James 3:16

KJV

For where envying and strife [is], there [is] confusion and every evil work.

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} where {G3699} envying {G2205} and {G2532} strife {G2052} is, there {G1563} is confusion {G181} and {G2532} every {G3956} evil {G5337} work {G4229}.

Complete Jewish Bible

For where there are jealousy and selfish ambition, there will be disharmony and every foul practice.

Berean Standard Bible

For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice.

American Standard Version

For where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every vile deed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
James 3:16 serves as a stark warning, revealing the inevitable and destructive consequences of embracing earthly, self-serving wisdom. It succinctly declares that wherever envy and selfish ambition dominate, the resulting atmosphere is one of profound disorder and instability, leading to the manifestation of every conceivable form of evil and moral decay within individuals and communities. This verse underscores the critical link between internal spiritual disposition and external societal outcomes.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** James 3:16 is positioned as the climactic consequence within James's extended discourse on the nature of wisdom, immediately following his vivid contrast between two types of wisdom in [James 3:13-15](/james/3-13-15 "James 3:13-15 - Earthly vs. Heavenly Wisdom"). Having first established the immense power and potential destructiveness of the tongue (as seen in [James 3:1-12](/james/3-1-12 "James 3:1-12 - The Power of the Tongue")), James then pivots to the source of such destructive speech and behavior: the wisdom one operates under. [James 3:14-15](/james/3-14-15 "James 3:14-15 - Characteristics of Earthly Wisdom") describes earthly wisdom as characterized by "bitter envying and strife in your hearts," labeling it "earthly, sensual, devilish." Verse 16 then functions as the direct, unavoidable outcome of such a wisdom, setting the stage for the positive counterpoint of heavenly wisdom described in [James 3:17-18](/james/3-17-18 "James 3:17-18 - Characteristics of Heavenly Wisdom").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** James, writing to Jewish Christians dispersed abroad, addresses practical issues of faith and conduct within the early Christian communities. These communities, often facing external persecution and internal tensions, were susceptible to the same human flaws and societal pressures as the broader world. The emphasis on "envying" and "strife" likely reflects real challenges within these nascent churches, such as favoritism, social divisions, competition for status or influence, and doctrinal disputes. In a society where honor and shame were paramount, and social hierarchies rigid, the temptation for selfish ambition and rivalry could easily disrupt the unity and peace of the fledgling Christian movement. James's warning here is not merely theoretical but speaks directly to the lived experiences and potential pitfalls of his audience, urging them towards a community life consistent with their new identity in Christ.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within the book of James. Firstly, it deepens the theme of **true vs. false wisdom**, clearly delineating the destructive fruit of wisdom that originates from human fallenness rather than from God. Secondly, it highlights the **interconnectedness of inner disposition and outer conduct**, demonstrating that what resides in the heart (envy, strife) inevitably manifests in observable, negative behaviors and societal chaos. Thirdly, it reinforces the theme of **community and unity**, implicitly warning against the forces that tear apart the body of Christ, contrasting sharply with the call for peace and righteousness found elsewhere in the epistle (e.g., [James 1:19-20](/james/1-19-20 "James 1:19-20 - Quick to Hear, Slow to Anger")). Finally, it touches on the **consequences of sin**, illustrating how specific sinful attitudes lead to widespread moral and social breakdown, echoing the broader biblical principle that sin brings disorder and death.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Envying (Greek, _zēlos'_):** While _zēlos_ can denote positive "zeal" or "ardor" (e.g., for God's glory), in this context, James uses it in its negative sense, signifying "jealousy," "malice," "emulation," or "selfish ambition." It describes a fervent, often bitter, desire for what another possesses or a competitive spirit that seeks to elevate oneself at the expense of others. This is not a healthy aspiration but a corrosive internal state that breeds rivalry and resentment.
* **Strife (Greek, _eritheía'_):** This term, derived from a word meaning "to work for hire," originally referred to intrigue or a partisan spirit, often for selfish gain. In the New Testament, _eritheía_ consistently denotes "faction," "contention," "rivalry," or "selfish ambition." It describes the outward manifestation of the internal _zēlos_, leading to division, quarreling, and the formation of opposing groups within a community. It is a spirit of self-seeking that disrupts harmony and prioritizes personal advantage over collective well-being.
* **Confusion (Greek, _akatastasía'_):** This powerful word signifies "instability," "disorder," "commotion," or "tumult." It paints a picture of chaos and disarray, the opposite of peace and order. In the biblical context, _akatastasía_ often describes civil unrest, political upheaval, or a state of moral and spiritual anarchy. James uses it here to convey the profound disorganization and lack of peace that inevitably results when envy and strife are present, indicating a breakdown of proper functioning and divine order.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For where envying and strife [is]":** This initial clause establishes the condition or premise. The conjunction "For" (Greek, _gár_) indicates that this verse provides the reason or explanation for the preceding statements about earthly wisdom. The presence of "envying" (_zēlos_) and "strife" (_eritheía_) signifies a spiritual and relational environment dominated by selfish ambition, jealousy, and divisive contention. This is not merely about occasional disagreements but a pervasive atmosphere or ingrained disposition within individuals or a community.
* **"there [is] confusion":** This clause presents the immediate and direct consequence of the aforementioned conditions. The Greek term _akatastasía_ (confusion) denotes a state of profound disorder, instability, and tumult. It highlights the breakdown of peace, harmony, and proper functioning. Where selfish ambition and rivalry thrive, chaos and disarray inevitably follow, whether in personal lives, families, churches, or society at large. God is a God of order, and the presence of such internal discord directly opposes His nature.
* **"and every evil work":** This final clause expands on the consequences, indicating the comprehensive and pervasive nature of the resulting corruption. "Every evil work" (Greek, _pâs phaûlos prâgma_) suggests that not only is there general disorder, but also that all manner of wicked deeds, morally corrupt actions, and destructive behaviors will emerge. This is the full fruit of earthly wisdom – a complete moral and spiritual unraveling that affects every aspect of life and relationship.

#### Literary Devices
James 3:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. Firstly, it uses **Cause and Effect**, presenting a clear logical progression: the presence of envy and strife (cause) directly leads to confusion and every evil work (effect). This highlights the inevitable consequences of ungodly attitudes. Secondly, there is a strong element of **Contrast**, as this verse implicitly stands in stark opposition to the characteristics and outcomes of heavenly wisdom described in [James 3:17-18](/james/3-17-18 "James 3:17-18 - The Nature of Heavenly Wisdom"). The chaos and evil described here serve to magnify the purity and peace of divine wisdom. Thirdly, the phrase "every evil work" can be seen as a form of **Hyperbole**, emphasizing the comprehensive and pervasive nature of the moral decay that results from envy and strife, suggesting that no area of life remains untouched by their destructive influence. Finally, the verse functions as a **Proverbial Statement**, offering a concise, universally applicable truth about human nature and its spiritual consequences, characteristic of wisdom literature.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
James 3:16 powerfully articulates a fundamental biblical truth: the internal state of the heart directly dictates the external reality of one's life and community. It connects deeply with the theological understanding of sin as a corrupting force that not only separates humanity from God but also introduces disorder and brokenness into human relationships and creation itself. The "confusion" and "every evil work" are the natural outworking of a heart not submitted to God's wisdom, mirroring the chaos that entered the world through the Fall. This verse underscores the divine preference for order, peace, and righteousness, revealing that God's wisdom produces harmony, while worldly wisdom inevitably produces discord. It also implicitly highlights the need for spiritual transformation, as only a renewed heart, guided by the Holy Spirit, can overcome the destructive impulses of envy and strife.

* [Galatians 5:19-21](/galatians/5-19-21 "Galatians 5:19-21 - Works of the Flesh"): This passage lists "enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envyings" as "deeds of the flesh," directly linking them to the inability to inherit the kingdom of God, aligning perfectly with James's warning about their destructive nature.
* [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is Not a God of Confusion"): Paul declares, "For God is not a God of confusion but of peace," providing a theological bedrock for James's assertion that "confusion" (the same Greek word _akatastasía_) is antithetical to God's character and presence.
* [Proverbs 28:25](/proverbs/28-25 "Proverbs 28:25 - The Proud Stir Up Strife"): "He who is greedy stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will prosper," illustrating the ancient wisdom tradition's understanding of how selfish desires lead to contention, a theme echoed by James.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
James 3:16 serves as a profound mirror for self-examination and a critical diagnostic tool for communities. It compels us to look beyond surface-level conflicts and identify the insidious roots of envy and strife within our hearts and relationships. If we observe "confusion" or "every evil work" manifesting in our personal lives, families, workplaces, or churches, this verse directs us to investigate whether the underlying wisdom guiding our actions is earthly and self-serving, rather than heavenly and God-centered. The call to action is not simply to suppress outward expressions of conflict, but to diligently root out the internal attitudes of jealousy, selfish ambition, and rivalry that inevitably lead to such destructive outcomes. True spiritual health, both individually and corporately, requires a conscious embrace of humility, a genuine celebration of others' successes, and a commitment to unity and peace that flows from the wisdom of God.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Where do I see "envying" or "strife" manifesting in my own heart or in the relationships I am part of?**
* **What specific "confusion" or "evil works" might be direct consequences of these attitudes in my life or community?**
* **How can I actively cultivate "heavenly wisdom" (as described in James 3:17) to counteract the destructive tendencies of envy and strife?**
* **In what ways might my pursuit of personal gain or recognition unintentionally contribute to disunity or disorder among those around me?**

### FAQ

**What exactly does "confusion" mean in this verse, and how does it relate to envy and strife?**

Answer: The Greek word for "confusion" is _akatastasía_, which means instability, disorder, or tumult. It describes a state of chaos and disarray, the opposite of peace and harmony. When envy (selfish ambition, jealousy) and strife (contention, rivalry) are present, they inherently disrupt order. Envy creates internal bitterness and external competition, while strife leads to division, quarreling, and the formation of factions. These forces tear apart unity, making it impossible for healthy relationships or communities to function properly, thus leading to a state of "confusion" or disorganization. This is in direct contrast to God's nature, as [1 Corinthians 14:33](/1_corinthians/14-33 "1 Corinthians 14:33 - God is Not a God of Confusion") states, "God is not a God of confusion but of peace."

**How do "envying and strife" lead to "every evil work"? Is it literal?**

Answer: James uses "every evil work" (Greek: _pâs phaûlos prâgma_) to indicate the comprehensive and pervasive nature of the moral decay that results from envy and strife. It's not necessarily a literal list of every single evil act, but rather a hyperbole emphasizing that *all kinds* of wickedness and destructive behaviors will emerge. When hearts are consumed by selfish ambition and rivalry, they become fertile ground for a wide range of sins—from gossip and slander to backbiting, manipulation, anger, and even more severe acts of injustice or harm. The absence of love and the presence of self-centeredness create an environment where moral boundaries erode, and destructive actions become commonplace, affecting every aspect of life and relationship.

**Is this verse primarily about conflict within the church, or does it apply more broadly?**

Answer: While James was writing to Jewish Christians and likely addressing issues within their communities, the principles in [James 3:16](/james/3-16 "James 3:16 - Consequences of Earthly Wisdom") are universally applicable. The destructive nature of "envying" and "strife" and their resulting "confusion" and "every evil work" can be observed in any human context: families, workplaces, political spheres, and even within one's own heart. The church, as a community of believers, is certainly not immune to these challenges, and James's warning serves as a crucial reminder for Christians to guard against these attitudes in all areas of life, striving for the peace and order that characterize God's kingdom.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
James 3:16, with its stark depiction of the chaos wrought by earthly wisdom, finds its ultimate fulfillment and antidote in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ perfectly embodies heavenly wisdom, which is "pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy" ([James 3:17](/james/3-17 "James 3:17 - Heavenly Wisdom Defined")). Unlike the envy and strife that lead to "confusion and every evil work," Jesus consistently demonstrated humility, selflessness, and a radical commitment to unity and peace. His life was a living rebuke to selfish ambition, culminating in His ultimate act of self-sacrifice on the cross, where He laid down His life for others rather than seeking His own gain ([Philippians 2:5-8](/philippians/2-5-8 "Philippians 2:5-8 - Christ's Humility")). Through His death and resurrection, Christ not only atoned for the sins that stem from envy and strife but also provided the Holy Spirit to empower believers to live according to heavenly wisdom. The Spirit cultivates the "fruit of the Spirit"—"love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit"))—which stands in direct opposition to the "works of the flesh" like "enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, envyings" ([Galatians 5:19-21](/galatians/5-19-21 "Galatians 5:19-21 - Works of the Flesh")). Thus, Christ is not only the perfect example of wisdom but also the divine enabler who transforms hearts, allowing believers to overcome the destructive cycle of envy and strife and instead sow righteousness in peace ([James 3:18](/james/3-18 "James 3:18 - Sowing Righteousness in Peace")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

James 3:14

But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

1 Corinthians 3:3

For ye are yet carnal: for whereas [there is] among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?

1 Corinthians 14:33

For God is not [the author] of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.

1 John 3:12

Not as Cain, [who] was of that wicked one, and slew his brother. And wherefore slew he him? Because his own works were evil, and his brother's righteous.

Galatians 5:20

Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,

Genesis 11:9

Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the LORD did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the LORD scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.

Acts 19:29

And the whole city was filled with confusion: and having caught Gaius and Aristarchus, men of Macedonia, Paul's companions in travel, they rushed with one accord into the theatre.