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÷÷JAMES 3
JAMES 3
PARAGRAPH DIVISIONS OF MODERN TRANSLATIONS
| UBS4 | NKJV | NRSV | TEV | NJB |
| The Tongue | The Untamable Tongue | True Wisdom | The Tongue | Uncontrolled Language |
| 3:1-5a | 3:1-12 | 3:1-5a | 3:1-5a | 3:1-2a |
| 3:2b-12 | ||||
| 3:5b-12 | 3:5b-12 | 3:5b-12 | ||
| The Wisdom from Above | Heavenly Versus Demonic Wisdom | The Wisdom from Above | Real Wisdom and its Opposite | |
| 3:13-18 | 3:13-18 | 3:13-18 | 3:13-18 | 3:13-18 |
READING CYCLE THREE (see "Bible Interpretation Seminar")
FOLLOWING THE ORIGINAL AUTHOR'S INTENT AT PARAGRAPH LEVEL
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the
Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
Read the chapter in one sitting. Identify the subjects (reading cycle #3). Compare your subject divisions with the five translations above. Paragraphing is not inspired, but it is the key to following the original author's intent, which is the heart of interpretation. Every paragraph has one and only one subject.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS TO JAMES 3:1-12
Principles from the New Testament on Human Speech
WORD AND PHRASE STUDY
÷JAMES 3:1-5
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: JAMES 3:1-5a
1Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment. 2For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well. 3Now if we put the bits into the horses' mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. 4Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. 5So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things.
3:1 "many of you" This shows the tendency of a large section of the church to want to speak during the group meetings (cf. 1 Cor. 14:26-40). The worship service of the early church was dynamic and unstructured.
▣ "become" This is a PRESENT MIDDLE (deponent) IMPERATIVE with a NEGATIVE PARTICLE which usually means to stop an act already in process. This section of James begins with the responsibility of Christian leaders (cf. 1 Cor. 3:10-23) but easily transitions into the responsibility of every Christian in relation to speech.
▣ "teachers" This seems to reflect either
Teaching is listed as a spiritual gift in 1 Cor. 12:28 and 14:26. It is also listed as a function of pastors (cf. 1 Tim. 3:1-2; Eph. 4:11). In Acts 13:1 it is connected to NT prophets. But here it is viewed as an option for all believers (cf. James 1:5).
It is my theological opinion that all believers participate in the gifts at some practical level. Surely we would not accept a Christian saying
We would say these activities are for all believers. God gifts some for effective service in these areas, but all believers have responsibilities in these areas.
▣ "my brethren" See notes at James 1:2 and 1:9.
▣ "as such we" James includes himself in this group. Paul calls himself "a preacher, an apostle, a teacher" (cf. 1 Tim. 2:7; 2 Tim. 1:11). All Christians have at least one spiritual gift (cf. 1 Cor. 12:7,11), but some have several.
SPECIAL TOPIC: SPIRITUAL GIFTS
▣ "we will incur a stricter judgment" Knowledge and leadership bring greater responsibility (cf. Luke 12:48; 1 Cor. 3:10-15). I believe the New Testament does teach degrees of blessings and punishment.
SPECIAL TOPIC: DEGREES OF REWARDS AND PUNISHMENT
| 3:2 | |
| NASB | "we all stumble in many ways" |
| NKJV, Peshitta | "we all stumble in many things" |
| NRSV | "all of us make many mistakes" |
| TEV | "all of us often make mistakes" |
| NJB | "we all trip up in many ways" |
This is a PRESENT ACTIVE INDICATIVE indicating continual, habitual action. "Stumble" is used in the sense of "sin." The Bible teaches that all people are sinners (cf. Gen. 6:5,11-12,13; 8:21; 1 Kgs.8:46; 2 Chr. 6:36; Job 4:17; 9:2; 15:14-16; 25:4; Ps. 14:1-3; 53:1-4; 130:3; 143:2; Prov. 20:9; Eccl.7:20; Rom. 3:10-18,19,20,23; Gal. 3:22; 1 John 1:8-10). This may reflect the non-canonical Jewish wisdom book of Ecclesiasticus, which also makes this assertion (cf. Ecclus. 5:13-14; 14:1; 19:16; 22:27; 28:13-26). There are several allusions in the book of James to this inter-biblical wisdom book, written about 180 B.C. In a real sense, James is NT Wisdom Literature.
▣ "If anyone does not stumble. . ." This is a FIRST CLASS CONDITIONAL SENTENCE; all humans stumble. FIRST CLASS CONDITIONAL SENTENCES are often translated "since" or "because."
▣ "what he says" James is concerned in James 2:14-26 about faith without works. This section shows that one's speech, in a sense, reveals one's true spiritual character and orientation. The Bible stresses the importance of our speech (see Contextual Insights, D). We are known and judged by our words because our words reveal our character (cf. Matt. 12:35-37).
▣ "he is a perfect man" "Perfect" means "fully equipped," "full-grown," "complete," or "mature," not sinless (cf. Romans 7). James uses this term often (cf. James 1:4,17,25; 2:22; 3:2) because of his emphasis on the functioning faith, this impossibility of separating (i.e., Gnosticism) faith from faithfulness, or to put it another way, separating justification from sanctification.
▣ "able to bridle the whole body as well"The control of the tongue is a sign of Christlike maturity and self-control (cf. negatively stated in James 1:26; positively stated in Gal. 5:22-23).
3:3 "if" This is a FIRST CLASS CONDITIONAL SENTENCE; horses have been domesticated.
3:3-5 Here are examples of how a small thing can affect a large thing:
Horses and ships are used often in the Koine papyri from Egypt as imagery of control.
3:4 "ship. . .great" The Greco-Roman world had large ships. Paul had been aboard a grain ship which carried 276 passengers plus cargo. Josephus records that he was on a ship with 600 passengers. He describes its dimensions as 180' by 65' by 44'.
3:5 "boasts of great things" Here James is alluding either to the power of human speech or the idea of "pride."
÷JAMES 3:5b -12
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: JAMES 3:5b -12
5See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! 6And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell. 7For every species of beasts and birds, of reptiles and creatures of the sea, is tamed and has been tamed by the human race. 8But no one can tame the tongue; it is a restless evil and full of deadly poison. 9With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the likeness of God; 10from the same mouth come both blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be this way. 11Does a fountain send out from the same opening both fresh and bitter water? 12Can a fig tree, my brethren, produce olives, or a vine produce figs? Nor can salt water produce fresh.
3:5b "great a forest" This could be translated (1) forest or (2) "stacked lumber." This is imagery for the tongue as a spark; it focused James' mind on the destructive and uncontrollable nature of the human tongue (cf. James 3:6-8).
| 3:6 | |
| NASB | "the very world of iniquity" |
| NKJV, NRSV | "a world of iniquity" |
| TEV | "a world of wrong" |
| NJB, REB | "a whole wicked world" |
| Williams | "a world of evil" |
| Peshitta | "the sinful world" |
This seems to mean that human speech represents unrighteousness; it reveals the often hidden wickedness of the human heart. It defiles everything.
James uses the term "world" (kosmos) in a negative sense in James 1:27 and 4:4.
| NASB | "sets on fire the course of our life" |
| NKJV | "sets on fire the course of nature" |
| NRSV | "sets on fire the cycle of nature" |
| TEV | "sets on fire the entire course of our existence" |
| NJB | "set fire to the whole wheel of creation" |
| Williams | "sets on fire the circle of man's nature" |
| Peshitta | "sets on fire the course of our race" |
This is literally "the wheel of birth." For a good discussion of this rare term see M. R. Vincent's Word Studies in the New Testament, vol. 1, pp. 356-357. It seems to mean a person's life from birth until death, which can even affect future generations. Both of these phrases in James 3:6 show the intensive and destructive potential of human speech.
▣ "set on fire by hell" This is literally "being inflamed by Gehenna," which refers to the valley of the sons of Hinnom, south of Jerusalem. This is the imagery Jesus used to describe the ultimate punishment and place for those who reject faith in God. This site was turned into the garbage dump for Jerusalem because this valley was the site in the OT where the fire god Molech was worshiped by child sacrifice (cf. 2 Kgs. 16:3; 17:17; 21:6; 23:10; 2 Chr. 28:3; 33:6; Jer. 7:31; 19:56; note Lev. 18:21). This is the only use of "Gehenna" outside of the words of Jesus (cf. Matt. 5:22,29,30; 10:28; 18:9; 23:15,33; Mark 9:43,47; Luke 12:5). This imagery is referring to the activity of the evil one in our daily lives. James must have personally experienced or observed the negative effects of human speech!
SPECIAL TOPIC: WHERE ARE THE DEAD?, II. D.
3:7 This reflects the fourfold order of the creation of animal species in Genesis 1:26 and 9:2.
▣ "tamed" Mankind was given dominion (cf. Gen. 1:26,28; Ecclesiasticus 17:4). Humans can domesticate and control every animal except themselves.
| 3:8 | |
| NASB, NRSV | "a restless evil and full of deadly poison" |
| NKJV, Peshitta | "an unruly evil, full of deadly poison" |
| TEV | "evil and uncontrollable, full of deadly poison" |
| NJB | "a pest that will not keep still, full of deadly poison" |
This is used of the nonstop movement of a snake's tongue (cf. Gen. 3:1,4-5; Ps. 140:3) and possibly satanically inspired "teachers."
There is a manuscript variation in the Greek texts.
Both fit the context. UBS4 give #1 a "B" rating (almost certain) because of its MSS attestation.
3:9 "we bless our Lord and Father" This grammatical construction (one ARTICLE and two NOUNS) is ambiguous. It can refer to Jesus and the Father (cf. James 1:27) or to YHWH alone. Most translations prefer the second option because of the mention of human beings created in God's image. This is the only place in the NT this phrase occurs.
The blessings of God among contemporary Jewish synagogues would involve (1) liturgical blessings and (2) personal prayers. Surely this structure was followed in the early Christian meetings.
For "Father" see SPECIAL TOPIC: THE FATHERHOOD OF GOD
▣ "curse men" This is a PRESENT MIDDLE (deponent) INDICATIVE. Cursing means to call down problems and evil on another using the power of God's name (cf. Luke 6:28; Rom. 12:14). In context it may refer to rival teachers (cf. James 3:14).
▣ "who have been made in the likeness of God" This is a PERFECT ACTIVE PARTICIPLE. Mankind was made in God's image and likeness (cf. Gen. 1:26,27; 5:1, 9:6; 1 Cor. 11:7), and they remain so, even though fallen (cf. Gen. 9:6; 1 Cor. 11:7). This verse reflects the worth and dignity of mankind whether poor or rich, slave or free, male or female, Jew or Gentile (cf. 1 Cor. 12:13; Gal. 3:28; Col. 3:11). To speak evil of another is to criticize the God who made them (cf. Psalm 139).
The term "likeness" (image) is left undefined in Genesis. There are several theories as to the exact components of "the image":
3:10-12 This reflects the truth of Matt. 7:15-20, esp. v. 18. Human speech has wonderful potential for good, but it also has terrible potential for evil.
▣ "my brethren" See notes at James 1:2 and 1:9.
3:11-12 Both questions in James 3:11 and 12 expect negative responses.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
CONTEXTUAL INSIGHTS INTO JAMES 3:13-18
WORD AND PHRASE STUDY
÷JAMES 3:13-18
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: JAMES 3:13-18
13Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.14But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 15This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 16For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. 17But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. 18And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.
3:13 "Who" This seems to imply that James is continuing the diatribe from chapter 1.
▣ "wise and understanding" In the OT this would refer to a teacher who could apply God's truth to daily life. It would refer to a professional teacher or scribe. "Wise" and "understanding"
Remember that believers are encouraged to ask God for wisdom (cf. James 1:5). The gift of "teacher" involves a gift, a lifestyle, and a proper attitude.
▣ "Let him show" This is an AORIST ACTIVE IMPERATIVE; it is the theme of James 2:14-26.
▣ "by his good behavior" The King James Version has "good conversation," which in A.D. 1611 meant "lifestyle." This is a good example of why our English translations need a continual upgrading—because of the changing meaning and connotations of terms. The NKJV has "good conduct."
▣ "in the gentleness" This means the "controlled strength" of domesticated animals. This was a uniquely Christian virtue. It typifies the life of Christ (cf. Matt. 11:29; 2 Cor. 10:1; Phil. 2:8). It is advocated for all believers (cf. Matt. 5:5; Gal. 5:23; Eph. 4:2). Gentleness or meekness is a defining quality of God's wisdom.
▣ "of wisdom" Literally the full phrase is "meekness of wisdom." This is a startling paradox for fallen mankind! Teachers must live and teach humbly.
The wisdom James speaks about is not the wisdom related to the amount of information learned and the speed and accuracy by which it can be retrieved, but the wisdom of a redeemed heart and mind that seeks God's will so as to do it (i.e., the new covenant of Jer. 31:31-34).
3:14 "if" This is a FIRST CLASS CONDITIONAL SENTENCE which is assumed to be true. Verses 14-16 describe false wisdom (vv. 17-18 describe godly wisdom). This verse assumes the presence of unqualified teachers. Heresy is usually committed by sincere believers who (1) magnify one truth to the exclusion of other biblical truths or (2) claim special insight or spiritual power.
False teachers are characterized by
If one walks like a duck, talks like a duck, acts like a duck—he/she is a duck!
| NASB, Williams | "bitter jealousy" |
| NKJV, NRSV, Peshitta | "bitter envy" |
| TEV | "jealous, bitter" |
| NJB | "bitterness of jealousy" |
This is also listed as sin in 2 Cor. 12:20; Gal. 5:20; and Eph. 4:31. Egotism (the essence of the Fall) has no place among the people of God, especially in teachers/preachers.
▣ "selfish ambition" Originally this word meant "to spin for hire," but later was used as imagery for aggressive, political ambition (cf. Phil. 1:17). It refers to an egotistical, jealous ambition—"my way or no way"—among leaders.
▣ "in your heart" This was the seat of the personality or the intellect.
▣ "do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth" These are two PRESENT MIDDLE (deponent) IMPERATIVES with a NEGATIVE PARTICLE, which usually means to stop an act that is already in process. Teachers' and leaders' actions speak louder than their words (cf. Matt. 7:1-23. James 2 focused on Matt. 7:24-27).
For "truth" see SPECIAL TOPIC: "TRUTH" IN PAUL'S WRITINGS and SPECIAL TRUTH: "TRUTH" (THE CONCEPT) IN JOHN'S WRITINGS
3:15 "from above" This circumlocution was a rabbinical way of referring to YHWH. These teachers may have been vociferously claiming divine insight and knowledge. See fuller note at James 1:17b.
▣ "earthly" This is in opposition to heavenly.
| NASB | "natural" |
| NKJV | "sensual" |
| NRSV, TEV | "unspiritual" |
| NJB | "human" |
| REB | "earth-bound" |
| Peshitta, Williams | "earthly" |
This is from the Greek root psuche (reflecting the Hebrew term nephesh), which is that part of mankind which he shares with the animals. This would then mean natural as opposed to the supernatural, the earthly as opposed to the heavenly.
This probably refers to
Therefore, this is the opposite of spiritual.
▣ "demonic" This relates to content that is supernatural, but not from God (cf. 1 Tim. 4:1; Eph. 6:12). The presence of demonic wisdom leads to confusion and evil practices (James 3:16). However, the context may imply that these teachers are not only doctrinally false, but also morally and motivationally false (cf. 2 Peter 2). The demons of James 2:14 are doctrinally correct, but it does not affect their action.
SPECIAL TOPIC: THE DEMONIC (unclean spirits) IN THE NT
3:17 "pure" The term hagnos has the same Greek root as "holy" (hagios). It implies that it is free from ethical defilement (cf. James 4:8). Verses 17-18 are a list of qualities of godly wisdom as James 3:14-16 describe ungodly wisdom. True wisdom is known by its deeds. Paul's definition of true and false wisdom is seen in 1 Cor. 1:18-3:23.
▣ "peaceable" This is the Greek term eirēnē. It was used in the Septuagint to translate the Hebrew term shalom. In the OT "peace" is usually associated with
The form of the word used here also occurs in Heb. 12:11.
▣ "gentle" The word epiekēs means "sweet reasonableness" or "forbearance." It does not push its own rights or opinions without listening to others and respecting others (cf. Phil. 4:5; 1 Tim. 3:3; Titus 3:2; 1 Pet. 2:18).
▣ "reasonable" This implies a willingness to hear and respond appropriately, not selfishly or egotistically. It is found only here in the NT (note 4Macc. 12:6), but has the same meaning in the Egyptian papyri (Moulton, Milligan, The Vocabulary of the Greek Testament, p. 263).
▣ "full of mercy" This is not just feelings but actions. Biblical love and compassion issue in active love and service, not sentimentalities (cf. 1 Corinthians 13; 1 John 4). This term is linked with the next one and both speak of the care of the poor, needy, and alienated of James 2:15-16. Wisdom without works is also dead!
▣ "and good fruits" This is linked with "full of mercy." This is a concern and care for those in need. In Phil. 1:9-11 ("fruit of righteousness") it is connected to love, knowledge, and discernment.
| NASB | "unwavering" |
| NKJV, Peshitta | "without partiality" |
| NRSV, NJB | "without a trace of partiality" |
| TEV | "free from prejudice" |
| Williams | "free from doubts" |
This term implies free from prejudice or divided loyalties and may relate to James 2:4 (impartial) or even James 1:6 (unwavering).
▣ "without hypocrisy" This was a theatrical term used of one who never played a part for personal gain. It speaks of a transparent genuineness (cf. Rom. 12:9; 2 Cor. 6:6; 1 Tim. 1:5; 2 Tim. 1:5; 1 Pet. 1:22). These last two form a related pair as do the two before them.
3:18 "the seed whose fruit is righteousness" Notice it is not the fruit of wisdom; wisdom without righteousness is not wisdom. God's righteousness results in His children's righteousness. The whole life—the head (doctrine), the heart (volition), and the hand (lifestyle)—is affected and redirected.
▣ "is sown" This is a PRESENT PASSIVE INDICATIVE. The emphasis is on giving, not gathering! We are all sowing some kind of seed. What kind are you sowing?
▣ "in peace by those who make peace" This passage may reflect Isa. 32:17 (also note Pro. 11:18; Hos. 10:12). It is obvious that James 3:18 is contrasting James 3:16.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
This is a study guide commentary, which means that you are responsible
for your own interpretation of the Bible. Each of us must walk in the light we have. You, the Bible, and the Holy Spirit are
priority in interpretation. You must not relinquish this to a commentator.
These discussion questions are provided to help you think through the major issues of this section of the book. They are meant to be thought-provoking, not definitive.
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