Click
here to show/hide instructions.
Instructions on how to use the page:
The commentary for the selected verse is is displayed below.
All commentary was produced against the King James, so the same verse from that translation may appear as well. Hovering your mouse over a commentary's scripture reference attempts to show those verses.
Use the browser's back button to return to the previous page.
Or you can also select a feature from the Just Verses menu appearing at the top of the page.
Selected Verse: James 3:15 - Basic English
| Verse |
Translation |
Text |
| Jas 3:15 |
Basic English |
This wisdom is not from heaven, but is of the earth and the flesh and the Evil One. |
| |
King James |
This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
| A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
This wisdom--in which ye "glory," as if ye were "wise" (Jam 3:13-14).
descendeth not from above--literally, "is not one descending," &c.: "from the Father of lights" (true illumination and wisdom), Jam 1:17; through "the Spirit of truth," Joh 15:26.
earthly--opposed to heavenly. Distinct from "earthy," Co1 15:47. Earthly is what is IN the earth; earthy, what is of the earth.
sensual--literally, "animal-like": the wisdom of the "natural" (the same Greek) man, not born again of God; "not having the Spirit" (Jde 1:19).
devilish--in its origin (from "hell," Jam 3:6; not from God, the Giver of true wisdom, Jam 1:5), and also in its character, which accords with its origin. Earthly, sensual, and devilish, answer to the three spiritual foes of man, the world, the flesh, and the devil. |
| Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
This wisdom descendeth not from above - Compare the notes at Co1 3:3. The wisdom here referred to is that carnal or worldly wisdom which produces strife and contention; that kind of knowledge which leads to self-conceit, and which prompts a man to defend his opinions with over-heated zeal. In the contentions which are in the world, in church and state, in neighborhoods and families, at the bar, in political life, and in theological disputes, even where there is the manifestation of enraged and irascible feeling, there is often much of a certain kind of wisdom. There is learning, shrewdness, tact, logical skill, subtle and skilful argumentation - "making the worse appear the better reason;" but all this is often connected with a spirit so narrow, bigoted, and contentious, as to show clearly that it has not its origin in heaven. The spirit which is originated there is always connected with gentleness, calmness, and a love of truth.
But is earthly - Has its origin in this world, and partakes of its spirit. It is such as men exhibit who are governed only by worldly maxims and principles.
Sensual - Margin, "natural." The meaning is, that it has its origin in our sensual rather than in our intellectual and moral nature. It is that which takes counsel of our natural appetites and propensities, and not of high and spiritual influences.
devilish - Demoniacal (δαιμονιώδης daimoniōdēs). Such as the demons exhibit. See the notes at Jam 2:19. There may be indeed talent in it, but there is the intermingling of malignant passions, and it leads to contentions, strifes, divisions, and "every evil work." |
| Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886] |
Wisdom (σοφία)
See on σοφός, Jam 3:13.
From above
Compare Jam 1:17.
Sensual (ψυχική)
See on Jde 1:19.
Devilish (δαιμονιώδης)
Or demoniacal, according to the proper rendering of δαίμων (see on Mat 4:1). Only here in New Testament. Devilish, "such," says Bengel, "as even devils have." Compare Jam 2:19. |
| Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
| This wisdom - Which is consistent with such zeal. Is earthly - Not heavenly; not from the Father of Lights. Animal - Not spiritual; not from the Spirit of God. Devilish - Not the gift of Christ, but such as Satan breathes into the soul. |
| Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
This wisdom descendeth not from above - God is not the author of it, because it is bitter - not meek. See at the end of this chapter.
Is earthly - Having this life only in view.
Sensual - Ψυχικη· Animal - having for its object the gratification of the passions and animal propensities.
Devilish - Δαιμονιωδης· Demoniacal - inspired by demons, and maintained in the soul by their indwelling influence. |
5 But if any man among you is without wisdom, let him make his request to God, who gives freely to all without an unkind word, and it will be given to him.
6 And the tongue is a fire; it is the power of evil placed in our bodies, making all the body unclean, putting the wheel of life on fire, and getting its fire from hell.
19 These are the men who make divisions, natural men, not having the Spirit.
47 The first man is from the earth, and of the earth: the second man is from heaven.
26 When the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father even the Spirit of true knowledge who comes from the Father--he will give witness about me;
17 Every good and true thing is given to us from heaven, coming from the Father of lights, with whom there is no change or any shade made by turning.
13 Who has wisdom and good sense among you? let him make his works clear by a life of gentle wisdom.
14 But if you have bitter envy in your heart and the desire to get the better of others, have no pride in this, talking falsely against what is true.
19 You have the belief that God is one, and you do well: the evil spirits have the same belief, shaking with fear.
3 Because you are still in the flesh: for when there is envy and division among you, are you not still walking after the way of the flesh, even as natural men?
19 You have the belief that God is one, and you do well: the evil spirits have the same belief, shaking with fear.
1 Then Jesus was sent by the Spirit into the waste land to be tested by the Evil One.
19 These are the men who make divisions, natural men, not having the Spirit.
17 Every good and true thing is given to us from heaven, coming from the Father of lights, with whom there is no change or any shade made by turning.
13 Who has wisdom and good sense among you? let him make his works clear by a life of gentle wisdom.