James 3:8
But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
Original Language Analysis
τὴν
G3588
τὴν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
1 of 12
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γλῶσσαν
the tongue
G1100
γλῶσσαν
the tongue
Strong's:
G1100
Word #:
3 of 12
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
οὐδεὶς
no
G3762
οὐδεὶς
no
Strong's:
G3762
Word #:
4 of 12
not even one (man, woman or thing), i.e., none, nobody, nothing
κακόν
evil
G2556
κακόν
evil
Strong's:
G2556
Word #:
9 of 12
worthless (intrinsically, such; whereas g4190 properly refers to effects), i.e., (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious
Cross References
Romans 3:13Their throat is an open sepulchre; with their tongues they have used deceit; the poison of asps is under their lips:Psalms 140:3They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips. Selah.James 3:6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.Psalms 55:21The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.Psalms 57:4My soul is among lions: and I lie even among them that are set on fire, even the sons of men, whose teeth are spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.Psalms 59:7Behold, they belch out with their mouth: swords are in their lips: for who, say they, doth hear?Psalms 58:4Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stoppeth her ear;Ecclesiastes 10:11Surely the serpent will bite without enchantment; and a babbler is no better.Deuteronomy 32:33Their wine is the poison of dragons, and the cruel venom of asps.Revelation 12:9And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Historical Context
Poison imagery evoked assassinations and slander lawsuits common in Roman provinces. Diaspora Christians knew reputations could be destroyed by venomous words. James warns that the church must not mimic the world.",
Questions for Reflection
- What poisonous speech patterns need immediate repentance?
- How can prayer and Scripture renew your speech?
- Who has been wounded by your words and needs healing?
Related Resources
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Analysis & Commentary
But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. No man can tame (damasai, δαμάσαι) the tongue; it is a restless evil (akatalēton, ἀκατάλητον) full of deadly poison. Human effort alone fails; the tongue's volatility and toxicity mirror the serpent's venom.
Reformed soteriology points to the need for new hearts. The gospel, not mere self-help, restrains the poison. James magnifies our dependence on grace.