James 3:16

 James 3:16

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

a. ASV: For where jealousy and faction are, there is confusion and every vile deed.  [Thomas Nelson & Sons first published the American Standard Version in 1901. This translation of the Bible is in the public domain.]

b. YLT: For where zeal and rivalry are, there is insurrection and every evil matter;  [The Young's Literal Translation was translated by Robert Young, who believed in a strictly literal translation of God's word. This version of the Bible is in the public domain.]

c. Classic Amplified: For wherever there is jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry and selfish ambition), there will also be confusion (unrest, disharmony, rebellion) and all sorts of evil and vile practices. [Amplified Bible, Classic Edition (AMPC) Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation]

d. Peshitta Eastern Text:  For wherever envy and strife are, there is confusion and every sort of evil. [HOLY BIBLE FROM THE ANCIENT EASTERN TEXT. Copyright  Ⓒ 1933 by A.J. Holmon Co.; copyright  Ⓒ renewed 1968 by A.J. Holmon Co.; All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews. HarperCollins Publishers, 195 Broadway, New York, NY 10007.]

e. NLT: For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.   [Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.]

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

a. For [Strong: 1063 gár, gar; a primary particle; properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles):—and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet.]

b. where [Strong: 3699 hópou, hop'-oo; from G3739 and G4225; what(-ever) where, i.e. at whichever spot:—in what place, where(-as, -soever), whither (+ soever).

c. envying [Strong: 2205 zēlos, dzay'-los; from G2204; properly, heat, i.e. (figuratively) "zeal" (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband (figuratively, of God), or an enemy, malice):—emulation, envy(-ing), fervent mind, indignation, jealousy, zeal.]

1). Rick Renner 2/3/2016: I want you to notice the word “envy” in this verse. It is taken from the Greek word zelos, and it denotes a fierce desire to promote one’s own ideas and convictions to the exclusion of everyone else. This word zelos is where we get the word zealot, which describes a person who is so fixated, obsessed, and fanatical about his own cause that others perceive him as an extremist on the threshold of becoming militant. In the case of James 3:16, this word presents a picture of a believer who is so obsessed, gripped, and preoccupied with his own view of things that he can’t see or hear the view of anyone else. In fact, his militant perspective has made him lopsided in his thinking.

d.  and [Strong: 2532 kaí, kahee; apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:—and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

e. strife [is] [Strong: 2052 eritheía, er-ith-i'-ah; perhaps as the same as G2042; properly, intrigue, i.e. (by implication) faction:—contention(-ious), strife.]

1). Rick Renner 2/3/2016: This Greek word is often translated as a party spirit because of its linkage to political systems and political parties. Therefore, in order for us to understand why James used this word, we need to stop and think about the way political parties are formed and how they function. Political parties are formed by a group of people who have similar values and views. After the party is formed, the participants develop a unified agenda; once the agenda is decided on, they create a platform. From that platform, the people begin to push their agenda and ideas, fighting fiercely to see that their party’s platform is accepted and eventually put in the position of ruling and calling the shots. In the same way, some Christians become so clouded by their ambition to see their own views adopted that they have no tolerance for anyone who sees things differently than they do. These people usually gravitate to other believers who hold similar views.

f. there [is] [Strong: 1563 ekeî, ek-i'; of uncertain affinity; there; by extension, thither:—there, thither(-ward), (to) yonder (place).]

g. confusion [Strong: 181 akatastasía, ak-at-as-tah-see'-ah; from G182; instability, i.e. disorder:—commotion, confusion, tumult.]

1). Rick Renner 2/3/2016 The word “confusion” is taken from the word akatastasia. It was used in New Testament times to describe civil disobedience, disorder, and anarchyin a city, state, or government. By using this word, James explicitly tells us that when situations of strife and discord are allowed to persist, an atmosphere of anarchy sets in and begins to destroy the relationships once loved and cherished. Rational thinking is replaced by raw emotions, and people end up getting hurt. James wants to make sure we understand what this kind of conduct eventually produces if this behavior isn’t stopped.

h. and [Strong: 2532 kaí, kahee; apparently, a primary particle, having a copulative and sometimes also a cumulative force; and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words:—and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet.]

i. every [Strong: 3956 pâs, pas; including all the forms of declension; apparently a primary word; all, any, every, the whole:—all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), × daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever.]

j. evil [Strong: 5337 phaûlos, fow'-los; apparently a primary word; "foul" or "flawy", i.e. (figuratively) wicked:—evil.]

1). Rick Renner 2/3/2016 The word “evil” is from the word phaulos, describing something that is terribly bad or exceedingly vile. We get the word “foul” from this Greek word. James is saying that where envy and strife are permitted to operate, thus producing confusion and anarchy in relationships, they ultimately yield a foul-smelling situation!

k. work [Strong: prâgma, prag'-mah; from G4238; a deed; by implication, an affair; by extension, an object (material):—business, matter, thing, work.]