This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

JAMES 3:15KJV
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James 3:15 (KJV)

What does James 3:15 mean?

James 3:15 warns that some kinds of "wisdom" do not come from God but are instead rooted in earthly thinking, driven by natural desires, and influenced by evil forces. This verse draws a sharp line between wisdom that is truly from above and wisdom that is flawed or even harmful.

James, the brother of Jesus, is writing to early Christians about the dangers of jealousy and selfish ambition. In this verse, he explains that wisdom motivated by these attitudes is not spiritual or godly. Instead, James calls it "earthly" (focused on the world), "sensual" (driven by base human instincts), and "devilish" (linked to demonic influence), showing that not all wisdom is good or trustworthy.

The Greek behind James 3:15

  • "Earthly" (ἐπίγειος, epigeios): This word means belonging to the earth or worldly. James uses it to show that this kind of wisdom is limited to human ways of thinking, not God's perspective.
  • "Sensual" (ψυχικός, psychikos): This term is often understood as "natural" or "unspiritual," referring to desires and instincts that come from human nature rather than the Spirit of God.
  • "Devilish" (δαιμονιώδης, daimoniōdēs): This rare word means "demonic" or influenced by evil spirits. James uses it to stress that some wisdom can actually have a dark, spiritual source.

Why James 3:15 matters

  • James 3:15 clears up the idea that not all wisdom is good; some wisdom can actually lead people away from God and toward harm.
  • This verse helps readers see that the source of wisdom matters just as much as the wisdom itself—motives and origins are important.
  • In the flow of James 3, this verse sets up a contrast with the next verses, where James describes what true, godly wisdom looks like, helping readers discern between the two.

Where else these words appear

“sensual” Greek G5591 · used in 5 verses

  • 1 Corinthians 2:14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:44 It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.
  • 1 Corinthians 15:46 Howbeit that was not first which is spiritual, but that which is natural; and afterward that which is spiritual.

“earthly” Greek G1919 · used in 6 verses

  • John 3:12 If I have told you earthly things, and ye believe not, how shall ye believe, if I tell you of heavenly things?
  • 1 Corinthians 15:40 There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.
  • Philippians 2:10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

“descendeth” Greek G2718 · used in 13 verses

  • Luke 4:31 And came down to Capernaum, a city of Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath days.
  • Acts 11:27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.
  • Acts 18:5 And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ.

“above” Greek G509 · used in 13 verses

  • Matthew 27:51 And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;
  • John 3:7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again.
  • Acts 26:5 Which knew me from the beginning, if they would testify, that after the most straitest sect of our religion I lived a Pharisee.