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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>James 3:4 Consider 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/james/3-4.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/13/59_Jas_03_04.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="James 3:4 - Taming the Tongue" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Consider 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." /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/vmenus/james/3-4.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="/bmc/james/3-4.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/james/">James</a> > <a href="/james/3.htm">Chapter 3</a> > Verse 4</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div><div id="ad1"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/ad4.htm" width="100%" height="48" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/james/3-3.htm" title="James 3:3">◄</a> James 3:4 <a href="/james/3-5.htm" title="James 3:5">►</a></div></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse"> <a href="#audio" class="clickchap2" title="Context and Audio Bible"> Audio </a> <a href="#crossref" class="clickchap2" title="Cross References"> Cross </a> <a href="#study" class="clickchap2" title="Study Bible"> Study </a> <a href="#commentary" class="clickchap2" title="Commentary"> Comm </a> <a href="#lexicon" class="clickchap2" title="Lexicon"> Greek </a> </div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><div class="vheadingv">Verse<a href="/bsb/james/3.htm" class="clickchap" style="color:#001320" title="Click any translation name for full chapter">  (Click for Chapter)</a></div><div id="par"><a href="/niv/james/3.htm">New International Version</a> Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. <a href="/nlt/james/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> And a small rudder makes a huge ship turn wherever the pilot chooses to go, even though the winds are strong. <a href="/esv/james/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. <a href="/bsb/james/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Consider 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. <a href="/blb/james/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Behold also the ships, being so great and being driven by strong winds, are turned about by a very small rudder wherever the impulse of the one steering resolves. <a href="/kjv/james/3.htm">King James Bible</a> Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth. <a href="/nkjv/james/3.htm">New King James Version</a> Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. <a href="/nasb_/james/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Look at the ships too: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are nevertheless directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot determines. <a href="/nasb/james/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> Look 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. <a href="/nasb77/james/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Behold, 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. <a href="/lsb/james/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, they are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot wills. <a href="/amp/james/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> And look at the ships. Even though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the impulse of the helmsman determines. <a href="/csb/james/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> And consider ships: Though very large and driven by fierce winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. <a href="/hcsb/james/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> And consider ships: Though very large and driven by fierce winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs. <a href="/asv/james/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> Behold, the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by rough winds, are yet turned about by a very small rudder, whither the impulse of the steersman willeth. <a href="/cev/james/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> It takes strong winds to move a large sailing ship, but the captain uses only a small rudder to make it go in any direction. <a href="/erv/james/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> Behold, the ships also, though they are so great, and are driven by rough winds, are yet turned about by a very small rudder, whither the impulse of the steersman willeth. <a href="/gwt/james/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> The same thing is true for ships. They are very big and are driven by strong winds. Yet, by using small rudders, pilots steer ships wherever they want them to go. <a href="/gnt/james/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> Or think of a ship: big as it is and driven by such strong winds, it can be steered by a very small rudder, and it goes wherever the pilot wants it to go. <a href="/isv/james/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> And look at ships! They are so big that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are steered by a tiny rudder wherever the helmsman directs. <a href="/msb/james/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Consider 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. <a href="/net/james/3.htm">NET Bible</a> Look at ships too: Though they are so large and driven by harsh winds, they are steered by a tiny rudder wherever the pilot's inclination directs. <a href="/nheb/james/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> And look at the ships also, though they are so big and are driven by fierce winds, are yet guided by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot desires. <a href="/wbt/james/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Behold also the ships, which though they are so great, and are driven by fierce winds, yet they are turned about with a very small helm, withersoever the governor willeth. <a href="/wey/james/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> So too with ships, great as they are, and often driven along by strong gales, yet they can be steered with a very small rudder in whichever direction the caprice of the man at the helm chooses. <a href="/web/james/3.htm">World English Bible</a> Behold, the ships also, though they are so big and are driven by fierce winds, are yet guided by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot desires. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/james/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> behold, also the ships, being so great, and being driven by fierce winds, are directed by a very small rudder, wherever the impulse of the [one] steering wills, <a href="/blb/james/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Behold also the ships, being so great and being driven by strong winds, are turned about by a very small rudder wherever the impulse of the one steering resolves. <a href="/ylt/james/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> lo, also the ships, being so great, and by fierce winds being driven, are led about by a very small helm, whithersoever the impulse of the helmsman doth counsel, <a href="/slt/james/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Behold also ships, being so great, and driven by hard winds, are led by the smallest rudder, wherever the desire of him steering should will.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/james/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Behold also ships, whereas they are great, and are driven by strong winds, yet are they turned about with a small helm, whithersoever the force of the governor willeth. <a href="/cpdv/james/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Consider also the ships, which, though they are great and may be driven by strong winds, yet they are turned around with a small rudder, to be directed to wherever the strength of the pilot might will. <a href="/nabre/james/3.htm">New American Bible</a> It is the same with ships: even though they are so large and driven by fierce winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot’s inclination wishes. <a href="/nrsvce/james/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Or look at ships: though they are so large that it takes strong winds to drive them, yet they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/james/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Behold also the ships, great as they are, when driven by severe winds, they are turned about with a very small rudder, wherever the pilot wishes. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/james/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> Also, mighty ships, which are steered by the wind and a hard small piece of wood, are driven to wherever the will of the helmsman determines.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/james/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Behold also the ships, which are very great, and are driven by violent winds; yet they are turned about by a very small helm, to whatever point the will of him that directs it may determine. <a href="/godbey/james/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> behold also the ships, being so great, and driven by fierce winds, are managed by the smallest rudder, whithersoever the will of the steersman prefers; <a href="/haweis/james/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Behold also the ships, though so great, and driven by tempestuous winds, are turned about by the smallest rudder, whithersoever the inclination of the pilot pleaseth. <a href="/mace/james/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> a ship too of the greatest burthen, tho' the wind bears hard, by means of an inconsiderable helm, veers about as the hand of the pilot directs her. <a href="/wey/james/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> So too with ships, great as they are, and often driven along by strong gales, yet they can be steered with a very small rudder in whichever direction the caprice of the man at the helm chooses. <a href="/worrell/james/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Behold also the ships, large as they are, and driven along by fierce winds, are turned about by a very small rudder, wheresoever the impulse of the steersman wills. <a href="/worsley/james/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Behold also the ships which are of so great bulk, and even when they are driven by hard winds, yet are turned about by a very small helm which way soever the pilot pleaseth. <a href="/parallel/james/3-4.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="audio" id="audio"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0xUBCzqsAGw?start=496" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/james/3.htm">Taming the Tongue</a> …3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal. 4<a href="/greek/2400.htm" title="2400: idou (V-AMA-2S) -- See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo!">Consider</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-NNP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4143.htm" title="4143: ploia (N-NNP) -- A ship, vessel, boat. From pleo; a sailer, i.e. Vessel.">ships</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">as well.</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: onta (V-PPA-NNP) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">Although they are</a> <a href="/greek/5082.htm" title="5082: tēlikauta (DPro-NNP) -- Or feminine telikaute from a compound of ho with helikos and houtos; such as this, i.e. (figurative) magnitude) so vast.">so large</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/1643.htm" title="1643: elaunomena (V-PPM/P-NNP) -- (a) trans: I drive (on), propel, (b) intrans: I row. A prolonged form of a primary verb of uncertain affinity; to push.">are driven</a> <a href="/greek/5259.htm" title="5259: hypo (Prep) -- A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).">by</a> <a href="/greek/4642.htm" title="4642: sklērōn (Adj-GMP) -- Hard, violent, harsh, stern. From the base of skelos; dry, i.e. Hard or tough.">strong</a> <a href="/greek/417.htm" title="417: anemōn (N-GMP) -- The wind; fig: applied to empty doctrines. From the base of aer; wind; by implication, quarters.">winds,</a> <a href="/greek/3329.htm" title="3329: metagetai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- From meta and harmozo; to lead over, i.e. Transfer.">they are steered</a> <a href="/greek/5259.htm" title="5259: hypo (Prep) -- A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when).">by</a> <a href="/greek/1646.htm" title="1646: elachistou (Adj-GNS-S) -- Superlative of elachus; used as equivalent to mikros; least.">a very small</a> <a href="/greek/4079.htm" title="4079: pēdaliou (N-GNS) -- The rudder of a ship. Neuter of a derivative of pedon; a pedal, i.e. Helm.">rudder</a> <a href="/greek/3699.htm" title="3699: hopou (Adv) -- Where, whither, in what place. From hos and pou; what(-ever) where, i.e. At whichever spot.">wherever</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: hē (Art-NFS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tou (Art-GMS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/2116.htm" title="2116: euthynontos (V-PPA-GMS) -- From euthus; to straighten; technically, to steer.">pilot</a> <a href="/greek/3730.htm" title="3730: hormē (N-NFS) -- A rush, violent assault, impulse. Of uncertain affinity; a violent impulse, i.e. Onset.">is inclined.</a> <a href="/greek/1014.htm" title="1014: bouletai (V-PIM/P-3S) -- To will, intend, desire, wish. Middle voice of a primary verb; to will, i.e. be willing."></a> 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.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/proverbs/21-1.htm">Proverbs 21:1</a> The king’s heart is a waterway in the hand of the LORD; He directs it where He pleases. <a href="/psalms/107-25.htm">Psalm 107:25-30</a> For He spoke and raised a tempest that lifted the waves of the sea. / They mounted up to the heavens, then sunk to the depths; their courage melted in their anguish. / They reeled and staggered like drunkards, and all their skill was useless. ... <a href="/matthew/8-26.htm">Matthew 8:26-27</a> “You of little faith,” Jesus replied, “why are you so afraid?” Then He got up and rebuked the winds and the sea, and it was perfectly calm. / The men were amazed and asked, “What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the sea obey Him!” <a href="/acts/27-13.htm">Acts 27:13-15</a> When a gentle south wind began to blow, they thought they had their opportunity. So they weighed anchor and sailed along, hugging the coast of Crete. / But it was not long before a cyclone called the Northeaster swept down across the island. / Unable to head into the wind, the ship was caught up. So we gave way and let ourselves be driven along. <a href="/acts/27-39.htm">Acts 27:39-44</a> When daylight came, they did not recognize the land, but they sighted a bay with a sandy beach, where they decided to run the ship aground if they could. / Cutting away the anchors, they left them in the sea as they loosened the ropes that held the rudders. Then they hoisted the foresail to the wind and made for the beach. / But the ship struck a sandbar and ran aground. The bow stuck fast and would not move, and the stern was being broken up by the pounding of the waves. ... <a href="/ezekiel/27-26.htm">Ezekiel 27:26</a> Your oarsmen have brought you onto the high seas, but the east wind will shatter you in the heart of the sea. <a href="/jonah/1-4.htm">Jonah 1:4</a> Then the LORD hurled a great wind upon the sea, and such a violent storm arose that the ship was in danger of breaking apart. <a href="/isaiah/33-23.htm">Isaiah 33:23</a> Your ropes are slack; they cannot secure the mast or spread the sail. Then an abundance of spoils will be divided, and even the lame will carry off plunder. <a href="/psalms/104-25.htm">Psalm 104:25-26</a> Here is the sea, vast and wide, teeming with creatures beyond number, living things both great and small. / There the ships pass, and Leviathan, which You formed to frolic there. <a href="/proverbs/16-9.htm">Proverbs 16:9</a> A man’s heart plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps. <a href="/proverbs/16-32.htm">Proverbs 16:32</a> He who is slow to anger is better than a warrior, and he who controls his temper is greater than one who captures a city. <a href="/1_kings/22-48.htm">1 Kings 22:48</a> Jehoshaphat built ships of Tarshish to go to Ophir for gold, but they never set sail, because they were wrecked at Ezion-geber. <a href="/2_chronicles/20-36.htm">2 Chronicles 20:36-37</a> They agreed to make ships to go to Tarshish, and these were built in Ezion-geber. / Then Eliezer son of Dodavahu of Mareshah prophesied against Jehoshaphat, saying, “Because you have allied yourself with Ahaziah, the LORD has destroyed your works.” So the ships were wrecked and were unable to sail to Tarshish. <a href="/job/9-26.htm">Job 9:26</a> They sweep by like boats of papyrus, like an eagle swooping down on its prey. <a href="/psalms/48-7.htm">Psalm 48:7</a> With a wind from the east You wrecked the ships of Tarshish.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, wherever the governor wants.are driven.<a href="/psalms/107-25.htm">Psalm 107:25-27</a> For he commandeth, and raiseth the stormy wind, which lifteth up the waves thereof… <a href="/jonah/1-4.htm">Jonah 1:4</a> But the LORD sent out a great wind into the sea, and there was a mighty tempest in the sea, so that the ship was like to be broken.<a href="/matthew/8-24.htm">Matthew 8:24</a> And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/james/2-11.htm">Although</a> <a href="/acts/22-28.htm">Big</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-6.htm">Caprice</a> <a href="/romans/9-18.htm">Chooses</a> <a href="/james/1-20.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/romans/15-14.htm">Direction</a> <a href="/isaiah/48-17.htm">Directs</a> <a href="/james/1-6.htm">Driven</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-5.htm">Example</a> <a href="/2_timothy/3-3.htm">Fierce</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-32.htm">Governor</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-20.htm">Great</a> <a href="/james/3-3.htm">Guided</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/8-17.htm">Impulse</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-28.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/james/3-2.htm">Often</a> <a href="/acts/27-11.htm">Pilot</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-6.htm">Rough</a> <a href="/acts/27-40.htm">Rudder</a> <a href="/john/6-24.htm">Ships</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-11.htm">Small</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-9.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/james/1-16.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-18.htm">Violent</a> <a href="/philemon/1-13.htm">Wants</a> <a href="/titus/1-6.htm">Wherever</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-6.htm">Whichever</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-8.htm">Whither</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-6.htm">Whithersoever</a> <a href="/romans/9-18.htm">Willeth</a> <a href="/hebrews/1-7.htm">Winds</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/1_peter/2-12.htm">Although</a> <a href="/jude/1-16.htm">Big</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-17.htm">Caprice</a> <a href="/james/4-4.htm">Chooses</a> <a href="/james/4-1.htm">Desires</a> <a href="/revelation/4-8.htm">Direction</a> <a href="/judges/20-9.htm">Directs</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-17.htm">Driven</a> <a href="/james/5-10.htm">Example</a> <a href="/2_peter/3-10.htm">Fierce</a> <a href="/genesis/42-6.htm">Governor</a> <a href="/james/3-5.htm">Great</a> <a href="/james/3-13.htm">Guided</a> <a href="/exodus/25-2.htm">Impulse</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-21.htm">Moved</a> <a href="/revelation/11-6.htm">Often</a> <a href="/acts/27-11.htm">Pilot</a> <a href="/genesis/42-30.htm">Rough</a> <a href="/acts/27-40.htm">Rudder</a> <a href="/revelation/8-9.htm">Ships</a> <a href="/james/3-5.htm">Small</a> <a href="/james/4-5.htm">Strong</a> <a href="/james/4-9.htm">Turned</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-4.htm">Violent</a> <a href="/james/4-4.htm">Wants</a> <a href="/revelation/14-4.htm">Wherever</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/21-3.htm">Whichever</a> <a href="/1_john/2-11.htm">Whither</a> <a href="/revelation/14-4.htm">Whithersoever</a> <a href="/revelation/2-21.htm">Willeth</a> <a href="/jude/1-12.htm">Winds</a><div class="vheading2">James 3</div>1. <a href="/james/3-1.htm">We are not rashly or arrogantly to reprove others;</a> 5. <a href="/james/3-5.htm">but rather to bridle the tongue, a little member, </a> 9. <a href="/james/3-9.htm">but a powerful instrument of much good, and great harm.</a> 13. <a href="/james/3-13.htm">The truly wise are mild and peaceable, without envy and strife.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheading"><table width="100%"><tr><td width="99%" valign="top"><a href="/study/james/3.htm">Study Bible</a></td><td width="1%" valign="top"><a href="/study/james/" title="Book Summary and Study">Book ◦</a> <a href="/study/chapters/james/3.htm" title="Chapter summary and Study">Chapter </a></tr></table></div>Consider ships as well. In the ancient world, ships were a common mode of transportation and trade, especially in the Mediterranean region. The imagery of ships would have been familiar to James's audience, many of whom lived in coastal areas or were involved in trade. This metaphor serves to illustrate the power of small things to influence larger entities, a theme consistent with the broader message of <a href="/james/3.htm">James 3</a> about the tongue's power.Although they are so large Ships in the first century could be quite large, especially those used for trade or military purposes. The size of these ships would have been impressive to the original audience, emphasizing the contrast between the ship's size and the smallness of the rudder. This reflects the biblical theme of God using the small and seemingly insignificant to accomplish great things, as seen in the story of David and Goliath (1 Samuel 17).and are driven by strong winds, The mention of strong winds highlights the challenges and forces that ships must navigate. In biblical literature, winds often symbolize trials or divine intervention, as seen in the calming of the storm by Jesus (<a href="/mark/4-39.htm">Mark 4:39</a>). This phrase underscores the idea that despite external pressures, control can still be maintained through something small and seemingly insignificant.they are steered by a very small rudder The rudder, though small, has the power to direct the entire ship. This is a direct analogy to the tongue, which, though small, can have a significant impact on one's life and the lives of others. The rudder's role is crucial, much like the tongue's role in guiding one's actions and words, reflecting the biblical principle that what comes out of the mouth reflects the heart (<a href="/matthew/15-18.htm">Matthew 15:18</a>).wherever the pilot is inclined. The pilot represents the person in control, making decisions about the ship's direction. This can be seen as a metaphor for personal responsibility and the importance of self-control, a fruit of the Spirit (<a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a>). The pilot's inclination reflects the heart's intentions, aligning with the biblical teaching that one's words and actions are a reflection of their inner spiritual state.<div class="vheading2">Persons / Places / Events</div>1. <a href="/topical/j/james.htm">James</a> The author of the epistle, traditionally identified as James, the brother of Jesus. He is writing to Jewish Christians scattered among the nations, offering practical guidance for living out their faith. 2. <a href="/topical/s/ships.htm">Ships</a> Used as a metaphor in this verse, ships represent something large and powerful that can be controlled by something small, illustrating the power of the tongue. 3. <a href="/topical/r/rudder.htm">Rudder</a> A small device used to steer a ship, symbolizing the tongue's disproportionate influence over the body and life. 4. <a href="/topical/p/pilot.htm">Pilot</a> Represents the person in control, analogous to how individuals must control their tongues. 5. <a href="/topical/s/strong_winds.htm">Strong Winds</a> Symbolize external forces and challenges that can influence the direction of one's life, yet the rudder (tongue) still plays a crucial role in navigation.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_small_things.htm">The Power of Small Things</a> Just as a small rudder steers a large ship, our words, though small, have the power to direct the course of our lives and the lives of others. <a href="/topical/c/control_and_responsibility.htm">Control and Responsibility</a> We are responsible for the words we speak. Like a pilot steering a ship, we must be intentional and careful with our speech. <a href="/topical/i/influence_of_external_forces.htm">Influence of External Forces</a> While external circumstances (strong winds) can affect us, our response (the rudder) is crucial in determining our direction. <a href="/topical/g/guarding_the_tongue.htm">Guarding the Tongue</a> As believers, we are called to guard our tongues, ensuring that our words reflect our faith and values. <a href="/topical/s/spiritual_maturity.htm">Spiritual Maturity</a> Controlling the tongue is a sign of spiritual maturity, as it requires discipline and wisdom.<div class="vheading2">Lists and Questions</div><a href="/top10/lessons_from_james_3.htm">Top 10 Lessons from James 3</a> <a href="/q/key_teachings_in_book_of_james.htm">What are the key teachings in the Book of James?</a> <a href="/q/does_james_3_9-10_oversimplify_emotions.htm">James 3:9–10 suggests it’s inconsistent to praise God and curse others; does this contradict human nature or oversimplify complex emotions? </a> <a href="/q/how_is_abraham's_faith_'righteousness'.htm">In Romans 4:3, how can Abraham's faith be considered 'righteousness' when James 2:21-24 suggests a different view of his justification?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_our_beliefs_in_the_bible.htm">What is the meaning of James 3:8?</a><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/james/3.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(4) The governor--i.e., the "helmsman," from the Latin gubernator. The Venerable Bede, our earliest English translator, refers the ships here to an image of ourselves, and the winds to the impulses of our own minds, by which we are driven hither and thither.St. James, remembering the storms of the Galilean lake, could well rejoice in a simile like this, although he himself may only have known the craft of an inland sea, and never have beheld "broad rivers and streams" wherein went "galley with oars and gallant ship" (<a href="/isaiah/33-21.htm" title="But there the glorious LORD will be to us a place of broad rivers and streams; wherein shall go no galley with oars, neither shall gallant ship pass thereby.">Isaiah 33:21</a>). And none knew better than the brother of the Lord who was the true"Helm of the ships that keepPathway along the deep."<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/james/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 4. - Second illustration, showing the importance of the tongue and its government. The rudder is a very small thing, but it enables the steersman to guide the ship wherever he will, in spite of the storm. Whithersoever the governor listeth (ὅπου ἡ ὀρμὴ τοῦ εὐθυνοντος βούλεται, א, B); whither the impulse of the steersman willeth (R.V.); Vulgate, impetus dirigentis. <a href="/commentaries/james/3-4.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Consider ἰδοὺ (idou) Verb - Aorist Imperative Active - 2nd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2400.htm">Strong's 2400: </a> See! Lo! Behold! Look! Second person singular imperative middle voice of eido; used as imperative lo! ships πλοῖα (ploia) Noun - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4143.htm">Strong's 4143: </a> A ship, vessel, boat. From pleo; a sailer, i.e. Vessel. as well. καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. Although they are ὄντα (onta) Verb - Present Participle Active - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1510.htm">Strong's 1510: </a> I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist. so large τηλικαῦτα (tēlikauta) Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5082.htm">Strong's 5082: </a> Or feminine telikaute from a compound of ho with helikos and houtos; such as this, i.e. (figurative) magnitude) so vast. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. are driven ἐλαυνόμενα (elaunomena) Verb - Present Participle Middle or Passive - Nominative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1643.htm">Strong's 1643: </a> (a) trans: I drive (on), propel, (b) intrans: I row. A prolonged form of a primary verb of uncertain affinity; to push. by ὑπὸ (hypo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_5259.htm">Strong's 5259: </a> A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when). strong σκληρῶν (sklērōn) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4642.htm">Strong's 4642: </a> Hard, violent, harsh, stern. From the base of skelos; dry, i.e. Hard or tough. winds, ἀνέμων (anemōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_417.htm">Strong's 417: </a> The wind; fig: applied to empty doctrines. From the base of aer; wind; by implication, quarters. they are steered μετάγεται (metagetai) Verb - Present Indicative Middle or Passive - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3329.htm">Strong's 3329: </a> From meta and harmozo; to lead over, i.e. Transfer. by ὑπὸ (hypo) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_5259.htm">Strong's 5259: </a> A primary preposition; under, i.e. of place, or with verbs; of place (underneath) or where (below) or time (when). a very small ἐλαχίστου (elachistou) Adjective - Genitive Neuter Singular - Superlative <a href="/greek/strongs_1646.htm">Strong's 1646: </a> Superlative of elachus; used as equivalent to mikros; least. rudder πηδαλίου (pēdaliou) Noun - Genitive Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4079.htm">Strong's 4079: </a> The rudder of a ship. Neuter of a derivative of pedon; a 'pedal', i.e. Helm. wherever ὅπου (hopou) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3699.htm">Strong's 3699: </a> Where, whither, in what place. From hos and pou; what(-ever) where, i.e. At whichever spot. the ἡ (hē) Article - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. pilot εὐθύνοντος (euthynontos) Verb - Present Participle Active - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2116.htm">Strong's 2116: </a> From euthus; to straighten; technically, to steer. is inclined. ὁρμὴ (hormē) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3730.htm">Strong's 3730: </a> A rush, violent assault, impulse. Of uncertain affinity; a violent impulse, i.e. Onset. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/james/3-4.htm">James 3:4 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/james/3-4.htm">James 3:4 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/james/3-4.htm">James 3:4 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/james/3-4.htm">James 3:4 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/james/3-4.htm">James 3:4 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/james/3-4.htm">James 3:4 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/james/3-4.htm">James 3:4 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/james/3-4.htm">James 3:4 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/james/3-4.htm">James 3:4 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/james/3-4.htm">James 3:4 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/james/3-4.htm">NT Letters: James 3:4 Behold the ships also though they (Ja Jas. Jam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/james/3-3.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="James 3:3"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="James 3:3" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/james/3-5.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="James 3:5"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="James 3:5" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>