James 3:5

James 3:5 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze.

King James Version KJV

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

American Standard Version ASV

So the tongue also is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how much wood is kindled by how small a fire!

Bible in Basic English BBE

Even so the tongue is a small part of the body, but it takes credit for great things. How much wood may be lighted by a very little fire!

Free Bible Version FBV

In just the same way the tongue is a very small part of the body, but it makes great boasts! Think how a big forest can be set on fire by a very small flame!

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Euen so the tongue is a litle member, and boasteth of great things: beholde, howe great a thing a litle fire kindleth.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

so also the tongue is a little member, and doth boast greatly; lo, a little fire how much wood it doth kindle!

World English Bible WEB

So the tongue is also a little member, and boasts great things. See how a small fire can spread to a large forest!

Noah Webster Bible WBS

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

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

Even so the tongue is indeed a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold how small a fire kindleth a great wood.

Translation for Translators T4T

Similarly, although our tongues are very small, if we do not control them, we can harm many people by what we proudly say [MTY]. Think also about how just a small flame of fire can cause a large forest (OR, a large area of brushwood) to burn.

Plain English Version PEV

Well, those are pictures of our tongues. Our tongues are only little, like that bit of iron and that little rudder. Yes, our tongues are little, but if we use them to talk up big and tell people that we are really good, they will do a lot of damage. Think about fire. A very little spark can start a fire, and then it can burn up a lot of bush.

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Berean Amplified Bible — James 3:5

BAB

Word Study

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Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.

James 3:5 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK ουτως και η γλωσσα μικρον μελος εστιν και μεγαλαυχει ιδου ολιγον πυρ ηλικην υλην αναπτει

ουτως ohutō, ohutōs G3779 thus(-ly) Adv

και kai G2532 and Conj

η ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSF

γλωσσα glōssa G1100 tongue Noun-NSF

μικρον mikros G3398 small Adj-NSN

μελος melos G3196 member Noun-NSN

εστιν eimi G1510 to be Verb-PAI-3S

και kai G2532 and Conj

μεγαλαυχει megalaucheō G3166 to boast Verb-PAI-3S

ιδου horaō G3708 to see: see Verb-2AMM-2S

ολιγον oligos G3641 little/few Adj-NSN

πυρ pur G4442 fire Noun-NSN

ηλικην hēlikos G2245 how great? Adj-ASF

υλην hulē G5208 forest Noun-ASF

αναπτει anaptō G381 to set fire Verb-PAI-3S

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — James 3:5

ουτως ohutō, ohutōs G3779 "thus(-ly)" Adv

Thus means in this way or like this, as when Jesus teaches us to pray in Matthew 5:16 and Luke 1:25.

Definition: οὕτως, rarely (Bl., §5, 4; WH, App., 146f.) οὕτω, adv. (οὗτος), [in LXX chiefly for כֵּן ;] in this way, so, thus; __1. referring to what precedes: Mat.5:16 6:30, Mrk.10:43 14:59, Luk.1:25 2:48 15:7, Jhn.3:8, Rom.1:15, 1Co.8:12, al.; οὕτως καί, Mat.17:12, Mrk.13:29, al.; pleonastically, resuming a ptcp. (cl.; see Bl., §74, 6), Act.20:11 27:17. __2. Referring to what follows: Mat.1:18 6:9, Luk.19:31, Jhn.21:1, 1Pe.2:15; bef. quotations from OT, Mat.2:5, Act.7:6, 1Co.15:45, Heb.4:4. __3. C. adj. (marking intensity): Heb.12:21, Rev.16:18; similarly with adv., Gal.1:6 (cl.). __4. As a predicate (Bl., §76, 1): Mat.1:18 9:33, Mrk.2:1, 2 4:26, Rom.4:18 9:20, I Pe 2:15; οὕ ἔχειν (Lat. sic or ita se habere), Act.7:1, al.; ἐκαθέζετο (as he was, without delay or preparation), Jhn.4:6. __5. In comparison, with correlative adv.: καθάπερ . . . οὕ., Rom.12:4, 5 al.; καθὼς . . . οὕ., Luk.11:30, al.; οὕ. . . . καθώς, Luk.24:24, al.; ὡς . . . οὕ., Rom.5:15, al.; οὕ . . . ὡς, Mrk.4:26, al; ὥσπερ . . . οὕ., Mat.12:40, al.; οὕ. . . . οὕ., 1Co.7:7. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 206 NT verses. KJV: after that, after (in) this manner, as, even (so), for all that, like(-wise), no more, on this fashion(-wise), so (in like manner), thus, what See also: 1 Corinthians 2:11; James 3:10; 1 Peter 2:15.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

η ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSF

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

γλωσσα glōssa G1100 "tongue" Noun-NSF

The tongue refers to the organ of speech, as seen in Mark 7:33 and 35. It can also mean a language, such as in Acts 2:11. The Bible talks about the tongue as a powerful tool for communication and expression.

Definition: γλῶσσα, -ης, ἡ, [in LXX chiefly for לָשׁוֹן ;] __1. the tongue, as the organ of speech: Mrk.7:33, 35 Luk.1:64 16:24, Act.2:26" (LXX), Rom.3:13 (LXX) 14:11 (LXX), 1Co.14:9, Php.2:11, Jas.1:26 3:5, 6 8, 1Pe.3:10" (LXX), 1Jo.3:18, Rev.16:10; of a tongue-like object, Act.2:3. __2. a tongue, language: Act.2:11; joined with φυλή, λαός, ἔθνος, frequently in pl., Rev.5:9 7:9 10:11 11:9 13:7 14:6 17:15; λαλεῖν ἑτέραις γ., Act.2:4; γ. λαλεῖν καιναῖς, WH, txt. (RV, mg., omit καιναῖς), Mrk.16:17; λαλεῖν γλώσσαις, γλώσσῃ (see ICC, ll. with; DB, iv, 793ff.), Mrk.16:17, WH, txt., R, mg., Act.10:46 19:6, 1Co.12:30 13:1 14:2, 4-6, 13, 18, 23, 27, 39; γλῶσσαι (= λόγοι ἐν γλώσσῃ, 1Co.14:19), 1Co.13:8 14:22; γένη γλωσσῶν, 1Co.12:10, 28; προσεύχεσθαι γλώσσῃ, 1Co.14:14; γλῶσσαν ἔχειν, 1Co.14:26 (Cremer, 163, 679).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 47 NT verses. KJV: tongue See also: 1 Corinthians 12:10; Acts 2:11; 1 Peter 3:10.

μικρον mikros G3398 "small" Adj-NSN

This word means small or little, like in Matthew 10:42 where it refers to those who are humble or lowly. It can describe size, amount, or importance.

Definition: μικρός, -ά, -όν [in LXX chiefly for קָטָן, מָעַט ;] small, little; __1. of persons; __(a) lit., of stature: Mrk.15:40 (MM, iii, xvi; on the view that age is meant, see Deiss., BS, 144), Luk.19:3; οἱ μ., the little ones, Mat.18:6, 10 18:14, Mrk.9:42; __(b) hence metaphorically, of rank or influence (cf. Dalman, Words, 113 f.) : Mat.10:42, Luk.17:2, Act.8:10 26:22, Heb.8:11" (LXX), Rev.11:18 13:16 19:5, 18 20:12; compar., -ότερος, Mat.11:11, Luk.7:28 9:48. __2. Of things; __(a) of size : Mat.13:32 Mrk.4:31, Jas.3:5; __(b) of quantity: Luk.12:32, 1Co.5:6, Gal.5:9, Rev.3:8; __(with) of time : Jhn.7:33 12:35, Rev.6:11 20:3. __3. Neut., μικρόν, used adverbially; __(a) of distance: Mat.26:39, Mrk.14:35; __(b) of quantity: 2Co.11:1 11:16; __(with) of time : Jhn.13:33 14:19 16:16-19, Heb.10:37; μετὰ μ., Mat.26:73, Mrk.14:70.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 42 NT verses. KJV: least, less, little, small See also: 1 Corinthians 5:6; Luke 19:3; Hebrews 8:11.

μελος melos G3196 "member" Noun-NSN

A member refers to a part of the body, like a limb, and is also used to describe Christians as parts of the body of Christ, as seen in 1 Corinthians 12 and Romans 12.

Definition: μέλος, -ους, τό [in LXX chiefly for נֵתַח ;] a member, limb of the body: 1Co.12:14 12:19 12:26 Eph.4:16 (WH, mg.), Jas.3:5; pl. (as always in cl.), τὰ μ. : Mat.5:29-30, Rom.6:13, 19 7:5, 23 12:4, 1Co.12:12 ff, Col.3:5, Jas.3:6 4:1. Metaphorical, πόρνης, 1Co.6:15; of Christians, μ. ἀλλήλων, Rom.12:5, Eph.4:25; Χριστοῦ, 1Co.6:15; σώματος Χριστοῦ, 1Co.12:27, Eph.5:30.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 24 NT verses. KJV: member See also: 1 Corinthians 6:15; Ephesians 5:30; James 3:5.

εστιν eimi G1510 "to be" Verb-PAI-3S

To be or exist, a basic verb used to describe something or someone, like God saying 'I am' in John 8:58.

Definition: εἰμί, with various uses and significations, like the English verb to be. __I. As substantive verb. __1. Of persons and things, to be, exist: Act.17:28, Jhn.1:1, 8:58, 17:5, al; ὁ ὢν καὶ ὁ ἦν (for past ptcp.), Rev.1:4, 8, 4:8, 11:17, 16:5 (see Swete, Ap., 5; M, Pr., 228); τὰ (μὴ) ὄντα, Rom.4:17, 1Co.1:28. __2. Of times, events, etc., to be, happen, take place: Mat.24:3, Mrk.14:2, 15:42, Luk.21:23, Jhn.4:6, 23, 5:10, al. __3. to be present, be in a place, have come: Mat.2:13, 15, Mrk.1:45, 5:21, 15:40, Luk.1:80, 5:29, Jhn.7:30, al.; before εἰς, Mrk.2:1; before ἐκ, (ἐξ), Mat.1:20, 21:25, Mrk.11:30, Jhn.3:31, al. __4. Impers., ἔστι, ἦν, etc.; __(a) there is (Fr. il y a), was, etc.: Mat.16:28, Luk.16:19, Jhn.3:1, 5:2, Rom.3:10, al.; with dative (of the possessor; Bl., §37, 3), Mat.16:22, Luk.1:7, Jhn.18.10, Rom.9:2, al.; ἔστιν ὅς, ὅστις (chiefly in pl), Mat.16:28, 19:2, Mrk.9:1, al.; __(b) with inf., = ἔξεστιν (which see), it is possible: Heb.9:5, 1Co.11:20, RV (but see ICC, in l.). __II. As copula uniting subject and predicate. __1. Expressing simply identity or equivalence: Mat.5:13, 14:15, Luk.1:18, 19, Jhn.1:1, 4:19, Rev.3:9, al. mult. __2. Explicative, as in parable, figure, type, etc.: Mat.13:19, 1Co.9:2, 10:4, 11:25, Gal.4:24, Rev.17:15, al.; ταῦτ᾽ ἔστιν, Mat.27:46, Mrk.7:2, Rom.7:18 al.; ὅ ἐστιν, Mrk.3:17, Col.1:24, Heb.7:2, al.; akin to this is the sacramental usage: Mat.26:26-28, Mrk.14:22, 24, Luk.22:19, 1Co.11:24 (see ICC on Mk, I Co, ll. with; DB, iii, 148 f.). __3. C. genitive: qual., etc., Mrk.5:42, Luk.3:23, 1Co.14:33, Heb.12:11, al.; part., 1Ti.1:20, 2Ti.1:15; poss., Mat.5:3, 10, Mrk.12:7, Luk.4:7; of service or partisanship, Rom.8:9, 1Co.1:12, 2Co.10:7, 2Ti.2:19. __4. C. dative (BL, §37, 3): Act.1:8, 9:15, Rom.4:12, 1Co.1:18, 2:14, Rev.21:7, al. __5. C. ptcp., as a periphrasis for the simple verb (Bl., §62, 1, 2; M, Pr., 225 ff.); __(a) with ptcp. pf. (cl.): Mat.10:30, Luk.9:32, Jhn.3:24, Act.21:35, 1Co.15:19, al; __(b) with ptcp. pr. (esp. in impf., as in Heb. and Aram.; Dalman, Words, 35 f.), Mat.7:29, Mrk.1:22, Luk.4:31, 14:1, Act.1:10, al. mult., id. for imper. (M, Pr., 180f., 182f.), with ellipsis of εἰμί, Rom.12:9, 10, Heb.13:5, al.; __(with) with ptcp. aor. (cl), Luk.23:9. __6. Seq. εἰς (cf. Heb. הָיָה לְ), a vernac. usage (M, Pr., 71): Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:8, Heb.8:10, al. __7. C. adv.: Mat.19:20, Mrk.4:26, Luk.18:11, al. __8. Ellipses; __(a) of the copula (Bl., §30, 3): Mat.8:29, 24:32, Jhn.21:22, 23, Heb.6:4, al.; __(b) of the predicate: ἐγώ εἰμί, Mat.14:27, Mrk.6:50, al.; absol. (cf. Deu.32:39; אֲנִי הוּא), Mrk.13:6, Jhn.4:26, al. (cf. ἄπ-, ἔν-, πάρ-, συμ-πάρ-, σύν-ειμι). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2123 NT verses. KJV: am, have been, X it is I, was See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 13:2; 1 Peter 1:6.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

μεγαλαυχει megalaucheō G3166 "to boast" Verb-PAI-3S

To boast or talk big, as in James 3:5, where it describes arrogant or egotistic speech.

Definition: μεγαλ-αυχέω, -ῶ (= μεγάλα αὐχέω) [in LXX: Eze.16:50 (גָּבַהּ), al. ;] to boast great things: Jas.3:5 (Rec. for μεγάλα αὐχεῖ, WH).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: boast great things See also: James 3:5.

ιδου horaō G3708 "to see: see" Verb-2AMM-2S

This word means 'to see' or 'to perceive', and can also mean 'to attend to' or 'to experience', like in Mark 6:38 and John 1:46. It's a key word for understanding and perceiving things.

Definition: ὁράω, -ῶ, [in LXX chiefly for ראה, also for חזה, etc. ;] in "durative" sense (hence aor. act., εἶδον, pass., ὤφθην, fut., ὄψομαι, from different roots; see M, Pr., 110f.), to see (in colloq. even the present is rare, its place being generally taken by θεωρέω, see BL, §24). __1. Of bodily vision, to see, perceive, behold: absol., Mrk.6:38, al.; ἔρχου καὶ ἴδε, Jhn.1:46, al.; before ὅτι, Mrk.2:16, al.; with accusative, Mat.2:2, Mrk.1:10 16:7, Gal.1:19, al.; θεόν, Jhn.1:18, 1Jn.4:20, al. __2. to see with the mind, perceive, discern: absol, Rom.15:21; with accusative of thing(s), Mat.9:2 27:54, Act.8:23, Col.2:18, al. __3. to see, take heed, beware: ὅρα μή, with aor. subjc., Mat.8:4 18:10, Mrk.1:44, 1Th.5:15; id., sc. μὴ ποήσῃς, Rev.19:10 22:9 (Bl., §81, 1); before imperat. Mat.9:30 16:6, Mrk.8:15 __4. to experience: τ. θάνατον, Luk.2:26, Heb.11:5; ζωήν, Jhn.3:36; τ. διαφθοράν, Act.2:27. __5. to visit: with accusative of person(s), Luk.8:20, Jhn.12:21, Rom.1:11, al.; with accusative loc, Act.19:21. __6. to see to, care for: Mat.27:4, Act.18:15 (cf. ἀφ-, καθ-, προ-, συν-οράω). SYN.: see: βλέπω. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 605 NT verses. KJV: behold, perceive, see, take heed See also: 1 Corinthians 2:9; Acts 16:40; 1 Peter 1:8.

ολιγον oligos G3641 "little/few" Adj-NSN

This word means something or someone is small or few in number. In the Bible, it appears in Matthew 9:37 and Luke 10:2, describing a small harvest of workers. It can also mean a short time or brief period.

Definition: ὀλίγος, -η, -ον (on οὐχ ὁλ., see infr.), [in LXX chiefly for מָעַט ;] of number, quantity, size, few, little, small, slight: Mat.9:37 15:34, Mrk.6:5 8:7, Luk.10:2 12:48 (sc. πληγάς, opposite to πολλάς), 1Ti.5:23, Heb.12:10, Rev.3:4 12:12; οὐκ ὀ. (in the best uncials written οὐκ ὁ.; see WH, App., 143; M, Pr., 44; Thackeray, Gr., 126 f.), Act.12:18 14:28 15:2 (with genitive part.) Act.17:4, 12 19:23-24 27:20; pl., absol., Mat.7:14 20:16 (WH, txt., RV, om.) Mat.22:14, Luk.13:23, 1Pe.3:20. Neut. sing (τὸ) ὀ.: Luk.7:47, 2Co.8:15; πρὸς ὀλίγον, 1Ti.4:8, Jas.4:14; ἐν ὀ., Act.26:28-29 (with little effort; see Page, in l); id., in brief, Eph.3:3; adverbially, ὀλίγον, of time, Mrk.6:31, 1Pe.1:6 5:10, Rev.17:10; of space, Mrk.1:19, Luk.5:3; pl., ὀλίγα, Luk.10:42, Rev.2:14; ἐπ᾽ ὀλίγα, Mat.25:21, 23; δι᾽ ὀλίγων, in few words, briefly, 1Pe.5:12 (cf. Plat., Legg., vi, 778 e).† **ὀλίγως, adv. (ὀλίγος), [in Aq.: Isa.10:7 * ;] a little, almost, all but: 2Pe.2:18.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 42 NT verses. KJV: + almost, brief(-ly), few, (a) little, + long, a season, short, small, a while See also: 1 Peter 1:6; Luke 5:3; 1 Peter 3:20.

πυρ pur G4442 "fire" Noun-NSN

Fire, literally or figuratively, is used in the Bible to describe flames, lightning, or God's judgment. It appears in Matthew 13:40 and Revelation 8:5. Jesus teaches about fire in Luke 3:9 and John 15:6.

Definition: πῦρ genitive, πυρός, τό, [in LXX chiefly and very frequently for אֵשׁ ;] fire: Mrk.9:22, Luk.3:9, Jhn.15:6, Act.2:10, 1Co.3:13, Jas.3:5, Rev.8:5, al; π. καὶ θεῖον, Luk.17:29; κατακαίειν (ἐν) π., Mat.13:40, Rev.17:16 18:8; καίεσθαι πυρί, Heb.12:18, Rev.8:8 21:8; φλὸξ πυρός, Act.7:30, 2Th.1:8, Heb.1:7, Rev.1:14 2:18 19:12; λαμπάδες πυρός, Rev.4:5; στῦλοι πυρός, Rev.10:1; ἄνθρακες πυρός, Rom.12:20 (LXX); γλῶσσαι ὡσεὶ πυρός, Act.2:3; δοκιμάζειν (πυροῦσθαι) διὰ πυρός, 1Pe.1:7, Rev.3:18; ὡς διὰ. π. (Lft., Notes, 193), 1Co.3:15. Of the fire of hell (cf. Dalman, Words,161): Mrk.9:48 (LXX); τὸ π. τὸ αἰώνιον, Mat.18:8 25:41 (cf. 4Ma.12:12); ἄσβεστον, Mrk.9:43; πυρὸς αἰωνίου δίκην ὑπέχειν, Ju 7; γέεννα τοῦ π., Mat.5:22 18:9; κάμινος τοῦ π., Mat.13:42, 50; ἡ λίμνη τοῦ π., Rev.19:20 20:10, 14-15; πυρὶ τηρεῖσθαι, 2Pe.3:7; βασανισθῆναι ἐν π., Rev.14:10. Metaphorical: βαπτίζειν πυρί, Luk.3:16; of the tongue, Jas.3:5; of strife and discord, Luk.12:49; ἐκ π. ἁρπάζειν, Ju 23; πυρὶ αλίζεσθαι, Mrk.9:49; ζῆλος πυρός, Heb.10:27; of God, π, καταναλίσκον, Heb.12:29 (LXX) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 73 NT verses. KJV: fiery, fire See also: 1 Corinthians 3:13; Matthew 3:12; 1 Peter 1:7.

ηλικην hēlikos G2245 "how great?" Adj-ASF

This word means 'how great' and is used to ask about the size or extent of something, as seen in Colossians 2:1 and James 3:5. It is used to express wonder or surprise at something's magnitude. In the Bible, it is often used to describe God's power and greatness.

Definition: ἡλίκος, -η, -ον __1. prop., as big as, as old as. __2. As indirect interrog., what sized, what, how great, how small (the sense to be determined by the context): Col.2:1, Jas.3:5, Gal.6:11 (WH, mg.; πηλ-, WH, txt., RV).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 2 NT verses. KJV: how (what) great See also: Colossians 2:1; James 3:5.

υλην hulē G5208 "forest" Noun-ASF

This word refers to a forest or woodland area, and by extension, the wood or fuel that comes from it. In James 3:5, it describes the destructive power of the tongue. The word has roots in ancient Greek philosophy, where it meant matter or material.

Definition: ὕλη, -ης, ἡ [in LXX: Job.19:29 (†) Job.38:40 (סֻכָּה), Psa.69:2 B.l א (יָוֵן), Isa.10:17 (שָׁמִיר), Wis.11:17 15:13, Sir.28:10, 2Ma.2:24, 4Ma.1:29 * ;] __1. wood, forest, woodland (Thus., Xen., al.). __2. wood, timber, fuel (Hom., Hdt., Thuc., al.): Jas.3:5 (see Hort, Ja., 70, 104 f.). __3. = Lat. materia, esp. in Philosophy, matter (Arist. and later writers; Wis, ll. with).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1 NT verses. KJV: matter See also: James 3:5.

αναπτει anaptō G381 "to set fire" Verb-PAI-3S

This verb means to set something on fire or to kindle a flame, as seen in Luke 12:49 and James 3:5. It involves starting a fire or igniting a spark. The term is used to describe the act of starting a fire or inspiring a passion.

Definition: ἀν-άπτω [in LXX chiefly for יָצָא ;] to kindle: Luk.12:49, Jas.3:5 (MM, VGT, see word).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3 NT verses. KJV: kindle, light See also: Acts 28:2; James 3:5; Luke 12:49.

Study Notes — James 3:5

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
James 3:5 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on James 3:5
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on James 3:5
Matthew Poole's Commentary on James 3:5
Trapp's Commentary on James 3:5
Ellicott's Commentary on James 3:5
Adam Clarke's Commentary on James 3:5
Cambridge Bible on James 3:5
Barnes' Notes on James 3:5
Whedon's Commentary on James 3:5
Sermons on James 3:5

Context — Taming the Tongue

3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal. 4Consider ships as well. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot is inclined.

5In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze.

6The tongue also is a fire, a world of wickedness among the parts of the body. It pollutes the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell. 7All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man,

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	Proverbs 18:21	Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.
2	Jeremiah 9:3–8	“They bend their tongues like bows; lies prevail over truth in the land. For they proceed from evil to evil, and they do not take Me into account,” declares the LORD. “Let everyone guard against his neighbor; do not trust any brother, for every brother deals craftily, and every friend spreads slander. Each one betrays his friend; no one tells the truth. They have taught their tongues to lie; they wear themselves out committing iniquity. You dwell in the midst of deception; in their deceit they refuse to know Me,” declares the LORD. Therefore this is what the LORD of Hosts says: “Behold, I will refine them and test them, for what else can I do because of the daughter of My people? Their tongues are deadly arrows; they speak deception. With his mouth a man speaks peace to his neighbor, but in his heart he sets a trap for him.
3	Proverbs 12:18	Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
4	Proverbs 15:2	The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.
5	Psalms 17:10	They have closed their callous hearts; their mouths speak with arrogance.
6	Psalms 73:8–9	They mock and speak with malice; with arrogance they threaten oppression. They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongues strut across the earth.
7	Psalms 12:2–4	They lie to one another; they speak with flattering lips and a double heart. May the LORD cut off all flattering lips and every boastful tongue. They say, “With our tongues we will prevail. We own our lips—who can be our master?”
8	Psalms 52:1–2	Why do you boast of evil, O mighty man? The loving devotion of God endures all day long. Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit.
9	Jude 1:16	These men are discontented grumblers, following after their own lusts; their mouths spew arrogance; they flatter others for their own advantage.
10	Jeremiah 18:18	Then some said, “Come, let us make plans against Jeremiah, for the law will never be lost to the priest, nor counsel to the wise, nor an oracle to the prophet. Come, let us denounce him and pay no heed to any of his words.”

James 3:5 Summary

[The verse James 3:5 teaches us that our words have the power to accomplish great things, and we should be careful about what we say. Just like a small spark can set a big fire, our words can start big problems or bring great joy. As it says in Matthew 12:36-37, we will be held accountable for every careless word we speak. By being mindful of our words and speaking kindly, we can use our tongues to build up and encourage others, rather than tearing them down.]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that the tongue is a small part of the body but boasts of great things?

This means that even though our words may seem insignificant, they have the power to accomplish great things, for good or for evil, as seen in James 3:5 and supported by the teachings of Jesus in Matthew 12:36-37.

How can a small spark set a great forest ablaze?

This is a metaphor that illustrates how a small, careless word can ignite a large and destructive fire of conflict, gossip, or hurt, much like the spark that sets a forest ablaze, as mentioned in James 3:5 and echoed in the warnings of Proverbs 26:20-21.

What is the significance of comparing the tongue to a spark that sets a forest ablaze?

This comparison emphasizes the potential of our words to have far-reaching and devastating consequences, much like a forest fire that spreads quickly and is difficult to control, as illustrated in James 3:5 and related to the concept of sowing and reaping in Galatians 6:7-8.

How can we apply the lesson of James 3:5 to our daily lives?

We can apply this lesson by being mindful of the words we speak and striving to use our tongues to build up and encourage others, rather than to tear them down, as taught in Ephesians 4:29 and Colossians 4:6.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways in which my words can be like a spark that sets a great forest ablaze, and how can I prevent this from happening?
How can I use my tongue to boast of great things in a positive way, such as sharing the Gospel or encouraging others?
What are some common ways in which people use their tongues to hurt or destroy others, and how can I avoid these pitfalls?
How can I cultivate a habit of speaking words that are truthful, kind, and uplifting, as taught in Ephesians 4:29-32?

Gill's Exposition on James 3:5

Even so the tongue is a little member,.... Like the bit in the horse's mouth, or like the helm of a ship.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on James 3:5

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! Boasteth great things. What the careless think 'little,' is often of great moment (Bengel).

Matthew Poole's Commentary on James 3:5

The accommodation of the former similitudes. The tongue is a little member, i.e. one of the lesser, in comparison of the body. And boasteth great things; the Greek word signifies, according to its derivation, the lifting up of the neck (as horses, mentioned , are wont to do in their pride) in a way of bravery and triumph; and hence it is used to express boasting and glorying, but here seems to imply something more, viz. not only the uttering big words, but doing great things, whether good and useful, as in the former similitudes, or evil, as in what follows; or its boasting how great things it can do: q.d. The tongue, though little, is of great force and efficacy, and it will tell you so itself; it not only boasts what its fellow members can do, but especially what itself can. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! Another similitude, in which he sets forth the evil the tongue, as little as it is, doth, where it is not well governed, as in the former he had shown the good it may do, when kept under rule. A matter; the word signifies either any combustible stuff, or, as in the margin, wood, that being the ordinary fuel then in use. A little fire kindleth; even a spark, the smallest quantity or particle, which may do great mischief, when lighting in suitable matter.

Trapp's Commentary on James 3:5

5 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! Ver. 5. Boasteth great things] Gr. μεγαλαυχει. It doth magnifically lift up itself, as an untamed horse doth his head. It exalts itself and exults of great things. It walketh through the earth, and faceth the very heavens, Psalms 73:9. It can run all the world over, and bite at everybody; being as a sharp razor, that doth deceit, that instead of shaving the hair cutteth the throat, Psalms 52:2. It is made in the shape of a sword; and David felt it as a sword in his bones, Psalms 42:10. It is thin, broad, and long, as an instrument most fit to empty both the speaker’ s and the hearer’ s heart. It is of a flame colour, as apt to set on fire the whole wheel of nature, James 3:6. Behold how great a matter] Or wood. Camerarius tells a story of two brethren walking out in a star light night. Saith one of the brethren, Would I had a pasture as large as this element; and said the other, Would I had as many oxen as there be stars. Saith the other again, Where would you feed those oxen? In your pasture, replied he. What? whether I would or no? Yea, said he, whether you will or no. What, in spite of me? Yes, said he. And thus it went on from words, till at length each sheathed his sword in the other’ s bowels.

Ellicott's Commentary on James 3:5

(5) Even so . . .—Thus, like the tiny rudder of the mighty ship, whereon its course most critically depends—the tongue is a little member; for it “vaunts great words which bring about great acts of mischief.” The verb translated boasteth is peculiar to this place, but occurs so often in the works of Philo that we may be almost certain St. James had read them. And many other verses of our Epistle suggests his knowledge of this famous Alexandrian Jew. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!—It would be more in the spirit and temper of this imaginative passage to render it, “Behold, how great a forest a little spark kindleth!” Thus it is expressed in the Latin Vulgate; and note our own margin, “wood.” The image constantly recurs in poetry, ancient and modern; and in the writer’s mind there seems to have been the picture “of the wrapping of some vast forest in a flame, by the falling of a single spark,” and this in illustration of the far-reaching mischief resulting from a single cause. (Comp. Sir 28:10.)

Adam Clarke's Commentary on James 3:5

Verse 5. Boasteth great things.] That is, can do great things, whether of a good or evil kind. He seems to refer here to the powerful and all commanding eloquence of the Greek orators: they could carry the great mob whithersoever they wished; calm them to peaceableness and submission, or excite them to furious sedition. Behold, how great a matter] See what a flame of discord and insubordination one man, merely by his persuasive tongue, may kindle among the common people.

Cambridge Bible on James 3:5

5. and boasteth great things] The Greek verb is a compound word, which does not occur elsewhere, but is used not unfrequently by Philo. The fact is not without interest, as indicating, together with the parallelisms just referred to, St James’s probable acquaintance with that writer.how great a matter a little fire kindleth] The form of the Greek is somewhat more emphatic. A little fire kindles how great a mass of timber. The word translated “matter” means primarily “a forest—wood in growth;” and with this meaning, which is adopted in the Vulgate “silvam”, the illustration would stand parallel to Homer’s simile:“As when a spark scarce seen will set ablazeThe illimitable forest.”Iliad ii. 455.So in Virgil, Georg. ii. 303, we have a fuller description of the spark which, dropped at hazard, kindles the bark, and the branches, and the foliage:“And as in triumph seizes on the boughs,And reigns upon the throne of pine-tree tops,And wraps the forest in a robe of flame.”The word, however, had gradually passed into the hands of the metaphysicians, and like the Latin materia, which originally meant “timber” (a meaning still traceable in the name of Madeira, “the well-timbered island”), had come to mean matter as distinct from form, and then passing back, with its modified meaning, into common use, had been used for a pile, or heap of stuff, or materials of any kind. On the whole then, while admitting the greater vividness of the Homeric similitude, St James is likely to have meant a mass of materials rather than a forest. Comp. Proverbs 16:27, and Sir 28:10, where we have exactly the same comparison. The Authorised Version may be accordingly received as not far wrong. Here again it may be noted that Philo employs the same similitude to illustrate the growth of goodness in the soul: “As the smallest spark will, if duly fanned, kindle a vast pyre, so is the least element of virtue capable of growth till the whole nature of the man glows with a new warmth and brightness,” (Philo, de Migr. Abr. p. 407). But he also frequently uses the comparison in reference to the rapid extension of evil.

Barnes' Notes on James 3:5

Even so the tongue is a little member - Little compared with the body, as the bit or the rudder is, compared with the horse or the ship.

Whedon's Commentary on James 3:5

5. Little… great—More accurate and vivid rendering, according to Tischendorf’s pointing: Behold how little a fire, the tongue, kindleth a forest how great!

Sermons on James 3:5

	Sermon	Description
	His Tongue Is an Unruly Member by Leonard Ravenhill	In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of time and how it is misused in today's society. He emphasizes the power of man to subdue and control various creatures, but highli
	Holiness and Unclean Lips by Harold Vaughan	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of our words and how they reveal our true character. He warns that our own words will either stand against us or for us at th
	The Tongue, the Wise Man - James 3 by Phil Beach Jr.	Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the critical role of the tongue in reflecting the condition of the heart, as outlined in James 3. He warns against the dangers of an unbridled tongue, whi
	The Power of the Tongue by J.R. Miller	J.R. Miller emphasizes the profound impact of our words, illustrating that the tongue holds the power of life and death. He urges Christians to recognize the potential of their spe
	John Fleming by Alexander Whyte	Alexander Whyte preaches on the deep friendship between Samuel Rutherford and John Fleming, emphasizing how their trials drew them closer together. Rutherford, in his letters to Fl
	Section Iii.--Ministerial Effects. by William Arthur	William Arthur preaches about the power of the tongue of fire, as seen in the example of Peter on the day of Pentecost. Despite Peter's lack of eloquence, his message, filled with
	Love One Another by Andrew Murray	William Newell and Charles Spurgeon discuss the deadly nature of the asp, a venomous serpent whose poison is injected through its fangs, likened to the harmful words and slander th