. Nothing but the grace of God, excision, or death, can bring it under subjection. It is an unruly evil] ακατασχετονκακον. An evil that cannot be restrained; it cannot be brought under any kind of government; it breaks all bounds. Full of deadly poison.] He refers here to the tongues of serpents, supposed to be the means of conveying their poison into wounds made by their teeth. Throughout the whole of this poetic and highly declamatory description, St. James must have the tongue of the slanderer, calumniator, backbiter, whisperer, and tale-bearer, particularly in view. Vipers, basilisks; and rattlesnakes are not more dangerous to life, than these are to the peace and reputation of men.

Cambridge Bible on James 3:8

8. but the tongue can no man tame] There is a special force in the Greek tense for “tame”, which expresses not habitual, but momentary action. St James had learnt, by what he saw around him, and yet more, it may be, by personal experience, that no powers of the “nature of man” were adequate for this purpose. He had learnt also, we must believe, that the things which are impossible with man are possible with God.an unruly evil] Literally, uncontrollable. Many of the better MSS., however, give the adjective which is rendered “unstable” in ch. James 1:8, and which carries with it, together with that meaning, the idea of restlessness and turbulence. So in the Shepherd of Hermas (11.2) calumny is described as a “restless demon.”full of deadly poison] Literally, death-bringing. For the idea comp. “the poison of asps is under their lips,” Psalms 140:3. The adjective is found in the LXX. version of Job 33:23, for “angels or messengers of death.”

Barnes' Notes on James 3:8

But the tongue can no man tame - This does not mean that it is never brought under control, but that it is impossible effectually and certainly to subdue it.

Whedon's Commentary on James 3:8

8. Tongue can no man tame—Augustine says, that never, but by the grace of God, has any tongue been tamed. It may be replied that worldly self-interest often tames the tongue as effectually as divine wisdom.

Sermons on James 3:8

SermonDescription
Zac Poonen Learning the Fear of God (Telugu) by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of fearing God and turning away from sin, drawing insights from the book of Job as the first book written by God in the Bible. It highlights t
Leonard Ravenhill John the Baptist by Leonard Ravenhill This sermon emphasizes the need for a sudden, unexpected visitation of the Holy Spirit to bring revival and transformation. It highlights the importance of seeking Christ above see
Dwight Pentecost Ministry From James-01 by Dwight Pentecost In this sermon, the preacher uses two illustrations to emphasize the power of the tongue. The first illustration compares the bit in a horse's mouth to the control a person can hav
Anton Bosch The Double-Minded Man - James by Anton Bosch In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of drawing near to God and purifying our hearts. He emphasizes the need to cleanse ourselves from double-mindedness and to hav
Zac Poonen Doing the Work That Jesus Did (Hindi) by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of believers understanding and applying the principle of being under authority, particularly the authority of the Holy Spirit. It highlights t
Will Graham Are You Walking the Walk or Talking the Walk - Part 4 by Will Graham This sermon emphasizes the importance of true biblical faith that goes beyond mere intellectual understanding, highlighting the significance of speaking God's truth boldly even if
Zac Poonen Heart-Faith and Not Mind-Faith - Part 4 by Zac Poonen This sermon emphasizes the importance of true faith in God, contrasting mere mental belief with heartfelt conviction. It warns against being absorbed in religious activities withou

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