What does James 3:16 mean?

For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. James 3:16

Explanation

James 3:16 is a verse from the New Testament that starkly portrays the destructive consequences of allowing envy and strife to reign in a community or an individual’s heart. The verse serves as a cautionary statement, underlining the inherent dangers of these negative emotions. Literally, it suggests that where there is envy (jealousy) and strife (contention or conflict), the result will be confusion (disorder) and every kind of malicious deeds. The deeper meaning carries a moral and ethical teaching: it implies that such vices disrupt peace, create divisions and lead to a multitude of problems and sins within a community.

Historical Context

This verse is part of the Epistle of James, traditionally attributed to James the Just, the brother of Jesus, although there is scholarly debate about the authorship. Written in Greek and addressed to Jewish Christians spread outside of Palestine, the letter dates back to around 48-61 AD. In this period, early Christian communities often grappled with internal conflicts and moral issues. James aims to provide guidance on living a life of faith that manifests in good works and ethical behavior, rather than being characterized by internal strife and envy among believers.

Theological Insights

In theological terms, James 3:16 can be examined from various perspectives:

• Evangelical Perspective: Typically emphasizes the sinful nature of envy and strife, viewing them as obstacles to spiritual growth and unity in the church.
• Catholic Perspective: Sees this verse as a call to practice virtue and communal harmony, aligning with the Catholic emphasis on moral teachings and the Church community’s well-being.
• Reformed Perspective: Focuses on the depravity of human nature that manifests through envy and strife, highlighting the need for divine grace to transform the believer’s heart.
• Eastern Orthodox Perspective: May interpret the verse within the context of theosis, the process of becoming more like God, seeing envy and strife as hindrances to achieving spiritual union with God.

Practical Applications

This verse’s teachings can be practically applied to individual lives and communities in various ways, such as:

• Interpersonal Relationships: Encouraging people to cultivate humility and avoid destructive competition or comparisons with others.
• Church Communities: Serving as a warning against divisiveness and encouraging a spirit of unity and peace within congregations.
• Work Environments: Highlighting the importance of cooperative and supportive behaviors over competitive or self-centered actions.

Cross-References

• Galatians 5:19-21: “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, Idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like…”
• Proverbs 14:30: “A sound heart is the life of the flesh: but envy the rottenness of the bones.”
• Romans 13:13: “Let us walk honestly, as in the day; not in rioting and drunkenness, not in chambering and wantonness, not in strife and envying.”
• 1 Corinthians 3:3: “For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?”

Language Study

The key words from the original Greek text of James 3:16 are “zelos” (envy), “eritheia” (strife), “akatastasia” (confusion), and “pan poneron ergon” (every evil work).

• “Zelos” can refer to zeal in a positive sense but often denotes a jealous envious rivalry.
• “Eritheia” was used in a political context to denote a self-seeking pursuit of political office by unfair means, implying a selfish, contentious attitude.
• “Akatastasia” conveys a state of disorder, instability, and chaos.
• “Pan poneron ergon” emphasizes the all-encompassing nature of the resulting negative deeds, emphasizing the pervasive influence of envy and strife.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This verse may be compared with teachings in other ancient cultures and religions that warn against the dangers of envy and discord:

• Hinduism: Hindu teachings often warn against the perils of envious behavior, which disturbs the mind and diverts a person from spiritual pursuits.
• Buddhism: Similar to the concept of James 3:16, Buddhist teachings admonish against envy and contention, suggesting that these emotions cause suffering and hinder enlightenment.
• Ancient Greek philosophy: Philosophers like Socrates and Plato also warned against envy (φθόνος) and emphasized the importance of harmony within the polis, aligning with the idea of striving for a community free of strife.

Scientific Perspectives

Modern psychological research has studied the effects of envy and interpersonal conflict, correlating them with increased stress, anxiety, and a range of mental health issues. Studies in social psychology and organizational behavior have also found that environments characterized by high rivalry and conflict lead to reduced productivity and increased turnover. Scientific findings about the negative impact of these emotions and behaviors can be viewed as reinforcing the wisdom of James 3:16.

Commentaries

Various Biblical scholars and theologians have offered their insights on James 3:16:

• Matthew Henry’s Commentary: Henry sees this verse as emphasizing the disorder and vile practices that come from a heart driven by envy and strife, relating it to wisdom that is earthly and not from above.
• John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible: Gill interprets this passage as a condemnation of false wisdom, noting that where envy and strife dominate, there is every sinful practice, and nothing is done in a regular and orderly manner.
• Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary: This commentary focuses on the ‘confusion’ aspect, suggesting that strife and envy lead to social disorder and a chaotic reversal of God’s order.