James 3:12 nasb — Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.

NASB

"Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh."

— James 3:12, NASB

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James 3:12 in Other Translations

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James 3 — Context

9

With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God;

10

from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way.

11

Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water?

12

Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.

13

Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.

14

But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth.

15

This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic.

James 3:12 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does James 3:12 say?
James 3:12 in the NASB reads: “Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.”
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 (NASB): “Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.” 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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