James 3:18
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
Original Language Analysis
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
δικαιοσύνης
of righteousness
G1343
δικαιοσύνης
of righteousness
Strong's:
G1343
Word #:
4 of 10
equity (of character or act); specially (christian) justification
εἰρήνην
peace
G1515
εἰρήνην
peace
Strong's:
G1515
Word #:
6 of 10
peace (literally or figuratively); by implication, prosperity
τοῖς
G3588
τοῖς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
8 of 10
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Cross References
Matthew 5:9Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.Philippians 1:11Being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God.Hosea 10:12Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.Galatians 6:8For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.Proverbs 11:30The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.Hebrews 12:11Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby.Proverbs 11:18The wicked worketh a deceitful work: but to him that soweth righteousness shall be a sure reward.John 4:36And he that reapeth receiveth wages, and gathereth fruit unto life eternal: that both he that soweth and he that reapeth may rejoice together.James 1:20For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.Proverbs 11:28He that trusteth in his riches shall fall: but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.
Historical Context
Jewish agrarian imagery returns: sowing and harvesting. Diaspora farmers knew seeds thrive in calm soil. Church factions needed peacemakers to cultivate righteousness. Jesus' beatitude "Blessed are the peacemakers" echoes here.",
Questions for Reflection
- Where is God calling you to sow peace right now?
- How can you create environments where righteousness can grow?
- What peacemaking practices can your church adopt?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. The fruit of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace (poiousin eirēnēn, ποιοῦσιν εἰρήνην). Righteous outcomes grow in peaceful environments cultivated by peacemakers.
Reformed missiology emphasizes gospel peacemaking; justice flows from peace rooted in Christ's reconciliation. James ends the section pointing to communal harvest produced by peaceable wisdom.