James 1:19
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:
Original Language Analysis
Ὥστε,
Wherefore
G5620
Ὥστε,
Wherefore
Strong's:
G5620
Word #:
1 of 18
so too, i.e., thus therefore (in various relations of consecution, as follow)
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
2 of 18
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ἔστω
be
G2077
ἔστω
be
Strong's:
G2077
Word #:
5 of 18
be thou; also ??????? <pronunciation strongs="es'-to-san"/>, third person of the same; let them be
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
9 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
13 of 18
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Proverbs 17:27He that hath knowledge spareth his words: and a man of understanding is of an excellent spirit.Proverbs 21:23Whoso keepeth his mouth and his tongue keepeth his soul from troubles.Proverbs 10:19In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.Proverbs 14:29He that is slow to wrath is of great understanding: but he that is hasty of spirit exalteth folly.Proverbs 18:13He that answereth a matter before he heareth it, it is folly and shame unto him.Proverbs 13:3He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.Proverbs 16:32He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.Ephesians 4:26Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:Proverbs 15:18A wrathful man stirreth up strife: but he that is slow to anger appeaseth strife.Colossians 3:8But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth.
Historical Context
House churches met in tight quarters where debates over law, Gentile inclusion, and persecution strategy could ignite fiery disputes. James, as Jerusalem's moderator, urges diaspora believers to adopt the ethos of the council in Acts 15: listening carefully before responding. Paul likewise urges believers to let words be seasoned with grace (Colossians 4:6).
Jewish wisdom literature (Proverbs, Sirach) extolled slow speech; James now roots that ethic in the gospel, showing continuity between old and new covenant wisdom.
Questions for Reflection
- How can you cultivate habits of listening before speaking each day?
- What triggers quick anger, and how will you slow down your responses?
- How does this command inform your engagement online or in debates?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath: James commands beloved brothers to be "swift to hear" (tachys eis to akousai, ταχύς εἰς τὸ ἀκοῦσαι), "slow to speak" (bradys, βραδύς), and "slow to wrath" (orgē, ὀργή). The order matters: receptive listening precedes restrained speech and controlled anger. The Greek emphasizes habitual posture.
This advice flows from regeneration: those born by the Word now humbly receive the Word. Reformed spirituality prizes the means of grace—hearing Scripture preached, meditating carefully—before speaking. Unchecked speech undermines holiness, a theme James will revisit in chapter 3.