But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

JAMES 3:14KJV
Know the Bible

James 3:14 (KJV)

What does James 3:14 mean?

James 3:14 warns that if someone harbors bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in their heart, they should not boast about it or deny the truth. The verse points out that these attitudes are not something to be proud of and should not be covered up with false claims.

James, the brother of Jesus, is writing to early Christian communities about the dangers of unhealthy attitudes that can grow within a person. In this verse, James specifically addresses the problem of letting negative feelings like jealousy and rivalry take root inside, and he cautions against pretending these issues do not exist or acting as if they are justified.

The Greek behind James 3:14

  • "πικρὸν" (pikron, "bitter"): This word describes a sharp, harsh kind of jealousy, not just a mild envy. James is highlighting a deep-seated, corrosive attitude.
  • "ζῆλον" (zēlon, "envying"): This term often means zeal or eagerness, but here it points to a negative form—jealousy or envy that can disrupt relationships.
  • "ἐριθείαν" (eritheian, "strife"): This word refers to selfish ambition or rivalry, the kind of attitude that puts one's own interests above others and leads to conflict.
  • "κατακαυχᾶσθε" (katakauchasthe, "glory not"): The Greek here carries the sense of boasting or exalting oneself, especially in a way that is misplaced or inappropriate.
  • "ψεύδεσθε" (pseudesthe, "lie not"): This word means to speak falsely or deceive, especially in denying the reality of what is in the heart.

Why James 3:14 matters

  • James 3:14 clarifies that jealousy and selfish ambition are not just minor flaws but serious issues that can undermine truth and community.
  • The verse emphasizes honesty about one’s inner life, warning against both pride and denial, which helps set up James’s wider teaching on wisdom and humility.
  • By connecting inner attitudes with outward truthfulness, James 3:14 helps readers see that spiritual health involves both what is felt and what is admitted openly.

Where else these words appear

“bitter” Greek G4089 · used in 2 verses

  • James 3:11 Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

“glory” Greek G2620 · used in 3 verses

  • Romans 11:18 Boast not against the branches. But if thou boast, thou bearest not the root, but the root thee.
  • James 2:13 For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

“strife” Greek G2052 · used in 7 verses

  • Romans 2:8 But unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath,
  • Galatians 5:20 Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies,
  • Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.

“not” Greek G5574 · used in 12 verses

  • Matthew 5:11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
  • Romans 9:1 I say the truth in Christ, I lie not, my conscience also bearing me witness in the Holy Ghost,
  • 1 Timothy 2:7 Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle,(I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.