James 3:7

James 3:7 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man,

King James Version KJV

For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:

American Standard Version ASV

For every kind of beasts and birds, of creeping things and things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed by mankind:

Bible in Basic English BBE

For every sort of beast and bird and every living thing on earth and in the sea has been controlled by man and is under his authority;

Free Bible Version FBV

People have tamed all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and sea creatures,

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

For the whole nature of beasts, and of birds, and of creeping things, and things of the sea is tamed, and hath bene tamed of the nature of man.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

For every nature, both of beasts and of fowls, both of creeping things and things of the sea, is subdued, and hath been subdued, by the human nature,

World English Bible WEB

For every kind of animal, bird, creeping thing, and sea creature is tamed, and has been tamed by mankind;

Noah Webster Bible WBS

For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of animals in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed by mankind:

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

For every nature of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of the rest, is tamed, and hath been tamed, by the nature of man:

Translation for Translators T4T

Indeed, although people are able to tame/control all kinds of wild animals, birds, reptiles and creatures that live in the water, and people have actually tamed/controlled them,

Plain English Version PEV

People can control all sorts of wild animals, and birds, and snakes, and fish. They can make them quiet and train them to do whatever their boss wants them to do.

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Berean Amplified Bible — James 3:7

BAB

Word Study

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James 3:7 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK πασα γαρ φυσις θηριων τε και πετεινων ερπετων τε και εναλιων δαμαζεται και δεδαμασται τη φυσει τη ανθρωπινη

πασα pas G3956 all Adj-NSF

γαρ gar G1063 for Conj

φυσις phusis G5449 nature Noun-NSF

θηριων thērion G2342 wild animal Noun-GPN

τε te G5037 and/both Particle

και kai G2532 and Conj

πετεινων peteinos G4071 bird Noun-GPN

ερπετων herpeton G2062 reptile Noun-GPN

τε te G5037 and/both Particle

και kai G2532 and Conj

εναλιων enalios G1724 marine Adj-GPN

δαμαζεται damazō G1150 to tame Verb-PPI-3S

και kai G2532 and Conj

δεδαμασται damazō G1150 to tame Verb-RPI-3S

τη ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DSF

φυσει phusis G5449 nature Noun-DSF

τη ho G3588 the/this/who Art-DSF

ανθρωπινη anthrōpinos G442 human Adj-DSF

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — James 3:7

πασα pas G3956 "all" Adj-NSF

This word means all or every, as in Matthew 3:10 and Romans 7:8, where it refers to everything or all people, emphasizing the universal nature of God's message.

Definition: πᾶς, πᾶσα, πᾶν, genitive, παντός, πάσης, παντός, [in LXX chiefly for כֹּל ;] all, every. __I. As adj., __1. with subst. anarth., all, every, of every kind: Mat.3:10 4:23, Mrk.9:49, Luk.4:37, Jhn.2:1o, Act.27:20, Rom.7:8, Rev.18:17, al. mult.; pl., all, Act.22:15, Rom.5:12, Heb.1:6, al.; of the highest degree, π. ἐξουσία (προθυμία, χαρά), Mat.28:18, Act.17:11, Phi 2:29, al.; also the whole (though in this sense more frequently with art.), Mat.2:3, Act.2:36, Rom.11:26. __2. C. art. (before the art., after the noun, or, denoting totality, between the art. and noun), all, whole: Mat.8:32 13:2, Mrk.5:33, Luk.1:10, Act.7:14, Rom.3:19, Gal.5:14, Eph.4:16, al.; pl., Mat.2:4, Mrk.4:13, Rom.1:5, al. __II. As pron., __1. masc. and fem., every one: Mrk.9:49, Luk.16:16, Heb.2:9; before rel. pron., Mat.7:24, Act.2:21, Gal.3:10, al.; with ptcp. (anarth.), Mat.13:19, Luk.11:4; with ptcp. (with art.), Mat.5:22, Mrk.7:8, Luk.6:47, Jhn.3:8, Rom.1:16, al.; pl., πάντες, absol., all, all men, Mat.10:22, Mrk.13:13, Luk.20:38, Jhn.1:7 3:26, 1Co.8:1, al.; οἱ π. (collectively, as a definite whole), Rom.11:32, 1Co.1:17, Eph.4:13, al.; π. οἱ (ὅσοι), Mat.4:24, Mrk.1:32, Luk.4:40, al. __2. Neut., __(a) sing., πᾶν, everything, all: πᾶν τό, with ptcp., 1Co.10:25, 27, Eph.5:13, 1Jn.2:16 5:4 (sc. ὄν); πᾶν ὅ, Jhn.17:2, Rom.14:23; collectively, of persons (Westc., in l.), Jhn.6:37, 39; with prep., in adverbial phrases, διὰ παντός, always, Mat.18:10, al.; ἐν παντί, in everything, in every way, 2Co.4:8, Phi 4:6, al.; __(b) pl., πάτνα, all things: absol., Jhn.1:3, 1Co.2:10, Heb.2:8, al.; of certain specified things, Mrk.4:34, Luk.1:3, Rom.8:28, 1Th.5:21, al.; accusative, πάντα, adverbially, wholly, in all things, in all respects, Act.20:35, 1Co.9:25, al.; with art., τὰ π., all things (a totality, as distinct from anarth. πάντα, all things severally; cf. Westc, Eph., 186f.), absol.: Rom.11:36, 1Co.8:6, Eph.3:9, Heb.1:3, al.; relatively, Mrk.4:11, Act.17:25, Rom.8:32, al.; πάντα, with ptcp., Mat.18:31, al.; πάντα ταῦτα (ταῦτα π.), Mat.6:32, 33, al.; πάντα, with prep, in adverbial phrases, πρὸ πάντων, above all things, Jas.5:12, 1Pe.4:8; ἐν π́, in all things, in all ways, 1Ti.3:11, 1Pe.4:11, al.; κατὰ πάντα, in all respects, Act.17:22, al. __3. C. neg., πᾶς οὐ (μή) = οὐδείς, see: οὐ and μή, and cf. M, Pr., 245f. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1080 NT verses. KJV: all (manner of, means), alway(-s), any (one), X daily, + ever, every (one, way), as many as, + no(-thing), X thoroughly, whatsoever, whole, whosoever See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Peter 2:13; 1 Peter 1:15.

γαρ gar G1063 "for" Conj

For is a word used to explain or give a reason, often introducing a justification or clarification, as seen in Matthew 4:18 and Romans 7:1. It's a conjunction that connects ideas and provides additional information.

Definition: γάρ, co-ordinating particle, contr. of γε ἄρα, verily then, hence, in truth, indeed, yea, then, why, and when giving a reason or explanation, for, the usage in NT being in general accord with that of cl.; __1. explicative and epexegetic: Mat.4:18 19:12, Mrk.1:16 5:42 16:4, Luk.11:3o, Rom.7:1, 1Co.16:5, al. __2. Conclusive, in questions, answers and exclamations: Mat.9:5 27:23, Luk.9:25 22:27, Jhn.9:30, Act.8:31 16:37 19:35, Rom.15:26, 1Co.9:10, Php.1:18 (Ellic., in l.), 1Th.2:20, al. __3. Causal: Mat.1:21 2:2, 5, 6, 3:23, Mrk.1:22, 9:6, Luk.1:15, 18, Jhn.2:25, Act.2:25, Rom.1:9, 11, 1Co.11:5, Rev.1:3, al.; giving the reason for a command or prohibition, Mat.2:20 3:9, Rom.13:11, Col.3:3, 1Th.4:3, al.; where the cause is contained in an interrog. statement, Luk.22:27, Rom.3:3 4:3, 1Co.10:29; καὶ γάρ, for also, Mrk.10:45, Luk.6:32, 1Co.5:7, al. id. as in cl. = etenim, where the καί loses its connective force (Bl., §78, 6; Kühner 3, ii, 854f.), Mrk.14:70, Luk.1:66 22:37, 2Co.13:4. The proper place of γάρ is after the first word in a clause, but in poets it often comes third or fourth, and so in late prose: 2Co.1:19. Yet "not the number but the nature of the word after which it stands is the point to be noticed" (see Thayer, see word). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1011 NT verses. KJV: and, as, because (that), but, even, for, indeed, no doubt, seeing, then, therefore, verily, what, why, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:11; 1 John 2:19; 1 Peter 2:19.

φυσις phusis G5449 "nature" Noun-NSF

This word means nature or natural production, referring to the natural world or our innate tendencies. It appears in James 3:7 and 2 Peter 1:4, describing the natural world and our place in it. It can also refer to our natural disposition or character.

Definition: φύσις, -εως, ἡ (φύω) [in LXX: Wis.7:20 13:1 19:20 אΑ, 3Ma.3:29, 4Ma.1:20 4Mac 5:7-8 4Mac 5:25 4Mac 13:27 4Mac 15:13 4Mac 15:25 4Mac 16:3 * ;] nature, i.e., __(a) the nature (natural powers or constitution) of a person or thing: Jas.3:7, 2Pe.1:4; τέκνα φυσει ὀργῆς, Eph.2:3; __(b) origin, birth (Soph., Xen., al.): Rom.2:27, Gal.2:15; __(with) nature, i.e. the regular order or law of nature: 1Co.11:14; dative, φύσει adverbially, by nature, Rom.2:14, Gal.4:8; παρὰ φύσιν, against nature, Rom.1:26 11:24; καρὰ φ., according to nature, naturally, Rom.11:21, 24.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: (man-)kind, nature(-al) See also: 1 Corinthians 11:14; James 3:7; Romans 1:26.

θηριων thērion G2342 "wild animal" Noun-GPN

A wild or dangerous animal is what this word refers to, used in Mark 1:13 and Revelation 6:8. It can also symbolize the Antichrist.

Definition: θηρίον, -ου, τό (dimin. of θήρ), [in LXX chiefly for חַי ;] a wild beast, beast: Mrk.1:13, Act.11:6 28:4-5, Tit.1:12, Heb.12:20, Jas.3:7, Rev.6:8; of Antichrist, Rev.11:7, 13-19.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 38 NT verses. KJV: (venomous, wild) beast See also: Acts 10:12; Revelation 14:9; Hebrews 12:20.

τε te G5037 "and/both" Particle

A conjunction meaning and or both, used to connect words or ideas closely. Found in Matthew 28:12 and Acts 2:33, it shows a strong link between things.

Definition: τέ, enclitic copulative particle (= Lat. -que as καί = and, ac, atque, not very frequently in NT, more than two-thirds of the occurrences being in Ac. __1. τέ solitarium, and, denoting a closer affinity than καί between words and sentences which it connects (BL, §77, 8): Mat.28:12, Jhn.4:42, Act.2:33, 37 40 10:22 11:21, al. __2. Denoting a closer connection than simple καί, τὲ . . . καί, τὲ καί, τὲ . . . τέ (Act.26:16 Rom.14:8), as well . . . as also, both . . . and: Luk.12:45, Act.1:1 15:9, 21:30, al.; τὲ . . . δέ, and . . . and, Act.19:2; τὲ γάρ . . . ὁμοίως δὲ καί, Rom.1:26, 27. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 188 NT verses. KJV: also, and, both, even, then, whether See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; Acts 20:21; Hebrews 1:3.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

πετεινων peteinos G4071 "bird" Noun-GPN

A bird is a flying animal, as seen in Matthew 6:26 and 8:20. Jesus taught about birds to illustrate God's care for his creation. The Bible often uses birds as examples in teachings.

Definition: πετεινός, -ή, -όν (πέτομαι), [in LXX chiefly for עוֹף ;] in trag., Ion. and late writers, winged, flying; as subst., τὸ π., a winged fowl, a bird: pl., Mat.6:26 8:20 13:4, 32, Mrk.4:4, 32, Luk.8:5 9:58 12:24 13:19, Act.10:12 11:6, Rom.1:23, Jas.3:7.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 14 NT verses. KJV: bird, fowl See also: Acts 10:12; Mark 4:4; James 3:7.

ερπετων herpeton G2062 "reptile" Noun-GPN

A reptile or small animal is described by this word, used in Acts 10:12 and Romans 1:23. It is translated as creeping thing or serpent in the KJV.

Definition: ἑρπετόν, -οῦ, τό (ἕρπω, to crawl), [in LXX chiefly for רֶמֶשׂ, שֶׁרֶץ ;] a creeping thing, reptile: Act.10:12 11:6, Rom.1:23, Jas.3:7.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: creeping thing, serpent See also: Acts 10:12; James 3:7; Romans 1:23.

τε te G5037 "and/both" Particle

A conjunction meaning and or both, used to connect words or ideas closely. Found in Matthew 28:12 and Acts 2:33, it shows a strong link between things.

Usage: Occurs in 188 NT verses. KJV: also, and, both, even, then, whether See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; Acts 20:21; Hebrews 1:3.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

εναλιων enalios G1724 "marine" Adj-GPN

Relating to the sea, like marine creatures in James 3:7. This word describes things that live in the ocean.

Definition: ἐν-άλιος, -ον (also -α, -ον; ἅλς, the sea), of the sea: τὰ ἐ., marine creatures, Jas.3:7.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: thing in the sea See also: James 3:7.

δαμαζεται damazō G1150 "to tame" Verb-PPI-3S

To tame means to subdue or control something, used in Mark 5:4 to describe a man who could not be tamed. It also appears in James 3:7-8, where it describes the difficulty of taming the tongue.

Definition: δαμάζω [in LXX: Dan.2:40 (חֲשַׁל) * ;] to tame, subdue: Mrk.5:4, Jas.3:7; metaphorically, τ. γλῶσσαν, Jas.3:8 (Field, Notes, 237f.).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: tame See also: James 3:7; James 3:8; Mark 5:4.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

δεδαμασται damazō G1150 "to tame" Verb-RPI-3S

To tame means to subdue or control something, used in Mark 5:4 to describe a man who could not be tamed. It also appears in James 3:7-8, where it describes the difficulty of taming the tongue.

Definition: δαμάζω [in LXX: Dan.2:40 (חֲשַׁל) * ;] to tame, subdue: Mrk.5:4, Jas.3:7; metaphorically, τ. γλῶσσαν, Jas.3:8 (Field, Notes, 237f.).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: tame See also: James 3:7; James 3:8; Mark 5:4.

τη ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

φυσει phusis G5449 "nature" Noun-DSF

Usage: Occurs in 11 NT verses. KJV: (man-)kind, nature(-al) See also: 1 Corinthians 11:14; James 3:7; Romans 1:26.

τη ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-DSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

ανθρωπινη anthrōpinos G442 "human" Adj-DSF

The Greek word for human, describing something that belongs to or is characteristic of people, as seen in Acts 17:25 and 1 Corinthians 2:13. It refers to human nature or things that are typical of humans. This concept is used to contrast human judgment with God's judgment in 1 Corinthians 4:3.

Definition: ἀνθρώπινος, -η, ον (ἄνθρωπος), [in LXX for אָדָם, אֱנוֹשׁ ;] human, belonging to man: χεῖρες, Act.17:25; σοφία, 1Co.2:13; φύσις, Jas.3:7; κτίσις, 1Pe.2:13 (MM, VGT, see word); ἀ. ἡμέρα, opposite to ἡ ἡμ. (1Co.3:13, God's Judgment-Day), human judgment, 1Co.4:3 (see Lft., Notes, 198); πειρασμὸς ἀ., temptation such as man can bear (AV, such as is common to man, see Field, Notes, 175), 1Co.10:13; ἀνθρώπινον λέγω, I speak in human fashion, with words not properly weighed, Rom.6:19 (see Field, Notes, 156).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7 NT verses. KJV: human, common to man, man(-kind), (man-)kind, men's, after the manner of men See also: 1 Corinthians 2:4; 1 Corinthians 10:13; 1 Peter 2:13.

Study Notes — James 3:7

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
James 3:7 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on James 3:7
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on James 3:7
Matthew Poole's Commentary on James 3:7
Trapp's Commentary on James 3:7
Ellicott's Commentary on James 3:7
Adam Clarke's Commentary on James 3:7
Cambridge Bible on James 3:7
Barnes' Notes on James 3:7
Whedon's Commentary on James 3:7
Sermons on James 3:7

Context — Taming the Tongue

5In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze. 6The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.

7All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man,

8but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9With the tongue we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God’s likeness.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Mark 5:4	Though he was often bound with chains and shackles, he had broken the chains and shattered the shackles. Now there was no one with the strength to subdue him.

James 3:7 Summary

James 3:7 is saying that humans are able to tame and control many kinds of animals and creatures, but this verse is setting up a contrast with the fact that we cannot tame our own tongues, as mentioned in James 3:8. This shows us that there are limits to human power and control, and that we need God's help to control our words and actions (as seen in Psalm 141:3 and Proverbs 10:32). By recognizing these limits, we can seek God's help and guidance in our lives, and learn to use our words to build up and encourage others, rather than tearing them down, as mentioned in Ephesians 4:29-32.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does James 3:7 mean by 'all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man'?

This phrase highlights humanity's ability to tame and control various creatures, as seen in Proverbs 24:23-34, where it talks about the importance of human dominion over creation, and in Psalm 8:6-8, which describes humans as having dominion over the works of God's hands.

Is James 3:7 talking about the power of human ingenuity and technology?

While human ingenuity and technology do play a role in taming animals, the focus of James 3:7 is on the contrast between human ability to tame creatures and the inability to tame the tongue, as mentioned in James 3:8, emphasizing the spiritual struggle with sin.

How does James 3:7 relate to the rest of the chapter?

James 3:7 serves as a transitional verse, setting up the contrast between human control over creation and the lack of control over the tongue, which is a central theme in James 3:1-12, and is further emphasized in verses like Matthew 15:18-19, which talks about the heart being the source of evil words.

What can we learn from the fact that humans can tame animals but not the tongue?

This contrast teaches us about the fallen nature of humanity and the need for spiritual redemption, as mentioned in Romans 3:23, and the importance of seeking God's help in controlling our words and actions, as seen in Psalm 141:3 and Ephesians 4:29-32.

Reflection Questions

In what ways do I see humanity's ability to tame and control creation in my everyday life, and how can I use this as a reminder of our limitations and need for God's help?
How does the fact that humans can tame animals but not the tongue make me think about my own struggles with sin and my need for spiritual redemption?
What are some ways that I can apply the principle of taming and controlling my words and actions, as mentioned in James 1:26 and Proverbs 10:32, to my life and relationships?
In what ways can I use my words to build up and encourage others, rather than tearing them down, as mentioned in Ephesians 4:29-32 and Colossians 4:6?

Gill's Exposition on James 3:7

For every kind of beasts, and of birds,.... Or the "nature" of them, as it is in the Greek text; however fierce, as beasts of prey are, or shy, as the fowls of the air be: and of serpents and things

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on James 3:7

For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: Every kind , [ fusis (G5449)] - "nature." Of beasts - i:e., quadrupeds of

Matthew Poole's Commentary on James 3:7

Every kind; some of every kind. Of beasts; wild beasts, such as are most fierce and untractable. And of birds; though so movable and wandering, the very vagabonds of nature. And of serpents; which are such enemies to mankind. And of things in the sea; the inhabitants, as it were, of another world, really of another element. Is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind; either made gentle, or at least, brought into subjection to man by one means or other. He useth both tenses, the present and the past perfect, to note that such things not only have been, but still are; and that not as the effects of some miraculous providence, as in the case of Daniel, , and Paul, , but as that which is usually experienced, and in man’ s power still to do.

Trapp's Commentary on James 3:7

7 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: Ver. 7. For every kind of beasts, &c.] Some creatures indeed may be taken, but not tamed, as the tiger, panther, monoceros, of which last it is testified, quod interimi potest, capi non potest; slain he may be, but not taken. Such unruly talkers and deceivers the Church is pestered with, Titus 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; sons of Belial, untamable, untractable, untouchable, unteachable, 2 Samuel 23:6-7 1 Samuel 25:17.

Ellicott's Commentary on James 3:7

(7) For every kind of beasts . . .—Compare the margin, and read more exactly, thus: Every nature of beasts and birds, and creeping things, and things of the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed, by the nature of man. All kinds have been mastered by mankind, as promised at creation (Genesis 1:26-28). There lives no creature which may not be won by kindness and gratitude; and— “He prayeth best who loveth best All things both great and small; For the dear God Who loveth us, He made and loveth all.” The four-fold division of animal life above is curiously like and unlike that in Acts 10:17, where we read of “four-footed beasts of the earth, wild beasts, creeping things, and fowls of the air.”

Adam Clarke's Commentary on James 3:7

Verse 7. Every kind of beasts] That is, every species of wild beasts, πασαφυσιςθηριων, is tamed, i.e. brought under man's power and dominion. Beasts, birds, serpents, and some kinds of fishes have been tamed so as to be domesticated; but every kind, particularly τωνεναλιων, of sea monsters, has not been thus tamed; but all have been subjected to the power of man; both the shark and whale become an easy prey to the skill and influence of the human being. I have had the most credible information, when in the Zetland Isles, of the seals being domesticated, and of one that would pass part of his time on shore, receive his allowance of milk, &c., from the servants, go again to sea, and return, and so on.

Cambridge Bible on James 3:7

7. every kind of beasts] Better, Every nature. This was, probably, intended by the translators, as being the old meaning of the word “kind,” as in the “kindly fruits” (= “natural products”) of the Litany. So Chaucer, “A beautie that cometh not of kinde,” Rom. of Rose, 2288, i. e. that is not natural. It may be noted that the Authorised Version in this instance returns to Wycliffe, who used the word in its old sense, and that all the intermediate versions give “nature.” The fourfold classification is obviously intended to be exhaustive—and “beasts” must therefore be taken in its common familiar meaning of “quadruped.”serpents] is too specific for the third word, and it would be better to give the rendering which it commonly has elsewhere, of “creeping things.”is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind] Better, the word being the same as in the first clause, “by the nature of man.” The tense of the first verb implies “is continually being tamed.” The assertion may seem at first somewhat hyperbolical, but the well-known cases of tame rats and tame wasps, the lion of Androcles and the white fawn of Sertorius, furnish what may well be termed “crucial instances” in support of it. The story related by Cassian (Coll. xxiv. 2), that St John in his old age kept a tame partridge, makes it probable that St James may have seen, among his fellow-teachers, such an instance of the power of man to tame the varied forms of animal life around him.

Barnes' Notes on James 3:7

For every kind of beasts - The apostle proceeds to state another thing showing the power of the tongue, the fact that it is ungovernable, and that there is no power of man to keep it under control.

Whedon's Commentary on James 3:7

7. Every kind—Literally, every nature; where, as Huther well remarks, not the taming of individuals is meant, but of the brutal natures.

Sermons on James 3:7

	Sermon	Description
	What Kind of Being Is Man - Part 1 by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the preacher discusses the nature of God and highlights several characteristics of God mentioned in the scripture. He emphasizes that God is right, truth, light, li
	Building the Body of Christ - 1 Doing the Works That Jesus Did by Zac Poonen	This sermon emphasizes the importance of believers understanding and applying the promise in John 14:12, where Jesus states that those who believe in Him will do the works He did.
	The Secret of a Controlled Tongue by Theodore Epp	Theodore Epp emphasizes the dual nature of the tongue, which can both praise God and slander others, often within the same context, such as the church. He points out that such inco
	Words of Spirit and Life by A.W. Tozer	The preacher delves into the concept of 'phusis' or 'nature' as described in the Bible, highlighting how it refers to the inherent character, essential constitution, and origin of
	Confess Christ's Lordship by A.W. Tozer	Wayne Barber preaches on the powerful concept of 'Crush' as seen in Romans 16:20, emphasizing the complete destruction and shattering of Satan's strength and power. The verb 'Suntr
	Bishop Wilson's Meditations on His Sacred Office, No. 5.-- Thursday--(Continued) by J.H. Newman	J.H. Newman preaches on the importance of Church discipline, emphasizing the authority given by Jesus Christ to His ministers to judge and discipline according to His Word. Excommu