Jam 3:13-18 | RWP | e4.org | Who ( Τις ). Rhetorical interrogative like . Common in Paul and characteristic of the diatribe. James here returns to the standpoint of verse about many teachers. Speech and wisdom are both liable to abuse ( , ; ). Wise and understanding ( σοφος κα επιστημων ). Σοφος is used for the practical teacher (verse ), επιστημων (old word from επισταμα , here only in N.T.) for an expert, a skilled and scientific person with a tone of superiority. In , ; , the two terms are practically synonyms. Let him shew ( δειξατω ). First aorist active imperative of δεικνυμ , old verb to show. As about faith in . Emphatic position of this verb. By his good life ( εκ της καλης αναστροφης ). For this literary Koine word from αναστρεφομα (walk, conduct) see . Actions speak louder than words even in the case of the professional wise man. Cf. . In meekness of wisdom ( εν πραυτητ σοφιας ). As in of the listener, so here of the teacher. Cf. ; and Zac 9:9 of King Messiah quoted in . Startling combination.

‏ James 3:13-18

Who ( Τις ). Rhetorical interrogative like Lu 11:11. Common in Paul and characteristic of the diatribe. James here returns to the standpoint of verse 1 about many teachers. Speech and wisdom are both liable to abuse (1Co 1:5, 17; 2:1-3:20).

Wise and understanding ( σοφος κα επιστημων ). Σοφος is used for the practical teacher (verse 1), επιστημων (old word from επισταμα, here only in N.T.) for an expert, a skilled and scientific person with a tone of superiority. In De 1:13, 15; 4:6, the two terms are practically synonyms.

Let him shew ( δειξατω ). First aorist active imperative of δεικνυμ, old verb to show. As about faith in 2:18. Emphatic position of this verb.

By his good life ( εκ της καλης αναστροφης ). For this literary Koine word from αναστρεφομα (walk, conduct) see Ga 1:13. Actions speak louder than words even in the case of the professional wise man. Cf. 1Pe 1:15.

In meekness of wisdom ( εν πραυτητ σοφιας ). As in 1:21 of the listener, so here of the teacher. Cf. Mt 5:5; 11:29 and Zac 9:9 of King Messiah quoted in Mt 21:5. Startling combination.

Bitter jealousy ( ζηλον πικρον ). Ζηλος occurs in N.T. in good sense (Joh 2:17) and bad sense (Ac 5:17). Pride of knowledge is evil (1Co 8:1) and leaves a bitter taste. See "root of bitterness" in Heb 12:14 (cf. Eph 4:31). This is a condition of the first class.

Faction ( εριθιαν ). Late word, from εριθος (hireling, from εριθευω to spin wool), a pushing forward for personal ends, partisanship, as in Php 1:16.

In your heart ( εν τη καρδια υμων ). The real fountain ( πηγη, verse 11).

Glory not ( μη κατακαυχασθε ). Present middle imperative of κατακαυχαομα, for which see 2:13. Wisdom is essential for the teacher. Boasting arrogance disproves the possession of wisdom.

Lie not against the truth ( ψευδεσθε κατα της αληθειας ). Present middle imperative of ψευδομα, old verb, to play false, with μη carried over. Lying against the truth is futile. By your conduct do not belie the truth which you teach; a solemn and needed lesson. Cf. Ro 1:18f., 2:18, 20.

This wisdom ( αυτη η σοφια ). All talk and disproved by the life, counterfeit wisdom, not real wisdom (1:5; 3:17).

Coming down from above ( κατερχομενη ανωθεν ). As in 1:5, 17. All true wisdom comes from God.

Earthly ( επιγειος ). Old adjective, on earth ( επι, γη ), as in Joh 3:12, then with earthly limitations (Php 3:19), as here.

Sensual ( ψυχικη ). Old adjective, belonging to the ψυχη, the sensuous or animal life (1Co 2:14 and here).

Devilish ( δαιμονιωδης ). Late adjective from δαιμονιον (demon) and so demoniacal or demon-like, here only in N.T.

Confusion ( ακαταστασια ). Late word (from ακαταστατος ), 1:8; 3:8), a state of disorder (1Co 14:33).

Vile ( φαυλον ). Kin to German faul, first slight, ordinary, then bad. The steps are cheap, paltry, evil. Opposed to αγαθα (good) in Joh 5:39.

First pure ( πρωτον μεν αγνη ). First in rank and time. Hαγνος is from the same root as αγιος (holy), old adjective, pure from fault, not half-good and half-bad, like that above.

Then peaceable ( επειτα ειρηνικη ). Old adjective from ειρηνη (peace), loving peace here, bringing peace in Heb 12:11 (only N.T. examples). But clearly great as peace is, purity (righteousness) comes before peace and peace at any price is not worth the having. Hence Jesus spurned the devil's peace of surrender.

Gentle ( επιεικης ). Old adjective (from εικος, reasonable, fair), equitable (Php 4:5; 1Pe 2:18). No English word renders it clearly.

Easy to be entreated ( ευπειθης ). Old adjective ( ευ, πειθομα ), compliant, approachable. Only here in N.T.

Mercy ( ελεους ). Practical help (2:13, 16).

Good fruits ( καρπων αγαθων ). Καλο καρπο in Mt 7:17f. Good deeds the fruit of righteousness (Php 1:11).

Without variance ( αδιακριτος ). Late verbal adjective (from alpha privative and διακρινω, to distinguish). "Unhesitating," not doubting ( διακρινομενος ) like the man in 1:6. Here only in N.T. This wisdom does not put a premium on doubt.

Without hypocrisy ( ανυποκριτος ). Late and rare verbal adjective (alpha privative and υποκρινω ). Not hypocritical, sincere, unfeigned (Ro 12:9).

Is sown in peace ( εν ειρηνη σπειρετα ). Present passive indicative of σπειρω, to sow. The seed which bears the fruit is sown, but James catches up the metaphor of καρπος (fruit) from verse 17. Only in peace is the fruit of righteousness found.

For them that make peace ( τοις ποιουσιν ειρηνην ). Dative case of the articular participle of ποιεω. See Eph 2:15 for this phrase (doing peace), and Col 1:20 for ειρηνοποιεω, of Christ, and Mt 5:9 for ειρηνοποιο (peacemakers). Only those who act peaceably are entitled to peace.