James 3:8 kjva — But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

King James Version with Apocrypha

"But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison."

— James 3:8, King James Version with Apocrypha

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James 3:8 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

James 3 — Context

5

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

6

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

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:

8

But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.

9

Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

10

Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be.

11

Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter?

James 3:8 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does James 3:8 say?
James 3:8 in the King James Version with Apocrypha reads: “But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.”
Where is James 3:8 in the Bible?
James 3:8 is found in the New Testament, in the book of James, chapter 3, verse 8.
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 3:8.
What translation should I read James 3:8 in?
James 3:8 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 3:8?
James 3:8 reads (KJVA): “But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.” 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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