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Text -- James 3:18 (NET)

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Context
3:18 And the fruit that consists of righteousness is planted in peace among those who make peace.
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Names, People and Places, Dictionary Themes and Topics

Dictionary Themes and Topics: Works | Righteousness | Peace | PEACEMAKER | Minister | Meekness | Fruit | more
Table of Contents

Word/Phrase Notes
Robertson , Wesley , JFB , Clarke , Calvin , TSK

Word/Phrase Notes
Barnes , Poole , Haydock , Gill

Verse Notes / Footnotes
NET Notes , Geneva Bible

Verse Range Notes
TSK Synopsis , MHCC , Matthew Henry , Barclay , Constable , College

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per phrase)

Robertson: Jam 3:18 - -- Is sown in peace ( en eirēnēi speiretai ). Present passive indicative of speirō , to sow. The seed which bears the fruit is sown, but James cat...

Is sown in peace ( en eirēnēi speiretai ).

Present passive indicative of speirō , to sow. The seed which bears the fruit is sown, but James catches up the metaphor of karpos (fruit) from Jam 3:17. Only in peace is the fruit of righteousness found.

Robertson: Jam 3:18 - -- For them that make peace ( tois poiousin eirēnēn ). Dative case of the articular participle of poieō . See Eph 2:15 for this phrase (doing peac...

For them that make peace ( tois poiousin eirēnēn ).

Dative case of the articular participle of poieō . See Eph 2:15 for this phrase (doing peace), and Col 1:20 for eirēnopoieō , of Christ, and Mat 5:9 for eirēnopoioi (peacemakers). Only those who act peaceably are entitled to peace.

Wesley: Jam 3:18 - -- That labour to promote this pure and holy peace among all men.

That labour to promote this pure and holy peace among all men.

JFB: Jam 3:18 - -- "The peaceable fruit of righteousness." He says "righteousness"; because it is itself the true wisdom. As in the case of the earthly wisdom, after the...

"The peaceable fruit of righteousness." He says "righteousness"; because it is itself the true wisdom. As in the case of the earthly wisdom, after the characteristic description came its results; so in this verse, in the case of the heavenly wisdom. There the results were present; here, future.

JFB: Jam 3:18 - -- Compare Psa 97:11; Isa 61:3, "trees of righteousness." Anticipatory, that is, the seed whose "fruit," namely, "righteousness," shall be ultimately rea...

Compare Psa 97:11; Isa 61:3, "trees of righteousness." Anticipatory, that is, the seed whose "fruit," namely, "righteousness," shall be ultimately reaped, is now "sown in peace." "Righteousness," now in germ, when fully developed as "fruit" shall be itself the everlasting reward of the righteous. As "sowing in peace" (compare "sown in dishonor," 1Co 15:43) produces the "fruit of righteousness," so conversely "the work" and "effect of righteousness" is "peace."

JFB: Jam 3:18 - -- "by (implying also that it is for them, and to their good) them that work peace." They, and they alone, are "blessed." "Peacemakers," not merely they ...

"by (implying also that it is for them, and to their good) them that work peace." They, and they alone, are "blessed." "Peacemakers," not merely they who reconcile others, but who work peace. "Cultivate peace" [ESTIUS]. Those truly wise towards God, while peaceable and tolerant towards their neighbors, yet make it their chief concern to sow righteousness, not cloaking men's sins, but reproving them with such peaceable moderation as to be the physicians, rather than the executioners, of sinners [CALVIN].

Clarke: Jam 3:18 - -- And the fruit of righteousness is sown - The whole is the principle of righteousness in the soul, and all the above virtues are the fruits of that r...

And the fruit of righteousness is sown - The whole is the principle of righteousness in the soul, and all the above virtues are the fruits of that righteousness

Clarke: Jam 3:18 - -- Is sown in peace - When the peace of God rules the heart, all these virtues and graces grow and flourish abundantly

Is sown in peace - When the peace of God rules the heart, all these virtues and graces grow and flourish abundantly

Clarke: Jam 3:18 - -- Of them that make peace - The peace-makers are continually recommending this wisdom to others, and their own conduct is represented as a sowing of h...

Of them that make peace - The peace-makers are continually recommending this wisdom to others, and their own conduct is represented as a sowing of heavenly seed, which brings forth Divine fruit. Perhaps sowing in peace signifies sowing prosperously - being very successful. This is not only the proper disposition for every teacher of the Gospel, but for every professed follower of the Lord Jesus

Some render this verse, which is confessedly obscure, thus: And the peaceable fruits of righteousness are sown for the practisers of peace. He who labors to live peaceably shall have peace for his reward

1.    Almost the whole of the preceding chapter is founded on maxims highly accredited in the rabbinical writings, and without a reference to those writings it would have been impossible, in some cases, to have understood St. James’ meaning. There is one phrase, the rabbinical meaning and use of which I have reserved for this place, viz.. The wisdom that is from above. This is greatly celebrated among them by the terms חכמה עליונה chocmah elyonah , the supernal wisdom. This they seem to understand to be a peculiar inspiration of the Almighty, or a teaching communicated immediately by the angels of God. In Sohar, Yalcut Rubeni, fol. 19, Rabbi Chiya said: "The wisdom from above was in Adam more than in the supreme angels, and he knew all things."In Sohar Chadash, fol. 35, it is said concerning Enoch, "That the angels were sent from heaven, and taught him the wisdom that is from above."Ibid. fol. 42, 4: "Solomon came, and he was perfect in all things, and strongly set forth the praises of the wisdom that is from above."See more in Schoettgen. St. James gives us the properties of this wisdom, which are not to be found in such detail in any of the rabbinical writers. It is another word for the life of God in the soul of man, or true religion; it is the teaching of God in the human heart, and he who has this not is not a child of God; for it is written, All thy children shall be taught of the Lord

2.    To enjoy the peace of God in the conscience, and to live to promote peace among men, is to answer the end of our creation, and to enjoy as much happiness ourselves as the present state of things can afford. They who are in continual broils live a wretched life; and they who love the life of the salamander must share no small portion of the demoniacal nature. In domestic society such persons are an evil disease; therefore a canker in the Church, and a pest in the state.

Calvin: Jam 3:18 - -- 18.And the fruit of righteousness. This admits of two meanings, — that fruit is sown by the peaceable, which afterwards they gather, — or, that t...

18.And the fruit of righteousness. This admits of two meanings, — that fruit is sown by the peaceable, which afterwards they gather, — or, that they themselves, though they meekly tolerate many things in their neighbors, do not yet cease to sow righteousness. It is, however, an anticipation of an objection; for they who are carried away to evil speaking by the lust of slandering, have always this excuse, “What! can we then remove evil by our courteousness?” Hence James says, that those who are wise according to God’s will, are so kind, meek, and merciful, as yet not to cover vices nor favor them; but on the contrary in such a way as to strive to correct them, and yet in a peaceable manner, that is, in moderation, so that union is preserved. And thus he testifies that what he had hitherto said tends in no degree to do away with calm reproofs; but that those who wish to be physicians to heal vices ought not to be executioners.

He therefore adds, by those who make peace; which ought to be thus explained: they who study peace, are nevertheless careful to sow righteousness; nor are they slothful or negligent in promoting and encouraging good works; but they moderate their zeal with the condiment of peace, while hypocrites throw all things into confusion by a blind and furious violence.

TSK: Jam 3:18 - -- the fruit : Jam 1:20; Pro 11:18, Pro 11:28, Pro 11:30; Isa 32:16, Isa 32:17; Hos 10:12; Mat 5:9; Joh 4:36; Phi 1:11; Heb 12:11 make : Mat 5:9

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Commentary -- Word/Phrase Notes (per Verse)

Barnes: Jam 3:18 - -- And the fruit of righteousness - That which the righteousness here referred to produces, or that which is the effect of true religion. The mean...

And the fruit of righteousness - That which the righteousness here referred to produces, or that which is the effect of true religion. The meaning is, that righteousness or true religion produces certain results on the life like the effects of seed sown in good ground. Righteousness or true religion as certainly produces such effects, as seed that is sown produces a harvest.

Is sown in peace - Is scattered over the world in a peaceful manner. That is, it is not done amidst contentions, and brawls, and strifes. The farmer sows his seed in peace. The fields are not sown amidst the tumults of a mob, or the excitements of a battle or a camp. Nothing is more calm, peaceful, quiet, and composed, than the farmer, as he walks with measured tread over his fields, scattering his seed. So it is in sowing the "seed of the kingdom,"in preparing for the great harvest of righteousness in the world. It is done by men of peace; it is done in peaceful scenes, and with a peaceful spirit; it is not in the tumult of war, or amidst the hoarse brawling of a mob. In a pure and holy life; in the peaceful scenes of the sanctuary and the Sabbath; by noiseless and unobtrusive laborers, the seed is scattered over the world, and the result is seen in an abundant harvest in producing peace and order.

Of them that make peace - By those who desire to produce peace, or who are of a peaceful temper and disposition. They are engaged everywhere in scattering these blessed seeds of peace, contentment, and order; and the result shall be a glorious harvest for themselves and for mankind - a harvest rich and abundant on earth and in heaven. The whole effect, therefore, of religion, is to produce peace. It is all peace - peace in its origin and in its results; in the heart of the individual, and in society; on earth, and in heaven. The idea with which the apostle commenced this chapter seems to have been that such persons only should be admitted to the office of public teachers. From that, the mind naturally turned to the effect of religion in general; and he states that in the ministry and out of it; in the heart of the individual and on society at large; here and hereafter, the effect of religion is to produce peace. Its nature is peaceful as it exists in the heart, and as it is developed in the world: and wherever and however it is manifested, it is like seed sown, not amid the storms of war and the contentions of battle, but in the fields of quiet husbandry, producing in rich abundance a harvest of peace. In its origin, and in all its results, it is productive only of contentment, sincerity, goodness, and peace. Happy he who has this religion in his heart; happy he who with liberal hand scatters its blessings broadcast over the world!

Poole: Jam 3:18 - -- And the fruit of righteousness either the fruit we bring forth, which is righteousness itself, Luk 3:8,9 Ro 6:22 Phi 1:11 ; or the fruit we reap, whi...

And the fruit of righteousness either the fruit we bring forth, which is righteousness itself, Luk 3:8,9 Ro 6:22 Phi 1:11 ; or the fruit we reap, which is the reward of righteousness, viz. eternal life.

Righteousness metonymically here put for the heavenly wisdom before described, whereof it is the inseparable companion, or the effect, Job 28:28 .

Is sown either righteousness, as the good fruit, is wrought or exercised, Hos 10:12 , (as wickedness is said to be sown when it is acted, Job 4:8 ), or it relates to the reward, which is the fruit, of which righteousness is the seed, Psa 97:11 ; and then it implies, either the sureness of that reward, that it is as certain as harvest after seed-time: or the non-enjoyment of it for the present, as they that sow their seed receive not the crop till long after.

In peace either in a mild, peaceable, amicable way; or in peace is as much as with peace, viz. spiritual peace and comfort of conscience.

Of them that make peace that follow after and are studious of peace; and so the words may have a two-fold sense: either the meaning is:

1. That they that exercise righteousnes must do it in a sweet and peaceable way: in particular, men may reprehend others, so they do it with moderation and gentleness, not as executioners, to torment them, but as physicians, to heal them; as, on the other side, they that are most peaceably disposed, yet must not make peace without sowing righteousness with it, which includes just reprehension, whereby righteousness is promoted. Or:

2. That they who sow righteousness in peace, i.e. join righteousness with their endeavours after peace, shall reap the reward, not only in comfort here, but in glory hereafter.

Haydock: Jam 3:17-18 - -- But the true wisdom, which is from above,...is chaste, and pure, peaceable, modest, free from such divisions, tractable, easy to be persuaded [...

But the true wisdom, which is from above,...is chaste, and pure, peaceable, modest, free from such divisions, tractable, easy to be persuaded [6] of the truths foretold in the Scriptures, &c. Now the fruit and effect of such justice, piety, and sanctity, is sown in peace, with peaceable dispositions, in those who with sincerity seek true peace, and who hereby shall gain the reward of an eternal peace and happiness. (Witham) ---

St. Paul gives a similar character of charity. (1 Corinthians chap. xiii.) "Charity is patient, is kind,...is not ambitious, seeketh not her own, is not provoked to anger, thinketh no evil,...believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things." ---

Easy to be persuaded. A good lesson for those devotees, who are not few in number, who are so obstinate and so wedded to their own opinions and ways, as to be unwilling to be controlled, even by those whom God has placed over them, for the direction of their souls. (Haydock) ---

Without judging. That is, it does not condemn a neighbour upon light grounds, or think evil of him. It puts the best construction upon every thing he says or does, and never intrudes itself into the concerns of others. (Calmet) ---

"Judge not, and you shall not be judged," says the Saviour of our souls; "condemn not, and you shall not be condemned." (St. Luke, vi. 37.) "No," says the holy apostle, (1 Corinthians iv. 5.) "judge not before the time until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the heart."

Gill: Jam 3:18 - -- And the fruit of righteousness,.... Which is either eternal life, which is the fruit of Christ's righteousness, and shall be enjoyed by all those who ...

And the fruit of righteousness,.... Which is either eternal life, which is the fruit of Christ's righteousness, and shall be enjoyed by all those who are justified by it; and who, in consequence of it, through the grace of God, live soberly, righteously, and godly; see Rom 6:22 or else what is enjoyed in this life, as the fruit and effect of a righteous and holy conversation, which is peace of conscience; and may be truly called the peaceable fruit of righteousness; see Isa 32:17

is sown in peace of them that make peace; that is, either such as are possessed of that wisdom which is peaceable, and makes them so; that peace which they make, pursue after, exercise, and maintain, is a seed, which, being sown by them, will, in the issue, be followed with eternal happiness and felicity; see Mat 5:9 or such who live a godly life and conversation, and are filled with the fruits of righteousness, and, among the rest, with this of making and preserving peace among men, shall enjoy, as what will spring up from such good seed sown, much conscience peace and spiritual pleasure of mind: righteousness and peace promise a large and comfortable harvest both here and hereafter.

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Commentary -- Verse Notes / Footnotes

NET Notes: Jam 3:18 Or “for,” or possibly “by.”

Geneva Bible: Jam 3:18 ( 10 ) And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. ( 10 ) Because the world persuades itself that they are miserable who...

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Commentary -- Verse Range Notes

TSK Synopsis: Jam 3:1-18 - --1 We are not rashly or arrogantly to reprove others;5 but rather to bridle the tongue, a little member, but a powerful instrument of much good, and gr...

MHCC: Jam 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...

Matthew Henry: Jam 3:13-18 - -- As the sins before condemned arise from an affectation of being thought more wise than others, and being endued with more knowledge than they, so th...

Barclay: Jam 3:17-18 - --The Jewish sages were always agreed that the true wisdom came from above. It was not the attainment. of man but the gift of God. Wisdom describes t...

Barclay: Jam 3:17-18 - --(iv) The true wisdom is eupeithes (2138). Here we must make a choice between two meanings. (a) Eupeithes (2138) can mean ever ready to obey. The fi...

Constable: Jam 3:13-18 - --B. Controlling the Mind 3:13-18 As in the previous chapters, James began his discussion of human speech ...

Constable: Jam 3:17-18 - --3. The importance of loving peace 3:17-18 3:17 In contrast, the wisdom God gives has several characteristics. It is pure, meaning free of the defileme...

College: Jam 3:1-18 - --JAMES 3 IX. TAMING THE TONGUE (3:1-12) 1 Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judg...

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Introduction / Outline

Robertson: James (Book Introduction) THE EPISTLE OF JAMES BEFORE a.d. 50 By Way of Introduction The Author He claims to be James, and so the book is not anonymous. It is either ge...

JFB: James (Book Introduction) THIS is called by EUSEBIUS ([Ecclesiastical History, 2.23], about the year 330 A.D.) the first of the Catholic Epistles, that is, the Epistles intende...

JFB: James (Outline) INSCRIPTION: EXHORTATION ON HEARING, SPEAKING, AND WRATH. (Jam. 1:1-27) THE SIN OF RESPECT OF PERSONS: DEAD, UNWORKING FAITH SAVES NO MAN. (Jam. 2:1-...

TSK: James (Book Introduction) James, the son of Alphaeus, the brother of Jacob, and the near relation of our Lord, called also James the Less, probably because he was of lower stat...

TSK: James 3 (Chapter Introduction) Overview Jam 3:1, We are not rashly or arrogantly to reprove others; Jam 3:5, but rather to bridle the tongue, a little member, but a powerful ins...

Poole: James 3 (Chapter Introduction) CHAPTER 3

MHCC: James (Book Introduction) This epistle of James is one of the most instructive writings in the New Testament. Being chiefly directed against particular errors at that time brou...

MHCC: James 3 (Chapter Introduction) (Jam 3:1-12) Cautions against proud behaviour, and the mischief of an unruly tongue. (Jam 3:13-18) The excellence of heavenly wisdom, in opposition t...

Matthew Henry: James (Book Introduction) An Exposition, with Practical Observations, of The General Epistle of James The writer of this epistle was not James the son of Zebedee; for he was pu...

Matthew Henry: James 3 (Chapter Introduction) The apostle here reproves ambition, and an arrogant magisterial tongue; and shows the duty and advantage of bridling it because of its power to do ...

Barclay: James (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO THE LETTER OF JAMES James is one of the books which bad a very hard fight to get into the New Testament. Even when it did come to ...

Barclay: James 3 (Chapter Introduction) The Teacher's Peril (Jam_3:1) The Universal Danger (Jam_3:2) Little But Powerful (Jam_3:3-5) A Destructive Fire (Jam_3:5-6) The Corruption Within...

Constable: James (Book Introduction) Introduction Historical background The writer of this epistle was evidently the half-b...

Constable: James (Outline) Outline I. Introduction 1:1 II. Trials and true religion 1:2-27 A. The v...

Constable: James James Bibliography Adamson, James B. The Epistle of James. New International Commentary on the New Testament se...

Haydock: James (Book Introduction) THE CATHOLIC EPISTLE OF ST. JAMES, THE APOSTLE. __________ ON THE CATHOLIC EPISTLES. INTRODUCTION. The seven following Epistles have bee...

Gill: James (Book Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO JAMES This epistle is called "general", because not written to any particular person, as the epistles to Timothy, Titus, and Philem...

Gill: James 3 (Chapter Introduction) INTRODUCTION TO JAMES 3 In this chapter the apostle cautions against censoriousness, and reproving others with a magisterial air; advises to bridle...

College: James (Book Introduction) FOREWORD I owe a debt of gratitude to many for assistance with this volume. John York and John Hunter are responsible for making me a part of the Co...

College: James (Outline) OUTLINE I. GREETING - 1:1 II. ENDURING TRIALS - 1:2-4 III. ASK FOR WISDOM - 1:5-8 IV. RICHES TEMPORARY - 1:9-11 V. TEMPTATION NOT FROM ...

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