James 3:7

KJV

For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

KJV (with Strong's)

For {G1063} every {G3956} kind {G5449} of beasts {G2342}, and {G5037}{G2532} of birds {G4071}, and {G5037} of serpents {G2062}, and {G2532} of things in the sea {G1724}, is tamed {G1150}, and {G2532} hath been tamed {G1150} of mankind {G5449}{G442}:

Complete Jewish Bible

For people have tamed and continue to tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures;

Berean Standard Bible

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man,

American Standard Version

For every kind of beasts and birds, of creeping things and things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed by mankind:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
James 3:7 serves as a powerful illustrative point within James's broader discourse on the immense power and danger of the tongue. In this verse, James draws a vivid comparison, highlighting humanity's remarkable ability to subdue and domesticate every kind of creature across land, air, and sea, thereby setting the stage for the stark contrast with the seemingly impossible task of taming the human tongue, which he addresses in the subsequent verse.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is strategically placed within James's extended teaching on the tongue (James 3:1-12), which immediately follows his discussion on faith and works (James 2:14-26). Having warned against the dangers of becoming a teacher without proper self-control in speech ([James 3:1](/james/3-1 "James 3:1 - The Stricter Judgment for Teachers")), James proceeds to illustrate the tongue's destructive potential by comparing it to a small bit controlling a large horse or a tiny rudder steering a massive ship ([James 3:2-4](/james/3-2-4 "James 3:2-4 - The Power of the Tongue Compared")). Verse 7 then provides a compelling counter-example: while humans can exert dominion over the entire animal kingdom, they struggle profoundly to control their own words, a paradox that is explicitly stated in [James 3:8](/james/3-8 "James 3:8 - The Untamable Tongue")).
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient world, the taming of wild animals was a well-understood and admired skill, essential for agriculture, transportation, and even entertainment. From domesticating oxen for plowing to training horses for warfare and travel, or even capturing and exhibiting exotic creatures, human mastery over the animal kingdom was a clear demonstration of ingenuity and power. James's audience, whether Jewish Christians familiar with the Old Testament or Gentile converts, would readily grasp the concept of human dominion over creation, a theme deeply rooted in the creation narratives and wisdom literature. This common experience makes his analogy particularly potent and relatable, setting up the profound spiritual challenge he presents.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several key themes within James's epistle. Primarily, it underscores the theme of **human dominion over creation**, echoing the divine mandate given in [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate") and affirmed in [Psalm 8:6-8](/psalms/8-6-8 "Psalm 8:6-8 - Man's Dominion Over Creation"), where humanity is granted stewardship over the earth and its creatures. By highlighting this remarkable human capacity, James subtly introduces the theme of the **paradox of human capability and spiritual weakness**. Humans can conquer external nature, yet are often defeated by their own internal impulses, specifically as manifested through the tongue. This sets the stage for the overarching theme of the **untamable nature of the tongue** (explicitly stated in [James 3:8](/james/3-8 "James 3:8 - The Untamable Tongue")), emphasizing that this particular aspect of human behavior requires more than mere human effort or skill to control.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **every (Greek, _pâs'_):** This word signifies "all, any, every, the whole." James uses it to emphasize the comprehensive nature of human dominion. It's not just some animals, or certain types, but *every* single kind, without exception, that falls under human control. This universality makes the contrast with the tongue even more striking.
* **kind (Greek, _phýsis'_):** From which we get "physics," this term refers to "growth (by germination or expansion), i.e. (by implication) natural production (lineal descent); by extension, a genus or sort; figuratively, native disposition, constitution or usage." Here, it denotes the inherent nature or species of animals. James stresses that humanity has tamed not just individual animals, but entire *categories* or *species* of creatures, highlighting the depth and breadth of this mastery.
* **tamed (Greek, _damázō'_):** This verb means "to tame" or "to subdue." The Greek text uses two forms: `damázetai` (present passive, "is tamed") and `dedamastai` (perfect passive, "hath been tamed"). This grammatical construction emphasizes both the ongoing process and the completed reality of animal subjugation by humanity. It conveys the idea of bringing wild, untamed creatures into submission and control, a feat requiring skill, patience, and authority.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea":** This opening clause establishes the vast scope of human dominion over the animal kingdom. James systematically lists creatures from land ("beasts"), air ("birds"), and water ("things in the sea"), adding "serpents" to represent reptiles and creeping things. This comprehensive categorization underscores the universal nature of humanity's ability to subdue the natural world.
* **"is tamed, and hath been tamed":** This phrase, employing both the present and perfect tenses of the verb "to tame," highlights the continuous and accomplished reality of animal subjugation. It implies that this is not a new phenomenon but an ongoing historical fact: humans have consistently demonstrated the capacity to bring wild creatures under their control. This double emphasis reinforces the undeniable truth of human mastery over the animal world.
* **"of mankind":** This final phrase explicitly identifies the agent of this taming: humanity. It clarifies that this remarkable feat of subduing diverse and often dangerous creatures is a unique capability of human beings, setting the stage for the profound contrast with the tongue, which, unlike the animal kingdom, remains untamable by human effort alone.

#### Literary Devices
James 3:7 is rich in **Illustrative Imagery**, painting a vivid picture of humanity's mastery over the diverse animal kingdom. By listing "beasts," "birds," "serpents," and "things in the sea," James employs **Categorization** to emphasize the comprehensive nature of this dominion, covering all environments. The verse functions as a crucial part of an extended **Analogy** (or **Comparison**), where the tamed animal kingdom is set against the untamed tongue. This comparison is a form of **A fortiori** argument (from the stronger to the weaker), implying: if humans can achieve such a difficult feat as taming all creatures, how much more *should* they be able to control their own words? The implied **Paradox** is that the tongue proves more recalcitrant than any wild beast, setting up the dramatic revelation in the subsequent verse.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
James 3:7 powerfully underscores humanity's unique position in creation, reflecting the divine mandate given in [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate") to have dominion over the earth and its creatures. This verse highlights a remarkable human capability, a testament to God's original design and the intelligence He endowed upon us. However, in the context of James's broader argument, this capability serves as a stark contrast to humanity's struggle with the tongue. Theologically, it points to the pervasive impact of the Fall: while our intellect and skill remain sufficient to subdue the external world, our internal nature, particularly our speech, remains deeply corrupted and resistant to self-control. This sets up the profound need for divine intervention and transformation for true mastery over our words.

* [Genesis 1:28](/genesis/1-28 "Genesis 1:28 - The Creation Mandate")
* [Psalm 8:6-8](/psalms/8-6-8 "Psalm 8:6-8 - Man's Dominion Over Creation")
* [Romans 7:18-19](/romans/7-18-19 "Romans 7:18-19 - The Struggle with Sin")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
James 3:7 challenges us to consider the profound irony of our human condition: we possess the ingenuity and perseverance to bring the wildest creatures under our control, yet we often falter in governing the words that proceed from our own mouths. This verse implicitly calls us to a deeper self-awareness regarding the source of our speech—it's not merely a mechanical function but an outflow of the heart. If taming animals requires discipline, wisdom, and consistent effort, how much more should we dedicate ourselves to the spiritual discipline required to tame our tongues? This verse prompts us to move beyond mere human effort and acknowledge our need for divine grace and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit to bring our words into alignment with God's will, using them for blessing and edification rather than destruction.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does humanity's ability to tame the animal kingdom reveal about our God-given capabilities and responsibilities?**
* **In what ways do I find my own tongue more challenging to control than external circumstances or even other people?**
* **How does the contrast presented in this verse highlight our dependence on God for true inner transformation, especially concerning our speech?**

### FAQ

**Does James 3:7 imply that humans have perfectly tamed every single animal species?**

Answer: No, James 3:7 does not imply that every single animal species has been perfectly or individually tamed. Rather, the verse uses **hyperbole** to emphasize humanity's *capacity* and *demonstrated ability* to bring all *kinds* or *categories* of animals under control. The point is the *principle* of human dominion and skill over the animal kingdom as a whole, in contrast to the unique challenge posed by the tongue. Throughout history, humans have successfully domesticated and controlled creatures from every major category mentioned (land, air, water, reptiles), demonstrating a general mastery that stands in stark contrast to the untamable nature of the tongue, as explained in [James 3:8](/james/3-8 "James 3:8 - The Untamable Tongue").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While James 3:7 highlights humanity's natural dominion over creation, it simultaneously sets the stage for the profound spiritual truth that true mastery over the tongue, and indeed over our fallen nature, is found not in human effort alone, but in Christ. Jesus, as the perfect Man, demonstrated absolute control over His words, speaking only what the Father commanded ([John 12:49-50](/john/12-49-50 "John 12:49-50 - Jesus Speaks the Father's Words")). He is the ultimate "Tamer" of the human heart, capable of transforming the very source from which our words flow ([Matthew 15:18-19](/matthew/15-18-19 "Matthew 15:18-19 - What Defiles a Person")). Through His atoning work, believers are given a new nature and the indwelling Holy Spirit, who empowers them to exercise self-control ([Galatians 5:22-23](/galatians/5-22-23 "Galatians 5:22-23 - The Fruit of the Spirit")), including control over their speech. Thus, what is impossible for "mankind" in its fallen state becomes possible through union with Christ, who not only models perfect speech but also provides the divine power to tame the wildness of our own tongues, making them instruments of righteousness and blessing ([Ephesians 4:29](/ephesians/4-29 "Ephesians 4:29 - Edifying Speech")).

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

Mark 5:4

Because that he had been often bound with fetters and chains, and the chains had been plucked asunder by him, and the fetters broken in pieces: neither could any [man] tame him.