James 3:17
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
Original Language Analysis
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 20
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἄνωθεν
that is from above
G509
ἄνωθεν
that is from above
Strong's:
G509
Word #:
3 of 20
from above; by analogy, from the first; by implication, anew
μὲν
pure
G3303
μὲν
pure
Strong's:
G3303
Word #:
6 of 20
properly, indicative of affirmation or concession (in fact); usually followed by a contrasted clause with g1161 (this one, the former, etc.)
ἁγνή
G53
εὐπειθής
and easy to be intreated
G2138
εὐπειθής
and easy to be intreated
Strong's:
G2138
Word #:
12 of 20
good for persuasion, i.e., (intransitively) complaint
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
15 of 20
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀδιάκριτος
without partiality
G87
ἀδιάκριτος
without partiality
Strong's:
G87
Word #:
18 of 20
properly, undistinguished, i.e., (actively) impartial
Cross References
Proverbs 2:6For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.Romans 12:9Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.James 3:15This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.James 1:17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.James 1:5If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.1 John 3:18My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.1 Peter 1:22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:Luke 21:15For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.1 John 3:3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.Matthew 5:8Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Historical Context
Jewish wisdom literature described virtues similar to these; James reinterprets them Christologically. Diaspora churches needed positive vision after negative warnings. Paul's description of Spirit fruit parallels this list.",
Questions for Reflection
- Which attribute of heavenly wisdom do you most lack?
- How can your community cultivate these qualities together?
- How might this checklist inform leadership selection?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. Wisdom from above is first pure (hagnē, ἁγνή), then peaceable (eirēnikē, εἰρηνική), gentle (epieikēs, ἐπιεικής), open to reason (eupeithēs, εὐπειθής), full of mercy and good fruits, impartial (adiakritos, ἀδιάκριτος), and sincere (anypokritos, ἀνυπόκριτος). James offers a checklist of heavenly wisdom's fruit.
Reformed believers view Christ as embodiment of this wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30). The list informs spiritual formation and leadership evaluation.