James 3:12 asv — can a fig tree, my brethren, yield olives, or a vine figs? neither can salt water yield sweet.

American Standard Version

"can a fig tree, my brethren, yield olives, or a vine figs? neither can salt water yield sweet. "

— James 3:12, American Standard Version

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James 3:12 in Other Translations

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James 3 — Context

9

Therewith bless we the Lord and Father; and therewith curse we men, who are made after the likeness of God:

10

out of the same mouth cometh forth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

11

Doth the fountain send forth from the same opening sweet water and bitter?

12

can a fig tree, my brethren, yield olives, or a vine figs? neither can salt water yield sweet.

13

Who is wise and understanding among you? let him show by his good life his works in meekness of wisdom.

14

But if ye have bitter jealousy and faction in your heart, glory not and lie not against the truth.

15

This wisdom is not a wisdom that cometh down from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

James 3:12 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does James 3:12 say?
James 3:12 in the American Standard Version reads: “can a fig tree, my brethren, yield olives, or a vine figs? neither can salt water yield sweet. ”
Where is James 3:12 in the Bible?
James 3:12 is found in the New Testament, in the book of James, chapter 3, verse 12.
Who wrote James?
James is traditionally attributed to James, half-brother of Jesus, leader of the Jerusalem church. It was written c. AD 44–49.
What is the book of James about?
James is the New Testament's closest cousin to Old-Testament wisdom literature — pungent, practical, and uncompromising. Faith without works is dead. The tongue is a fire. The prayers of a righteous man avail much. It calls Christians to walk their talk.
What are the major themes of James?
James explores themes including Faith and Works, Wisdom, Speech, Suffering, Prayer. These themes shape the meaning and context of James 3:12.
What translation should I read James 3:12 in?
James 3:12 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize James 3:12?
James 3:12 reads (ASV): “can a fig tree, my brethren, yield olives, or a vine figs? neither can salt water yield sweet. ” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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