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James 3:8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
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It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nlt/james/3.htm">New Living Translation</a></span><br />but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/esv/james/3.htm">English Standard Version</a></span><br />but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/bsb/james/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a></span><br />but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/james/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />but no one of men is able to subdue the tongue; <i>it is</i> an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/kjv/james/3.htm">King James Bible</a></span><br />But the tongue can no man tame; <i>it is</i> an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nkjv/james/3.htm">New King James Version</a></span><br />But no man can tame the tongue. <i>It is</i> an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb_/james/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a></span><br />But no one <i>among</i> mankind can tame the tongue; <i>it is</i> a restless evil, full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb/james/3.htm">NASB 1995</a></span><br />But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nasb77/james/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a></span><br />But no one can tame the tongue; <i>it is</i> a restless evil <i>and</i> full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsb/james/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a></span><br />But no one can tame the tongue; <i>it is</i> a restless evil <i>and</i> full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/amp/james/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a></span><br />But no one can tame the <i>human</i> tongue; it is a restless evil [undisciplined, unstable], full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/csb/james/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />but no one can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/hcsb/james/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a></span><br />but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/asv/james/3.htm">American Standard Version</a></span><br />but the tongue can no man tame; it is a restless evil, it is full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cev/james/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a></span><br />But our tongues get out of control. They are restless and evil, and always spreading deadly poison. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/erv/james/3.htm">English Revised Version</a></span><br />but the tongue can no man tame; it is a restless evil, it is full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gwt/james/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a></span><br />Yet, no one can tame the tongue. It is an uncontrollable evil filled with deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/gnt/james/3.htm">Good News Translation</a></span><br />But no one has ever been able to tame the tongue. It is evil and uncontrollable, full of deadly poison. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/isv/james/3.htm">International Standard Version</a></span><br />but no one can tame the tongue. It is an uncontrollable evil filled with deadly poison. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/net/james/3.htm">NET Bible</a></span><br />But no human being can subdue the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nheb/james/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a></span><br />But nobody can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wbt/james/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a></span><br />But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/james/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But the tongue no man or woman is able to tame. It is an ever-busy mischief, and is full of deadly poison.<div class="vheading2"><b>Majority Text Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/msb/james/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a></span><br />but no man can tame the tongue. It is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/web/james/3.htm">World English Bible</a></span><br />but nobody can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. <div class="vheading2"><b>Literal Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lsv/james/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a></span><br />but no one of men is able to subdue the tongue—[it is] an unruly evil, full of deadly poison;<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/blb/james/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a></span><br />but no one of men is able to subdue the tongue; <i>it is</i> an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/ylt/james/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a></span><br /> and the tongue no one of men is able to subdue, it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison,<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/slt/james/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a></span><br />And the tongue none of men can tame; an ungovernable evil, full of deadly poison.<div class="vheading2"><b>Catholic Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/drb/james/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a></span><br />But the tongue no man can tame, an unquiet evil, full of deadly poison. <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/cpdv/james/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a></span><br />But no man is able to rule over the tongue, a restless evil, full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nabre/james/3.htm">New American Bible</a></span><br />but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/nrsvce/james/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a></span><br />but no one can tame the tongue—a restless evil, full of deadly poison.<div class="vheading2"><b>Translations from Aramaic</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/lamsa/james/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a></span><br />But the tongue no man can tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/aramaic-plain-english/james/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a></span><br />But the tongue no man is able to tame, this evil which is uncontrolled; It is full of deadly poison.<div class="vheading2"><b>NT Translations</b></div><span class="versiontext"><a href="/anderson/james/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a></span><br />but the tongue no man can tame; it is an unruly evil; it is full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/godbey/james/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a></span><br />but no one of men is able to tame the tongue; an incorrigible evil, full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/haweis/james/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a></span><br />but the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/mace/james/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a></span><br />but who could ever tame the tongue? arm'd with deadly poison, the mischief scorns restraint.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/wey/james/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a></span><br />But the tongue no man or woman is able to tame. It is an ever-busy mischief, and is full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worrell/james/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a></span><br />but the tongue no man can tame; a restless evil, full of deadly poison!<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/worsley/james/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a></span><br />but the tongue can no man tame; <i>it is</i> an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/parallel/james/3-8.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></span></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv"><b>Audio Bible</b></div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0xUBCzqsAGw?start=545" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><div class="vheadingv"><b>Context</b></div><span class="hdg"><a href="/bsb/james/3.htm">Taming the Tongue</a></span><br>…<span class="reftext">7</span>All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, <span class="reftext">8</span><span class="highl"><a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc.">but</a> <a href="/greek/3762.htm" title="3762: oudeis (Adj-NMS) -- No one, none, nothing. ">no</a> <a href="/greek/444.htm" title="444: anthrōpōn (N-GMP) -- A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.">man</a> <a href="/greek/1410.htm" title="1410: dynatai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- (a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.">can</a> <a href="/greek/1150.htm" title="1150: damasai (V-ANA) -- To tame, subdue, involving obedience and restraint. A variation of an obsolete primary of the same meaning; to tame.">tame</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tēn (Art-AFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/1100.htm" title="1100: glōssan (N-AFS) -- The tongue; by implication, a language.">tongue.</a> <a href="/greek/182.htm" title="182: akatastaton (Adj-NNS) -- Unsettled, unstable (though these are hardly strong enough equivalents), almost anarchic. Inconstant.">It is a restless</a> <a href="/greek/2556.htm" title="2556: kakon (Adj-NNS) -- Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious.">evil,</a> <a href="/greek/3324.htm" title="3324: mestē (Adj-NFS) -- Full, filled with. Of uncertain derivation.">full</a> <a href="/greek/2287.htm" title="2287: thanatēphorou (Adj-GMS) -- Death-bringing, deadly. From thanatos and phero; death-bearing, i.e. Fatal.">of deadly</a> <a href="/greek/2447.htm" title="2447: iou (N-GMS) -- Poison, rust; an arrow. Perhaps from eimi or hiemi; rust; also venom.">poison.</a> </span> <span class="reftext">9</span>With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a></span><br />Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34-37</a></span><br />You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. / The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. / But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. ...<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/15-4.htm">Proverbs 15:4</a></span><br />A soothing tongue is a tree of life, but a perverse tongue crushes the spirit.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/140-3.htm">Psalm 140:3</a></span><br />They sharpen their tongues like snakes; the venom of vipers is on their lips. Selah<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/romans/3-13.htm">Romans 3:13-14</a></span><br />“Their throats are open graves; their tongues practice deceit.” “The venom of vipers is on their lips.” / “Their mouths are full of cursing and bitterness.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18</a></span><br />Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a></span><br />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.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/1_peter/3-10.htm">1 Peter 3:10</a></span><br />For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a></span><br />When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/52-2.htm">Psalm 52:2-4</a></span><br />Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit. / You love evil more than good, falsehood more than speaking truth. Selah / You love every word that devours, O deceitful tongue.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/colossians/3-8.htm">Colossians 3:8</a></span><br />But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/proverbs/13-3.htm">Proverbs 13:3</a></span><br />He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/matthew/15-11.htm">Matthew 15:11</a></span><br />A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.”<span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="crossverse"><a href="/psalms/64-3.htm">Psalm 64:3</a></span><br />who sharpen their tongues like swords and aim their bitter words like arrows,</div><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div><p class="tsk2">But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.</p><p class="hdg">an unruly.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/james/3-6.htm">James 3:6</a></b></br> And the tongue <i>is</i> 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.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/55-21.htm">Psalm 55:21</a></b></br> <i>The words</i> of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war <i>was</i> in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet <i>were</i> they drawn swords.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/57-4.htm">Psalm 57:4</a></b></br> My soul <i>is</i> among lions: <i>and</i> I lie <i>even among</i> them that are set on fire, <i>even</i> the sons of men, whose teeth <i>are</i> spears and arrows, and their tongue a sharp sword.</p><p class="hdg">full.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/deuteronomy/32-33.htm">Deuteronomy 32:33</a></b></br> Their wine <i>is</i> the poison of dragons, and the cruel venom of asps.</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/58-4.htm">Psalm 58:4</a></b></br> Their poison <i>is</i> like the poison of a serpent: <i>they are</i> like the deaf adder <i>that</i> stoppeth her ear;</p><p class="tskverse"><b><a href="/psalms/140-3.htm">Psalm 140:3</a></b></br> They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison <i>is</i> under their lips. Selah.</p><div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/james/3-2.htm">Able</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/14-32.htm">Controlled</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-10.htm">Deadly</a> <a href="/james/2-11.htm">Death</a> <a href="/james/3-6.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/james/2-16.htm">Full</a> <a href="/james/2-26.htm">Human</a> <a href="/romans/1-29.htm">Mischief</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-4.htm">Nobody</a> <a href="/romans/3-13.htm">Poison</a> <a href="/jeremiah/49-23.htm">Restless</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-33.htm">Subdue</a> <a href="/mark/5-4.htm">Tame</a> <a href="/james/3-6.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/psalms/107-9.htm">Unresting</a> <a href="/titus/1-10.htm">Unruly</a> <a href="/james/1-8.htm">Unsettled</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/james/3-12.htm">Able</a> <a href="/genesis/43-31.htm">Controlled</a> <a href="/revelation/13-3.htm">Deadly</a> <a href="/james/4-2.htm">Death</a> <a href="/james/3-15.htm">Evil</a> <a href="/james/3-17.htm">Full</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-13.htm">Human</a> <a href="/genesis/42-4.htm">Mischief</a> <a href="/proverbs/12-9.htm">Nobody</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/32-24.htm">Poison</a> <a href="/genesis/4-12.htm">Restless</a> <a href="/genesis/1-28.htm">Subdue</a> <a href="/mark/5-4.htm">Tame</a> <a href="/james/3-9.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/psalms/107-9.htm">Unresting</a> <a href="/jeremiah/31-18.htm">Unruly</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-14.htm">Unsettled</a><div class="vheading2">James 3</div><span class="reftext">1. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/james/3-1.htm">We are not rashly or arrogantly to reprove others;</a></span><br><span class="reftext">5. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/james/3-5.htm">but rather to bridle the tongue, a little member, </a></span><br><span class="reftext">9. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/james/3-9.htm">but a powerful instrument of much good, and great harm.</a></span><br><span class="reftext">13. </span><span class="outlinetext"><a href="/james/3-13.htm">The truly wise are mild and peaceable, without envy and strife.</a></span><br></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><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-ATF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-300x250-BTF --> <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br /> <!-- /1078254/BH-728x90-BTF2 --> <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> <br /><br /> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/james/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/james/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/james/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div><b>but no man can tame the tongue.</b><br>The phrase highlights the inherent difficulty humans face in controlling their speech. This aligns with the broader biblical theme of human fallibility and the need for divine assistance. The tongue, representing speech, is a small part of the body but has a significant impact, as seen in <a href="/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5-6</a>, where it is compared to a small spark that can set a great forest on fire. The inability to tame the tongue underscores the need for spiritual discipline and reliance on the Holy Spirit, as seen in <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a>, where self-control is listed as a fruit of the Spirit. The tongue's untamable nature also reflects the fallen state of humanity, echoing the sentiments of <a href="/jeremiah/17-9.htm">Jeremiah 17:9</a> about the deceitfulness of the heart.<p><b>It is a restless evil,</b><br>This phrase suggests the tongue's constant potential for harm and its unpredictable nature. The term "restless" implies instability and a tendency towards mischief, similar to the description of the wicked in <a href="/isaiah/57-20.htm">Isaiah 57:20</a>, who are likened to a troubled sea. The tongue's restlessness can lead to gossip, slander, and falsehood, which are condemned throughout Scripture (<a href="/proverbs/6-16.htm">Proverbs 6:16-19</a>). The evil nature of the tongue is a reflection of the inner moral state, as Jesus taught in <a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34</a>, where He stated that out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.<p><b>full of deadly poison.</b><br>This metaphor emphasizes the destructive power of words, likening them to venom that can cause spiritual and relational death. The imagery of poison is used elsewhere in Scripture, such as in <a href="/psalms/140-3.htm">Psalm 140:3</a>, where the wicked are described as having tongues as sharp as a serpent's. The deadly nature of the tongue's poison can lead to division and strife within the community, as warned against in <a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a>, which states that death and life are in the power of the tongue. This phrase serves as a caution to believers to guard their speech and seek wisdom from above, as described in <a href="/james/3-17.htm">James 3:17</a>, which is pure, peaceable, and gentle.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <b><a href="/topical/j/james.htm">James</a></b><br>The author of the epistle, traditionally identified as James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Jerusalem church. He is known for his practical teachings on Christian living.<br><br>2. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_early_church.htm">The Early Church</a></b><br>The context in which James wrote, addressing Jewish Christians scattered among the nations, dealing with issues of faith, works, and community living.<br><br>3. <b><a href="/topical/t/the_tongue.htm">The Tongue</a></b><br>A metaphorical reference to human speech and communication, highlighting its potential for both good and harm.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><b><a href="/topical/t/the_untamable_tongue.htm">The Untamable Tongue</a></b><br>Despite human efforts, the tongue cannot be fully controlled by human strength alone. This highlights our need for divine assistance and the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_restless_evil.htm">The Restless Evil</a></b><br>The tongue is described as "restless," indicating its potential for constant activity and mischief. Believers must remain vigilant and intentional about their speech.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/f/full_of_deadly_poison.htm">Full of Deadly Poison</a></b><br>Words can cause significant harm, akin to poison. Christians are called to be mindful of the impact their words can have on others and to strive for speech that heals rather than harms.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/t/the_role_of_the_heart.htm">The Role of the Heart</a></b><br>The tongue reflects the condition of the heart. A transformed heart, aligned with God's will, will produce speech that honors Him.<br><br><b><a href="/topical/s/seeking_god's_help.htm">Seeking God's Help</a></b><br>Recognizing our inability to tame the tongue on our own should drive us to seek God's help through prayer and reliance on the Holy Spirit.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_james_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from James 3</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/how_can_the_tongue_be_untamable_yet_controlled.htm">In James 3:8, the tongue is called “untamable,” conflicting with other teachings on self-control (e.g., Galatians 5:23); how can both be true? </a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_is_the_meaning_of_james_3_8.htm">What is the meaning of James 3:8?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/what_does_the_bible_say_on_speech.htm">What does the Bible teach about controlling speech?</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/q/is_james_3_7_factual_or_hyperbole.htm">James 3:7 claims that “all kinds of animals... have been tamed by mankind,” yet many species remain untamed; is this factual or hyperbole? </a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/james/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(8) <span class= "bld">But the tongue can no man tame; it</span> <span class= "bld">is an unruly </span>(or, <span class= "ital">restless</span>) <span class= "bld">evil, full of deadly poison.</span>--Mortiferous, bringer of death, like a poisoned dart or arrow; and therefore most suggestive of envenomed flights at the fame of others. St. James does not mean that no one can tame his own tongue, for so he would hardly be responsible for its vagaries; and lower down it is written expressly, "these things ought not so to be." The hopeless savagery of the tongue, excelling the fury of wild beasts, must be that of the liar, the traducer, and blasphemer. (Comp. Psalms 140)<p><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/james/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div><span class="cmt_sub_title">Verse 8.</span> - It is <span class="cmt_word">an unruly evil</span>; rather <span class="accented">restless</span>, reading <span class="greek">ἀκατάστατον</span> (<span class="hebrew">א</span>, A, B) for <span class="greek">ἀκατάσχετον</span> of Textus Receptus (C, K, L); Vulgate, <span class="accented">inquietum malum</span> (cf. <a href="/james/1-8.htm">James 1:8</a>). The nominatives in this verse should be noticed: "The last words are to be regarded as a kind of exclamation, and are therefore appended in an independent construction" (Winer, p. 668). A restless evil! Full of deadly poison! Compare the abrupt nominative in <a href="/philippians/3-19.htm">Philippians 3:19</a> with Bishop Light-feet's note. <span class="cmt_word">Deadly</span> (<span class="greek">θανατηφόρος</span>); here only in the New Testament. In the LXX. it is found in <a href="/numbers/18-22.htm">Numbers 18:22</a>; <a href="/job/33-23.htm">Job 33:23</a>; 4 Macc. 8:17, 24; 15:23. For the figure, cf. <a href="/psalms/140-3.htm">Psalm 140:3</a>, "They have sharpened their tongues like a serpent; adders' poison is under their lips." <span class="p"><br /><br /></span><span class="versiontext"><a href="/commentaries/james/3-8.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a></span><span class="p"><br /><br /><br /></span><a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div><span class="word">but</span><br /><span class="grk">δὲ</span> <span class="translit">(de)</span><br /><span class="parse">Conjunction<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1161.htm">Strong's 1161: </a> </span><span class="str2">A primary particle; but, and, etc.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">no</span><br /><span class="grk">οὐδεὶς</span> <span class="translit">(oudeis)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3762.htm">Strong's 3762: </a> </span><span class="str2">No one, none, nothing. </span><br /><br /><span class="word">man</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀνθρώπων</span> <span class="translit">(anthrōpōn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_444.htm">Strong's 444: </a> </span><span class="str2">A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">can</span><br /><span class="grk">δύναται</span> <span class="translit">(dynatai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1410.htm">Strong's 1410: </a> </span><span class="str2">(a) I am powerful, have (the) power, (b) I am able, I can. Of uncertain affinity; to be able or possible.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">tame</span><br /><span class="grk">δαμάσαι</span> <span class="translit">(damasai)</span><br /><span class="parse">Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1150.htm">Strong's 1150: </a> </span><span class="str2">To tame, subdue, involving obedience and restraint. A variation of an obsolete primary of the same meaning; to tame.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">the</span><br /><span class="grk">τὴν</span> <span class="translit">(tēn)</span><br /><span class="parse">Article - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> </span><span class="str2">The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">tongue.</span><br /><span class="grk">γλῶσσαν</span> <span class="translit">(glōssan)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_1100.htm">Strong's 1100: </a> </span><span class="str2">The tongue; by implication, a language.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">[It is] a restless</span><br /><span class="grk">ἀκατάστατον</span> <span class="translit">(akatastaton)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_182.htm">Strong's 182: </a> </span><span class="str2">Unsettled, unstable (though these are hardly strong enough equivalents), almost anarchic. Inconstant.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">evil,</span><br /><span class="grk">κακόν</span> <span class="translit">(kakon)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2556.htm">Strong's 2556: </a> </span><span class="str2">Bad, evil, in the widest sense. Apparently a primary word; worthless, i.e. depraved, or injurious.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">full</span><br /><span class="grk">μεστὴ</span> <span class="translit">(mestē)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Nominative Feminine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_3324.htm">Strong's 3324: </a> </span><span class="str2">Full, filled with. Of uncertain derivation.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">of deadly</span><br /><span class="grk">θανατηφόρου</span> <span class="translit">(thanatēphorou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2287.htm">Strong's 2287: </a> </span><span class="str2">Death-bringing, deadly. From thanatos and phero; death-bearing, i.e. Fatal.</span><br /><br /><span class="word">poison.</span><br /><span class="grk">ἰοῦ</span> <span class="translit">(iou)</span><br /><span class="parse">Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular<br /></span><span class="str"><a href="/greek/strongs_2447.htm">Strong's 2447: </a> </span><span class="str2">Poison, rust; an arrow. Perhaps from eimi or hiemi; rust; also venom.</span><br /><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/james/3-8.htm">James 3:8 NIV</a><br /><a href="/nlt/james/3-8.htm">James 3:8 NLT</a><br /><a href="/esv/james/3-8.htm">James 3:8 ESV</a><br /><a href="/nasb/james/3-8.htm">James 3:8 NASB</a><br /><a href="/kjv/james/3-8.htm">James 3:8 KJV</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="//bibleapps.com/james/3-8.htm">James 3:8 BibleApps.com</a><br /><a href="//bibliaparalela.com/james/3-8.htm">James 3:8 Biblia Paralela</a><br /><a href="//holybible.com.cn/james/3-8.htm">James 3:8 Chinese Bible</a><br /><a href="//saintebible.com/james/3-8.htm">James 3:8 French Bible</a><br /><a href="/catholic/james/3-8.htm">James 3:8 Catholic Bible</a><span class="p"><br /><br /></span><a href="/james/3-8.htm">NT Letters: James 3:8 But nobody can tame the tongue (Ja Jas. Jam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/james/3-7.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="James 3:7"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="James 3:7" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/james/3-9.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="James 3:9"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="James 3:9" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>