James 3:9

9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.

James 3:9 in Other Translations

KJV
9 Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.
ESV
9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.
NLT
9 Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.
MSG
9 With our tongues we bless God our Father; with the same tongues we curse the very men and women he made in his image.
CSB
9 With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who are made in God's likeness.

James 3:9 Meaning and Commentary

James 3:9

Therewith bless we God, even, the Father
Of Jesus Christ, and of spirits, and of mercies: this is the instrument that is used in blessing God daily every meal that is eaten; and in joining with the saints, though only verbally and outwardly, in blessing God for all spiritual blessings in Christ, both in prayer, and in singing psalms:

and therewith curse we men:
make imprecations, and wish evils upon them:

which are made after the similitude of God
as man was originally, ( Genesis 1:26 Genesis 1:27 ) and though sin has greatly defaced it, yet there are still some remains of it: and now, what an absurd and monstrous thing is this, that one and the same instrument should be used in blessing God, the Father of all creatures, and in cursing his children, his offering, as all men are by creation, and bear some resemblance to him.

James 3:9 In-Context

7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and sea creatures are being tamed and have been tamed by mankind,
8 but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.
10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be.
11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring?

Cross References 1

  • 1. Genesis 1:26,27; 1 Corinthians 11:7
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