For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

JAMES 3:16KJV
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James 3:16 (KJV)

What does James 3:16 mean?

James 3:16 warns that wherever there is jealousy and fighting, confusion and all kinds of harmful actions will follow. The verse highlights how unchecked envy and conflict open the door to disorder and wrongdoing in a community.

James, the brother of Jesus, is writing to early Christians about the dangers of selfish ambition and rivalry, especially among those who want to be teachers or leaders. In this verse, James is emphasizing that when people let jealousy and competition guide them, it disrupts peace and leads to all sorts of negative outcomes, not just for individuals but for the whole group.

The Greek behind James 3:16

  • ζῆλος (zēlos, "envying"): This word often means a strong desire or jealousy that can turn destructive. In this context, it is not just wanting what someone else has, but a kind of rivalry that stirs up trouble.
  • ἐριθεία (eritheia, "strife"): This word refers to selfish ambition or party spirit—pushing one's own agenda, often at the expense of others. It is more than just disagreement; it is about creating factions and division.
  • ἀκαταστασία (akatastasia, "confusion"): This word means disorder or instability. It suggests a breakdown of order and peace, not just minor confusion but a deeper chaos in relationships or community life.
  • φαῦλος (phaulos, "evil"): This word means something worthless, bad, or morally wrong. It covers a broad range of harmful actions, showing that the consequences of envy and strife are not limited to just one kind of wrongdoing.

Why James 3:16 matters

  • James 3:16 clarifies that jealousy and selfish ambition are not just private issues; they have real, damaging effects on the whole community, leading to chaos and wrongdoing.
  • The verse connects to the wider passage, where James warns about the power of the tongue and the need for wisdom from above, showing that inner attitudes shape outward behavior.
  • By naming both "confusion" and "every evil work," James emphasizes that the fallout from envy and strife is broad and serious, not limited to one or two problems.

Where else these words appear

“evil” Greek G5337 · used in 4 verses

  • John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
  • John 5:29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
  • Titus 2:8 Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you.

“confusion” Greek G181 · used in 5 verses

  • Luke 21:9 But when ye shall hear of wars and commotions, be not terrified: for these things must first come to pass; but the end is not by and by.
  • 1 Corinthians 14:33 For God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints.
  • 2 Corinthians 6:5 In stripes, in imprisonments, in tumults, in labours, in watchings, in fastings;

“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.

“work” Greek G4229 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 18:19 Again I say unto you, That if two of you shall agree on earth as touching any thing that they shall ask, it shall be done for them of my Father which is in heaven.
  • Romans 16:2 That ye receive her in the Lord, as becometh saints, and that ye assist her in whatsoever business she hath need of you: for she hath been a succourer of many, and of myself also.
  • 1 Thessalonians 4:6 That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified.