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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>James 3:9 With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/james/3-9.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/19/59_Jas_03_09.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="James 3:9 - Taming the Tongue" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script> <script src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/biblehub.js' type='text/javascript'></script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/james/3-9.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/james/3-9.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/james/">James</a> > <a href="/james/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 9</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad1.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/james/3-8.htm" title="James 3:8">◄</a> James 3:9 <a href="/james/3-10.htm" title="James 3:10">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Study Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Crossref </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comment </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/james/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/james/3.htm">New International Version</a> With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God&#8217s likeness. <a href="/nlt/james/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God. <a href="/esv/james/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. <a href="/bsb/james/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. <a href="/blb/james/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, those being made according to the likeness of God. <a href="/kjv/james/3.htm">King James Bible</a> Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. <a href="/nkjv/james/3.htm">New King James Version</a> With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God. <a href="/nasb_/james/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, who have been made in the likeness of God; <a href="/nasb/james/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; <a href="/nasb77/james/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> With it we bless our Lord and Father; and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; <a href="/lsb/james/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God. <a href="/amp/james/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God. <a href="/csb/james/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in God’s likeness. <a href="/hcsb/james/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> We praise our Lord and Father with it, and we curse men who are made in God&#8217s likeness with it. <a href="/asv/james/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> Therewith bless we the Lord and Father; and therewith curse we men, who are made after the likeness of God: <a href="/erv/james/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> Therewith bless we the Lord and Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the likeness of God: <a href="/gwt/james/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> With our tongues we praise our Lord and Father. Yet, with the same tongues we curse people, who were created in God's likeness. <a href="/gnt/james/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> We use it to give thanks to our Lord and Father and also to curse other people, who are created in the likeness of God. <a href="/isv/james/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in God's likeness. <a href="/msb/james/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> With the tongue we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness. <a href="/net/james/3.htm">NET Bible</a> With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse people made in God's image. <a href="/nheb/james/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people, who are made in the image of God. <a href="/wbt/james/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> With this we bless God, even the Father; and with this we curse men, who are made after the similitude of God. <a href="/wey/james/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in God's likeness. <a href="/web/james/3.htm">World English Bible</a> With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men who are made in the image of God. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/james/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> with it we bless the God and Father, and with it we curse the men made according to [the] likeness of God; <a href="/blb/james/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, those being made according to the likeness of God. <a href="/ylt/james/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> with it we do bless the God and Father, and with it we do curse the men made according to the similitude of God; <a href="/slt/james/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> With it we praise the God and Father; and with it we curse men, those made according to the similitude of God.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/james/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> By it we bless God and the Father: and by it we curse men, who are made after the likeness of God. <a href="/cpdv/james/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> By it we bless God the Father, and by it we speak evil of men, who have been made in the likeness of God. <a href="/nabre/james/3.htm">New American Bible</a> With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings who are made in the likeness of God. <a href="/nrsvce/james/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse those who are made in the likeness of God.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/james/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> By it we bless the LORD and the Father; and by it we curse men, who are made in the image of God: <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/james/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> With it we bless THE LORD JEHOVAH and The Father; with it we curse the children of men who are made in the image of God.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/james/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> With it we bless God, even the Father: and with it we curse men, who are made in the likeness of God. <a href="/godbey/james/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> With it we bless the Lord, even the Father; and with it we scold the people, who have been made after the image of God: <a href="/haweis/james/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> With it we bless God even the Farther; and with the same we curse men, though after the likeness of God. <a href="/mace/james/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> By that we give praises to God the father: and that pronounces curses even against men, who are form'd after the divine resemblance. <a href="/wey/james/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who are made in God's likeness. <a href="/worrell/james/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Therewith we bless the Lord and Father; and therewith we curse men, who have been made after the likeness of God. <a href="/worsley/james/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> With it we bless God even the Father; and with it we curse men, who are made after the likeness of God: <a href="/parallel/james/3-9.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0xUBCzqsAGw?start=553" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/james/3.htm">Taming the Tongue</a> …8but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9<a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: En (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">With</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autē (PPro-DF3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">the tongue</a> <a href="/greek/2127.htm" title="2127: eulogoumen (V-PIA-1P) -- (lit: I speak well of) I bless; pass: I am blessed. From a compound of eu and logos; to speak well of, i.e. to bless.">we bless</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ton (Art-AMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">our</a> <a href="/greek/2962.htm" title="2962: Kyrion (N-AMS) -- Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.">Lord</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/3962.htm" title="3962: Patera (N-AMS) -- Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a father.">Father,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1722.htm" title="1722: en (Prep) -- In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; in, at, on, by, etc.">with</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autē (PPro-DF3S) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">it</a> <a href="/greek/2672.htm" title="2672: katarōmetha (V-PIM/P-1P) -- To curse. Middle voice from katara; to execrate; by analogy, to doom.">we curse</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpous (N-AMP) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">men,</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">who</a> <a href="/greek/1096.htm" title="1096: gegonotas (V-RPA-AMP) -- A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude.">have been made</a> <a href="/greek/2596.htm" title="2596: kath’ (Prep) -- A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined).">in</a> <a href="/greek/2316.htm" title="2316: Theou (N-GMS) -- A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.">God’s</a> <a href="/greek/3669.htm" title="3669: homoiōsin (N-AFS) -- Making like, likeness, resemblance. From homoioo; assimilation, i.e. Resemblance.">likeness.</a> 10Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, this should not be!…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/genesis/1-26.htm">Genesis 1:26-27</a> Then God said, “Let Us make man in Our image, after Our likeness, to rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air, over the livestock, and over all the earth itself and every creature that crawls upon it.” / So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. <a href="/matthew/5-44.htm">Matthew 5:44</a> But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, <a href="/genesis/9-6.htm">Genesis 9:6</a> Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man his blood will be shed; for in His own image God has made mankind. <a href="/1_john/4-20.htm">1 John 4:20</a> If anyone says, “I love God,” but hates his brother, he is a liar. For anyone who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen. <a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a> Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. <a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36-37</a> But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a> Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen. <a href="/colossians/3-10.htm">Colossians 3:10</a> and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator. <a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">1 Peter 3:9</a> Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. <a href="/romans/12-14.htm">Romans 12:14</a> Bless those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse. <a href="/psalms/34-13.htm">Psalm 34:13</a> Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from deceitful speech. <a href="/proverbs/10-11.htm">Proverbs 10:11</a> The mouth of the righteous is a fountain of life, but the mouth of the wicked conceals violence. <a href="/1_corinthians/11-7.htm">1 Corinthians 11:7</a> A man ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but the woman is the glory of man. <a href="/matthew/15-11.htm">Matthew 15:11</a> A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.” <a href="/proverbs/15-4.htm">Proverbs 15:4</a> A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.Therewith.<a href="/psalms/16-9.htm">Psalm 16:9</a> Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.<a href="/psalms/30-12.htm">Psalm 30:12</a> To the end that my glory may sing praise to thee, and not be silent. O LORD my God, I will give thanks unto thee for ever.<a href="/psalms/35-28.htm">Psalm 35:28</a> And my tongue shall speak of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.bless.<a href="/1_chronicles/29-10.htm">1 Chronicles 29:10,20</a> Wherefore David blessed the LORD before all the congregation: and David said, Blessed be thou, LORD God of Israel our father, for ever and ever… <a href="/psalms/34-1.htm">Psalm 34:1</a> A Psalm of David, when he changed his behaviour before Abimelech; who drove him away, and he departed. I will bless the LORD at all times: his praise shall continually be in my mouth.<a href="/psalms/63-4.htm">Psalm 63:4</a> Thus will I bless thee while I live: I will lift up my hands in thy name.therewith curse.<a href="/judges/9-27.htm">Judges 9:27</a> And they went out into the fields, and gathered their vineyards, and trode the grapes, and made merry, and went into the house of their god, and did eat and drink, and cursed Abimelech.<a href="/2_samuel/16-5.htm">2 Samuel 16:5</a> And when king David came to Bahurim, behold, thence came out a man of the family of the house of Saul, whose name was Shimei, the son of Gera: he came forth, and cursed still as he came.<a href="/2_samuel/19-21.htm">2 Samuel 19:21</a> But Abishai the son of Zeruiah answered and said, Shall not Shimei be put to death for this, because he cursed the LORD'S anointed?made.<a href="/genesis/1-26.htm">Genesis 1:26,27</a> And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth… <a href="/genesis/5-1.htm">Genesis 5:1</a> This is the book of the generations of Adam. In the day that God created man, in the likeness of God made he him;<a href="/genesis/9-6.htm">Genesis 9:6</a> Whoso sheddeth man's blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/11-21.htm">Bless</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-8.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/james/2-23.htm">God's</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-1.htm">Image</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-15.htm">Likeness</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-15.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-15.htm">Similitude</a> <a href="/1_timothy/6-8.htm">Therewith</a> <a href="/james/3-8.htm">Tongue</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_peter/3-9.htm">Bless</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-23.htm">Curse</a> <a href="/james/4-4.htm">God's</a> <a href="/revelation/13-14.htm">Image</a> <a href="/genesis/1-26.htm">Likeness</a> <a href="/james/3-10.htm">Praise</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-22.htm">Similitude</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-5.htm">Therewith</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-10.htm">Tongue</a><div class="vheading2">James 3</div>1. <a href="/james/3-1.htm">We are not rashly or arrogantly to reprove others;</a> 5. <a href="/james/3-5.htm">but rather to bridle the tongue, a little member, </a> 9. <a href="/james/3-9.htm">but a powerful instrument of much good, and great harm.</a> 13. <a href="/james/3-13.htm">The truly wise are mild and peaceable, without envy and strife.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/james/3.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>With the tongue The "tongue" in this context is a metonym for speech or the words we use. In Greek, the word is "glōssa," which can refer to the physical organ or, metaphorically, to language and speech. The tongue is a powerful tool, capable of both blessing and cursing. Historically, the tongue has been seen as a double-edged sword, as it can be used for both good and evil. In the biblical context, the tongue is often associated with wisdom and folly, as seen in Proverbs, where wise speech is commended and foolish speech is condemned.we bless The Greek word for "bless" is "eulogeō," which means to speak well of or to praise. In the biblical sense, blessing is an act of worship and reverence towards God. It is an acknowledgment of His sovereignty and goodness. The act of blessing God is a central theme in Scripture, reflecting a heart of gratitude and worship. Historically, blessings were pronounced in both public and private worship settings, emphasizing the communal and personal aspects of faith.our Lord and Father This phrase highlights the dual relationship believers have with God. "Lord" (Greek: "Kyrios") signifies authority and divinity, while "Father" (Greek: "Patēr") emphasizes intimacy and relationship. The use of both titles reflects the Christian understanding of God as both sovereign ruler and loving parent. This duality is rooted in the Jewish tradition, where God is both the Almighty Creator and the covenantal Father of Israel. In the New Testament, this understanding is deepened through the revelation of Jesus Christ, who taught His followers to address God as "Father."and with it we curse men The word "curse" comes from the Greek "kataraomai," meaning to invoke harm or speak evil against someone. Cursing is the antithesis of blessing and reflects a heart that is not aligned with God's will. In the ancient world, curses were taken very seriously, often believed to have real power to harm. The act of cursing men, who are made in God's image, is a grave contradiction for believers, as it undermines the very nature of God’s creation and His command to love others.who have been made in God’s likeness This phrase refers to the theological concept of the Imago Dei, the belief that humans are created in the image and likeness of God, as stated in <a href="/genesis/1-26.htm">Genesis 1:26-27</a>. The Greek word for "likeness" is "homoiōsis," which implies resemblance or similarity. This concept is foundational to Christian anthropology, affirming the inherent dignity and worth of every human being. Historically, this belief has been a cornerstone for Christian ethics, emphasizing the value of human life and the call to love and respect others as bearers of God's image. The contradiction of blessing God while cursing those made in His likeness highlights the inconsistency and hypocrisy that James seeks to address in the believer's life.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/james/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(9) Therewith bless we God, even the Father.--A strange reading of this verse in the more ancient manuscripts makes it, Therewith bless we the Lord and Father. And it may serve to remind us of the oneness of our God, that thus He may be termed Lord and Saviour. His worship and praise are, as explained under <a href="/james/3-6.htm" title="And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.">James 3:6</a>, the right use of the tongue; but, most inconsistently, therewith curse we men which have been made in the image, after the similitude, of God. See Ps. 1. 16-23, with its final words of warning to the wicked, and praise "to him that ordereth his conversation right."The "likeness of God" assuredly remains in the most abandoned and fallen; and to curse it is to invoke the wrath of its Creator. What then can be urged in defence of anathemas and fulminations of councils, or the mutual execrations of sects and schisms, in the light of these solemn words? "Though they curse, yet bless thou . . . and let them cover themselves with their own confusion" (<a href="/context/psalms/109-28.htm" title="Let them curse, but bless you: when they arise, let them be ashamed; but let your servant rejoice.">Psalm 109:28-29</a>).<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/james/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verses 9, 10. - Examples of the restless character of the tongue: "With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it too we curse men who are made in his image." In the first clause we should read Κύριον (א, A, B, C, Coptic, Syriac, ff, and some manuscripts of the Vulgate) for Θεόν (Receptus, with K, L, and Vulgate). Made after the similitude of God; better, likeness (ὁμοίωσις). The words, which are taken from <a href="/genesis/1-26.htm">Genesis 1:26</a> (καὶ εῖπεν ὁ Θεὸς ποιήσωμεν ἄνθρωπον κατ εἰκόνα ἡμετέραν καὶ καθ ὁμοιώσιν) are added to show the greatness of the sin. Theologically they are important, as showing that the "likeness of God" in man (in whatever it may consist) was not entirely obliterated by the Fall. St. James's words would be meaningless if only Adam had been created in the image and likeness of God. So St. Paul speaks of fallen man as still "the image (εἰκών) and glory of God" (<a href="/1_corinthians/11-7.htm">1 Corinthians 11:7</a>; and cf. <a href="/genesis/9-6.htm">Genesis 9:6</a>). <a href="/commentaries/james/3-9.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>With Ἐν (En) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. [the tongue] αὐτῇ (autē) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Feminine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. we bless εὐλογοῦμεν (eulogoumen) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2127.htm">Strong's 2127: </a> (lit: I speak well of) I bless; pass: I am blessed. From a compound of eu and logos; to speak well of, i.e. to bless. our τὸν (ton) Article - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. Lord Κύριον (Kyrion) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2962.htm">Strong's 2962: </a> Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. Father, Πατέρα (Patera) Noun - Accusative Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3962.htm">Strong's 3962: </a> Father, (Heavenly) Father, ancestor, elder, senior. Apparently a primary word; a 'father'. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. with ἐν (en) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1722.htm">Strong's 1722: </a> In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc. it αὐτῇ (autē) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative Feminine 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. we curse καταρώμεθα (katarōmetha) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2672.htm">Strong's 2672: </a> To curse. Middle voice from katara; to execrate; by analogy, to doom. men, ἀνθρώπους (anthrōpous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being. who τοὺς (tous) Article - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. have been made γεγονότας (gegonotas) Verb - Perfect Participle Active - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1096.htm">Strong's 1096: </a> A prolongation and middle voice form of a primary verb; to cause to be, i.e. to become, used with great latitude. in καθ’ (kath’) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_2596.htm">Strong's 2596: </a> A primary particle; down, in varied relations (genitive, dative or accusative) with which it is joined). God’s Θεοῦ (Theou) Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2316.htm">Strong's 2316: </a> A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very. likeness. ὁμοίωσιν (homoiōsin) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3669.htm">Strong's 3669: </a> Making like, likeness, resemblance. From homoioo; assimilation, i.e. Resemblance. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/james/3-9.htm">James 3:9 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/james/3-9.htm">James 3:9 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/james/3-9.htm">James 3:9 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/james/3-9.htm">James 3:9 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/james/3-9.htm">James 3:9 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/james/3-9.htm">James 3:9 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/james/3-9.htm">James 3:9 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/james/3-9.htm">James 3:9 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/james/3-9.htm">James 3:9 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/james/3-9.htm">James 3:9 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/james/3-9.htm">NT Letters: James 3:9 With it we bless our God (Ja Jas. 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