James 3:11
Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?
Original Language Analysis
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
πηγὴ
a fountain
G4077
πηγὴ
a fountain
Strong's:
G4077
Word #:
3 of 13
a fount (literally or figuratively), i.e., source or supply (of water, blood, enjoyment) (not necessarily the original spring)
ἐκ
at
G1537
ἐκ
at
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
4 of 13
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
αὐτῆς
the same
G846
αὐτῆς
the same
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
6 of 13
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
ὀπῆς
place
G3692
ὀπῆς
place
Strong's:
G3692
Word #:
7 of 13
a hole (as if for light), i.e., cavern; by analogy, a spring (of water)
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
water and
G2532
καὶ
water and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Historical Context
In arid lands, mixed-water springs were unusable. James's audience valued pure water sources. He uses everyday experience to expose the absurdity of mixed speech.",
Questions for Reflection
- What influences are polluting the fountain of your heart?
- How can you cultivate a consistently sweet stream of words?
- Who experiences the refreshment of your speech?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Does a fountain (pēgē, πηγή) send forth sweet and bitter water simultaneously? Nature teaches consistency; believers should likewise produce uniform speech flavored by grace.
Reformed spirituality looks to creation analogies to illustrate sanctification. A Spring's output reveals its source; tongues reveal hearts.