Texts in Conversation
Rabbinic tradition in Pirkei Avot teaches that every person is loved because each was created in the image of God. James draws on a similar tradition, warning that we should not curse people who are made in God’s likeness.
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2500 BCE
1000+ CE
James 3:9
New Testament
8 But no human being can subdue the tongue; it is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With it we bless the Lord and Father, and with it we curse people made in God’s image. 10 From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. These things should not be so, my brothers and sisters.
Pirkei Avot 3:14
Mishnah
Rabbinic
13 Rabbi Akiva said:Merriment and frivolity accustom one to sexual licentiousness; Tradition is a fence to the Torah; Tithes a fence to wealth, Vows a fence to abstinence; A fence to wisdom is silence. 14 He used to say: Beloved is man for he was created in the image [of God]. Especially beloved is he for it was made known to him that he had been created in the image [of God], as it is said: “for in the image of God He made man” (Genesis 9:6). Beloved are Israel in that they were called children to the All-Present. Especially beloved are they for it was made known to them that they are called children of the All-Present, as it is said: “you are children to the Lord your God” (Deuteronomy 14:1). Beloved are Israel in that a precious vessel was given to them. Especially beloved are they for it was made known to them that the desirable instrument, with which the world had been created, was given to them, as it is said: “for I give you good instruction; forsake not my teaching” (Proverbs 4:2). 15 Everything is foreseen yet freedom of choice is granted, And the world is judged with goodness; And everything is in accordance with the preponderance of works.
Date: 190-230 C.E. (based on scholarly estimates)
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Notes and References
... These 'ways' of behavior, in turn, are explicitly attached to religious motivations that also resemble those in James. The observance of the law is taking on the yoke of the kingdom (Pirke Aboth 3:5), and gives the one who observes it a sort of kingship (Pirke Aboth 6:1 = James 2:8). Humans are created in the image of God (Pirke Aboth 3:15 = James 3:9), and God is both their creator and their judge (Pirke Aboth 2:21; 4:22 = James 4:12), who judges the world by mercy (Pirke Aboth 3:16 = James 2:13). Both 'heavy' and 'light' commandments must be observed (Pirke Aboth 2:1; 4:11; see especially 4:2 = James 2:10–11). Abraham is called 'our father' (Pirke Aboth 5:2, 19 = James 2:21) and the ten trials of Abraham—including the binding of Isaac—are listed (Pirke Aboth 5:3 = James 2:21). ...
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