James 3:9
Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
Original Language Analysis
αὐτῇ
G846
αὐτῇ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
2 of 18
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
εὐλογοῦμεν
bless we
G2127
εὐλογοῦμεν
bless we
Strong's:
G2127
Word #:
3 of 18
to speak well of, i.e., (religiously) to bless (thank or invoke a benediction upon, prosper)
τοὺς
which
G3588
τοὺς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
God
G2316
θεοῦ
God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
5 of 18
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πατέρα
the Father
G3962
πατέρα
the Father
Strong's:
G3962
Word #:
7 of 18
a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 18
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
αὐτῇ
G846
αὐτῇ
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
10 of 18
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
τοὺς
which
G3588
τοὺς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
12 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοὺς
which
G3588
τοὺς
which
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
14 of 18
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καθ'
after
G2596
καθ'
after
Strong's:
G2596
Word #:
15 of 18
(prepositionally) down (in place or time), in varied relations (according to the case (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined)
Cross References
Psalms 10:7His mouth is full of cursing and deceit and fraud: under his tongue is mischief and vanity.Psalms 59:12For the sin of their mouth and the words of their lips let them even be taken in their pride: and for cursing and lying which they speak.Psalms 62:4They only consult to cast him down from his excellency: they delight in lies: they bless with their mouth, but they curse inwardly. Selah.Matthew 26:74Then began he to curse and to swear, saying, I know not the man. And immediately the cock crew.Genesis 5:1This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;Genesis 9:6Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.2 Samuel 19:21But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD'S anointed?Isaiah 29:13Wherefore the Lord said, Forasmuch as this people draw near me with their mouth, and with their lips do honour me, but have removed their heart far from me, and their fear toward me is taught by the precept of men:Acts 2:26Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:Psalms 108:1O God, my heart is fixed; I will sing and give praise, even with my glory.
Historical Context
Jewish liturgies included blessings of God; James's audience likely recited them while harboring prejudice. Persecution might tempt them to curse opponents. James ties ethics to doctrine: honoring God demands honoring humans.",
Questions for Reflection
- Where do you bless God yet curse His image-bearers?
- How can the doctrine of imago Dei transform your speech?
- Who needs to hear a blessing from you instead of criticism?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. With the tongue we bless (eulogoumen, εὐλογοῦμεν) our Lord and Father and curse (katarōmetha, καταρώμεθα) people made in God's likeness (homoiōsin, ὁμοίωσιν). Such inconsistency violates the imago Dei and true worship.
Reformed theology cherishes the image of God doctrine; to curse image-bearers while praising God is hypocrisy. Speech reveals theology—do we honor the Creator by honoring His image?