New International Version For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. New Living Translation For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind. English Standard Version For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. Berean Standard Bible For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. Berean Literal Bible For where jealousy and self-interest are, there are disorder and every evil thing. King James Bible For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. New King James Version For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. New American Standard Bible For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. NASB 1995 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. NASB 1977 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. Legacy Standard Bible For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil practice. Amplified Bible For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder [unrest, rebellion] and every evil thing and morally degrading practice. Berean Annotated Bible For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. Christian Standard Bible For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and every evil practice. Holman Christian Standard Bible For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil. American Standard Version For where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every vile deed. Contemporary English Version Whenever people are jealous or selfish, they cause trouble and do all sorts of cruel things. English Revised Version For where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every vile deed. GOD'S WORD® Translation Wherever there is jealousy and rivalry, there is disorder and every kind of evil. Good News Translation Where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is also disorder and every kind of evil. International Standard Version For wherever jealousy and rivalry exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil. NET Bible For where there is jealousy and selfishness, there is disorder and every evil practice. New Heart English Bible For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed. Webster's Bible Translation For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. Weymouth New Testament For where envy and rivalry are, there also are unrest and every vile deed. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleFor where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. World English Bible For where jealousy and selfish ambition are, there is confusion and every evil deed. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionfor where zeal and rivalry [are], there is insurrection and every evil matter; Berean Literal Bible For where jealousy and self-interest are, there are disorder and every evil thing. Young's Literal Translation for where zeal and rivalry are, there is insurrection and every evil matter; Smith's Literal Translation For where envy and intrigue, there confusion and every bad deed. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor where envying and contention is, there is inconstancy, and every evil work. Catholic Public Domain Version For wherever envy and contention is, there too is inconstancy and every depraved work. New American Bible For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every foul practice. New Revised Standard Version For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleFor wherever envy and strife are, there is confusion and every sort of evil. Aramaic Bible in Plain English For where there is envy and contention there is also chaos and every evil thing. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentFor where envy and strife are, there is commotion, and every evil work. Godbey New Testament For where there are envy and strife, there are contention and every evil work. Haweis New Testament For where envy and contention dwell, there is tumult and every vile deed. Mace New Testament where false zeal, and a spirit of contention reign, there confusion and every vice prevail. Weymouth New Testament For where envy and rivalry are, there also are unrest and every vile deed. Worrell New Testament For where there are jealousy and contention, there is confusion and every vile deed. Worsley New Testament for where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible (Voice ▾ Musical ▾) Context The Wisdom from Above…15Such wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. 16For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every evil practice. 17But the wisdom from above is first of all pure, then peace-loving, gentle, accommodating, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial, and sincere.… Cross References For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, Philippians 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Philippians 1:15-17 It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. / The latter do so in love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. / The former, however, preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can add to the distress of my chains. 1 Corinthians 3:3 for you are still worldly. For since there is jealousy and dissension among you, are you not worldly? Are you not walking in the way of man? there will be disorder 2 Corinthians 12:20 For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you as I wish, and you may not find me as you wish. I fear that there may be quarreling, jealousy, rage, rivalry, slander, gossip, arrogance, and disorder. 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not a God of disorder, but of peace—as in all the churches of the saints. 1 Corinthians 14:40 But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner. and every evil practice. Romans 1:29-31 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed, and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, and malice. They are gossips, / slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant, and boastful. They invent new forms of evil; they disobey their parents. / They are senseless, faithless, heartless, merciless. Galatians 5:19-21 The acts of the flesh are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity, and debauchery; / idolatry and sorcery; hatred, discord, jealousy, and rage; rivalries, divisions, factions, / and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. Colossians 3:5-8 Put to death, therefore, the components of your earthly nature: sexual immorality, impurity, lust, evil desires, and greed, which is idolatry. / Because of these, the wrath of God is coming on the sons of disobedience. / When you lived among them, you also used to walk in these ways. … Romans 13:13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. Proverbs 14:30 A tranquil heart is life to the body, but envy rots the bones. Proverbs 6:16-19 There are six things that the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: / haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, / a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that run swiftly to evil, … 1 Peter 2:1 Rid yourselves, therefore, of all malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and slander. 1 John 2:16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh, the desires of the eyes, and the pride of life—is not from the Father but from the world. Matthew 15:19 For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, and slander. Mark 7:21-22 For from within the hearts of men come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, / greed, wickedness, deceit, debauchery, envy, slander, arrogance, and foolishness. Treasury of Scripture For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. where. 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? Galatians 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, there. 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. 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints. confusion. 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. Jump to Previous Ambition Better Confusion Deed Desire Disorder Envy Envying Evil Evil-Doing Exist Faction Find Insurrection Jealousy Matter Order Others Practice Rivalry Selfish Sort Strife Unrest Vile WorkJump to Next Ambition Better Confusion Deed Desire Disorder Envy Envying Evil Evil-Doing Exist Faction Find Insurrection Jealousy Matter Order Others Practice Rivalry Selfish Sort Strife Unrest Vile WorkJames 3 1. We are not rashly or arrogantly to reprove others;5. but rather to bridle the tongue, a little member, 9. but a powerful instrument of much good, and great harm. 13. The truly wise are mild and peaceable, without envy and strife. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, Jealousy and selfish ambition reveal hearts governed by self-interest rather than godly wisdom. Jealousy breeds resentment toward others, while selfish ambition seeks recognition, influence, or gain without regard for truth, love, or the good of the community. These attitudes troubled individuals and churches in the first century, producing rivalry even among those who professed faith in Christ. Php 2:3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride,… there will be disorder Where jealousy and selfish ambition prevail, disorder inevitably follows. Such attitudes disrupt homes, congregations, and relationships, eroding trust and spreading division. God’s design for His people is peace, unity, and faithful obedience. 2Co 12:20 For I am afraid that when I come, I may not find you… and every evil practice. Jealousy and selfish ambition do not remain isolated sins; they open the way for quarrels, deception, anger, injustice, and other deeds opposed to God’s will. Their presence exposes a departure from the wisdom that comes from above and calls for repentance and renewed submission to Christ. Rom 1:29-31 They have become filled with every kind of wickedness… Persons / Places / Events 1. JamesThe author of the epistle, traditionally identified as James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Jerusalem church. He writes with authority and pastoral concern for the moral and spiritual conduct of believers. 2. Early Christian Communities The recipients of the letter, likely Jewish Christians scattered outside of Palestine, facing trials and temptations that challenge their faith and unity. 3. The Church The broader context of the letter addresses the behavior and attitudes within the Christian community, emphasizing the importance of wisdom and righteous living. Teaching Points The Root of DisorderJealousy and selfish ambition are not just personal issues but community disruptors. They lead to disorder and open the door to various evil practices. The Call to Humility Believers are called to reject selfish ambition and embrace humility, fostering peace and unity within the church. Guarding the Heart Vigilance is necessary to guard against jealousy and ambition, which can subtly infiltrate our hearts and minds, leading us away from God's wisdom. Pursuing Godly Wisdom True wisdom from above is pure, peace-loving, considerate, and full of mercy. This contrasts sharply with the earthly wisdom characterized by envy and selfishness. Community Impact Our attitudes and actions have a profound impact on the church community. Striving for personal gain at the expense of others leads to division, while selflessness builds up the body of Christ. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of James 3:16?2. How can we avoid "disorder" and "every evil practice" in our lives? 3. What role does "envy and selfish ambition" play in causing conflict? 4. How does James 3:16 connect with Proverbs 14:30 on envy? 5. In what ways can we promote peace instead of disorder in our community? 6. How can we cultivate humility to counteract "selfish ambition" in our hearts? 7. How does James 3:16 define the root cause of disorder and evil practices? 8. What historical context influenced the writing of James 3:16? 9. How does James 3:16 challenge modern Christian views on ambition? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from James 3? (16) For where envying and strife is, there is confusion.--Where emulation, zeal, and rivalry exist, there also are sedition, anarchy, restless disturbance, and every villainous act. The whole state is evil, and utterly contrary to the rule of the Gospel-- "For words and names let angry zealots fight: Whose life is in the wrong can ne'er be right." Verse 16 substantiates the assertion just made in ver. 15. Render, as in ver. 14, jealousy and faction. Ἀκαταστασία: confusion, of which God is not the author (1 Corinthians 14:33). James 3:16 provides a spiritual diagnostic tool. Wherever envy and self-seeking show up—in a home, workplace, congregation, or individual heart—expect confusion and a harvest of sin. Root them out quickly by embracing the Christ-centered humility that seeks God’s glory and the good of others, and He will replace chaos with His peace.Parallel Commentaries ... Greek Forγὰρ (gar) Conjunction Strong's 1063: For. A primary particle; properly, assigning a reason. where ὅπου (hopou) Adverb Strong's 3699: Where, whither, in what place. From hos and pou; what(-ever) where, i.e. At whichever spot. jealousy ζῆλος (zēlos) Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular Strong's 2205: From zeo; properly, heat, i.e. 'zeal' (figuratively, of God), or an enemy, malice). and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. selfish ambition [exist], ἐριθεία (eritheia) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 2052: Perhaps as the same as erethizo; properly, intrigue, i.e. faction. there [ will be ] ἐκεῖ (ekei) Adverb Strong's 1563: (a) there, yonder, in that place, (b) thither, there. Of uncertain affinity; there; by extension, thither. disorder ἀκαταστασία (akatastasia) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular Strong's 181: From akatastatos; instability, i.e. Disorder. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely. every πᾶν (pan) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 3956: All, the whole, every kind of. Including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole. evil φαῦλον (phaulon) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 5337: Worthless, wicked, base. Apparently a primary word; 'foul' or 'flawy', i.e. wicked. practice. πρᾶγμα (pragma) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular Strong's 4229: A thing done, a deed, action; a matter, an affair. From prasso; a deed; by implication, an affair; by extension, an object. Additonal Resources James 3:16 Blue Letter BibleJames 3:16 Bible Gateway James 3:16 Bible.com James 3:16 NIV |
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