James 3 · Verse 15

James 3:15

This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
James 3:15, King James Version

James 3:15 in other translations

BSBSuch wisdom does not come from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
WEBThis wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, sensual, and demonic.
ASVThis wisdom is not a wisdom that cometh down from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.
YLTthis wisdom is not descending from above, but earthly, physical, demon-like,
DARBYThis is not the wisdom which comes down from above, but earthly, natural, devilish.
BBEThis wisdom is not from heaven, but is of the earth and the flesh and the Evil One.
WebsterThis wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, demoniacal.

What does James 3:15 mean?

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
15. This wisdom--in which ye "glory," as if ye were "wise" (Jas 3:13, 14). descendeth not from above--literally, "is not one descending," &c.: "from the Father of lights" (true illumination and wisdom), Jas 1:17; through "the Spirit of truth," Joh 15:26. earthly--opposed to heavenly. Distinct from "earthy," 1Co 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" (Jude 19). devilish--in its origin (from "hell," Jas 3:6; not from God, the Giver of true wisdom, Jas 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.

Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown, 1871 · public domain

Barnes' Notes
Verse 15. This wisdom descendeth not from above. 1Cor 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 overheated zeal. In the contentions which are in the world, in church and state, in neighbourhoods 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. Marg., 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, (δαιμονιωδης) Such as the demons exhibit. Jas 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."

(a) "This wisdom descendeth not from above" 1Cor 3:3 (+) "sensual" or, "natural"

Albert Barnes, 1834 · public domain

Adam Clarke's Commentary
Verse 15 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.

Adam Clarke, 1831 · public domain

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on James 3:13-18

These verses show the difference between men's pretending to be wise, and their being really so. He who thinks well, or he who talks well, is not wise in the sense of the Scripture, if he does not live and act well. True wisdom may be know by the meekness of the spirit and temper. Those who live in malice, envy, and contention, live in confusion; and are liable to be provoked and hurried to any evil work. Such…

Read the full comment on James 3:13-18 →

James 3:15 in the original Greek

Word-by-word with transliteration, English gloss and Strong's number. Tap a number for the full definition and every place the word is used.

οὐκoukNotG3756
ἔστινestinisG1510
αὕτηhautēthisG3778
ἡhētheG3588
σοφίαsophiawisdomG4678
ἄνωθενanōthenfrom aboveG509
κατερχομένη,katerchomenēcoming down,G2718
ἀλλ᾽all᾽butG235
ἐπίγειοςepigeios[is] earthlyG1919
ψυχικὴpsuchikēunspiritualG5591
δαιμονιώδης.daimoniōdēsdemonic.G1141

Source: STEPBible TAHOT/TAGNT (Tyndale House, CC BY 4.0).

Cross references for James 3:15

  • James 3:17

    But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

  • James 1:17

    Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

  • 1 Corinthians 3:19

    For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness.

  • Philippians 3:19

    Whose end is destruction, whose God is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who mind earthly things.)

  • 1 Corinthians 2:14

    But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.

  • John 3:17

    For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

  • 1 Timothy 4:1

    Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils;

  • 2 Corinthians 11:13-15

    For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:12

    For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

  • James 1:5

    If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

  • Jude 1:19

    These be they who separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit.

  • 1 Corinthians 2:6-7

    Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory:

Ranked by reader votes · OpenBible.info cross references (CC BY).

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
wisdom.
17; 1:5,17; Joh 3:17; 1Co 3:3; Php 3:19
but.
2Sa 13:3; 15:31; 16:23; Jer 4:22; Lu 16:8; Ro 1:22; 1Co 1:19,20,27
1Co 2:6,7; 3:19; 2Co 1:12; Jude 1:19
sensual. or, natural.
1Co 2:14
devilish.
Ge 3:1-5; Joh 8:44; Ac 13:10; 2Co 11:3,13-15; 1Jo 3:8-10; Jude 1:19
Re 9:11; 12:9

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge (Samuel Bagster, c. 1836) · public domain

Context

  • James 3:14

    But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth.

  • James 3:15

    This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

  • James 3:16

    For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work.

Read all of James 3

James 3:15 in other languages

Spanish
Reina-Valera 1909		Que esta sabiduría no es la que desciende de lo alto, sino terrena, animal, diabólica.
French
Bible J.N. Darby 1885		Ce n’est pas là la sagesse qui descend d’en haut, mais une sagesse terrestre, animale, diabolique.
German
Elberfelder 1871		Dies ist nicht die Weisheit, die von oben herabkommt, sondern eine irdische, sinnliche, teuflische.
Latin
Clementine Vulgate		non est enim ista sapientia desursum descendens: sed terrena, animalis, diabolica.