James 3:6

And 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.

And {G2532} the tongue {G1100} is a fire {G4442}, a world {G2889} of iniquity {G93}: so {G3779} is {G2525} the tongue {G1100} among {G1722} our {G2257} members {G3196}, that it defileth {G4695} the whole {G3650} body {G4983}, and {G2532} setteth on fire {G5394} the course {G5164} of nature {G1078}; and {G2532} it is set on fire {G5394} of {G5259} hell {G1067}.

Yes, the tongue is a fire, a world of wickedness. The tongue is so placed in our body that it defiles every part of it, setting ablaze the whole of our life; and it is set on fire by Gei-Hinnom itself.

The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

And the tongue is a fire: the world of iniquity among our members is the tongue, which defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the wheel of nature, and is set on fire by hell.

In James 3:6, the Apostle James continues his vivid exploration of the immense power and danger of the human tongue. This verse serves as a stark warning, likening unrestrained speech to a devastating force that can corrupt and destroy.

Context of James 3:6

The Epistle of James is known for its practical wisdom and emphasis on living out one's faith through actions, not just words. Chapters 1 and 2 address trials, listening, and faith demonstrated by works. Chapter 3 specifically pivots to the theme of controlling the tongue, perhaps because it is a common struggle and a significant indicator of one's spiritual maturity. James begins by cautioning against many becoming teachers (James 3:1), implying that those who speak for God must be especially careful with their words. He then uses powerful metaphors, like a small bit controlling a horse or a small rudder steering a large ship, to illustrate how something as small as the tongue can wield immense influence (James 3:4).

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Destructive Power of the Tongue: James declares the tongue "a fire" and "a world of iniquity." This imagery vividly portrays its capacity for widespread damage. Just as a small spark can ignite a massive forest fire, so too can a few words cause irreparable harm, spreading discord, gossip, and slander.
  • Defilement of the Whole Person: "It defileth the whole body." This means that the words we speak are not isolated incidents but reflect and impact our entire being and character. Uncontrolled speech contaminates our moral and spiritual state, affecting our relationships and our standing before God. This idea resonates with Jesus' teaching that what comes out of the mouth truly defiles a person.
  • Corruption of Life's Course: "And setteth on fire the course of nature." The Greek phrase trochon tes geneseos literally means "the wheel of birth" or "the cycle of existence." This suggests that the destructive power of the tongue can corrupt the entire trajectory of one's life, or even the lives of others and the community itself. It can ruin reputations, break families, and ignite conflicts that disrupt the natural order of relationships and society.
  • Demonic Influence: "And it is set on fire of hell." This is a profound and sobering statement. James attributes the ultimate origin of the tongue's destructive power not just to human weakness, but to a satanic or demonic source. When words are used for evil, for spreading lies, hatred, or division, they are empowered by the very forces of evil, highlighting the spiritual battle inherent in controlling one's speech.

Linguistic Insights

  • The word "fire" (Greek: pyr) is a recurring metaphor for destruction and judgment in the Bible. Here, it emphasizes the tongue's rapid and consuming destructive potential.
  • "A world of iniquity" (Greek: ho kosmos tes adikias) highlights the vastness of the tongue's capacity for evil. It's not just a small problem, but a pervasive, all-encompassing source of unrighteousness.
  • "Course of nature" (Greek: trochon tes geneseos) is a unique phrase, implying the entire cycle or wheel of human existence and experience. The tongue has the power to ignite and corrupt this entire cycle.
  • "Set on fire of hell" (Greek: geennan) directly links the destructive power of uncontrolled speech to Gehenna, the Valley of Hinnom, which became a symbol for eternal damnation and ultimate evil. This underscores the grave spiritual implications of misused words.

Practical Application

James 3:6 calls believers to profound self-awareness and discipline regarding their speech. Understanding the tongue's potential for evil encourages us to:

  • Guard Our Words: Recognize that every word spoken has power – either to build up or tear down. We are called to use our speech for edification and truth, as encouraged in Ephesians 4:29.
  • Seek Purity: Acknowledge that the tongue's defilement stems from the heart. Cultivating a pure heart, filled with God's Spirit, is essential for pure speech. As Jesus taught, "out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh".
  • Pray for Control: The complete mastery of the tongue is described as humanly impossible in the preceding verse (James 3:8). This highlights our dependence on divine wisdom and strength to tame this powerful member.
  • Consider the Source: Be mindful that destructive speech can be influenced by evil forces. Resisting temptation and aligning our words with God's will is a spiritual battle.

This verse reminds us that the way we use our tongue has eternal implications, shaping our character, relationships, and spiritual journey.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Psalms 120:2

    Deliver my soul, O LORD, from lying lips, [and] from a deceitful tongue.

  • Psalms 120:3

    What shall be given unto thee? or what shall be done unto thee, thou false tongue?

  • Proverbs 16:27

    ¶ An ungodly man diggeth up evil: and in his lips [there is] as a burning fire.

  • Mark 7:15

    There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.

  • Matthew 15:11

    Not that which goeth into the mouth defileth a man; but that which cometh out of the mouth, this defileth a man.

  • Matthew 15:20

    These are [the things] which defile a man: but to eat with unwashen hands defileth not a man.

  • Mark 7:20

    And he said, That which cometh out of the man, that defileth the man.
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