James 3:9

Authorized King James Version

Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
ἐν
Therewith
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#2
αὐτῇ
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
#3
εὐλογοῦμεν
bless we
to speak well of, i.e., (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper)
#4
τοὺς
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#5
θεοῦ
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#6
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#7
πατέρα
the Father
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
#8
καὶ
and
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#9
ἐν
Therewith
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#10
αὐτῇ
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
#11
καταρώμεθα
curse we
to execrate; by analogy, to doom
#12
τοὺς
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#13
ἀνθρώπους
men
man-faced, i.e., a human being
#14
τοὺς
which
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
καθ'
after
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
#16
ὁμοίωσιν
the similitude
assimilation, i.e., resemblance
#17
θεοῦ
God
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
#18
γεγονότας
are made
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to James. The concept of divine sovereignty reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine sovereignty. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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