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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 3:3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/james/3-3.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/12/59_Jas_03_03.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="James 3:3 - Taming the Tongue" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal." /><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'; 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and we turn about their whole body. <a href="/nkjv/james/3.htm">New King James Version</a> Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. <a href="/nasb_/james/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their whole body as well. <a href="/nasb/james/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> Now if we put the bits into the horses&#8217 mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. <a href="/nasb77/james/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they may obey us, we direct their entire body as well. <a href="/lsb/james/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. <a href="/amp/james/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Now if we put bits into the horses’ mouths to make them obey us, we guide their whole body as well. <a href="/csb/james/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Now if we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we direct their whole bodies. <a href="/hcsb/james/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Now when we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we also guide the whole animal. <a href="/asv/james/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> Now if we put the horses' bridles into their mouths that they may obey us, we turn about their whole body also. <a href="/cev/james/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> By putting a bit into the mouth of a horse, we can turn the horse in different directions. <a href="/erv/james/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> Now if we put the horses' bridles into their mouths, that they may obey us, we turn about their whole body also. <a href="/gwt/james/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> We put bits in the mouths of horses to make them obey us, and we have control over everything they do. <a href="/gnt/james/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> We put a bit into the mouth of a horse to make it obey us, and we are able to make it go where we want. <a href="/isv/james/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> Now if we put bits into horses' mouths to make them obey us, we can guide their whole bodies as well. <a href="/msb/james/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal. <a href="/net/james/3.htm">NET Bible</a> And if we put bits into the mouths of horses to get them to obey us, then we guide their entire bodies. <a href="/nheb/james/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Now if we put bits into the horses' mouths so that they may obey us, we guide their whole body. <a href="/wbt/james/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Behold, we put bits in the mouths of horses, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. <a href="/wey/james/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Remember that we put the horses' bit into their mouths to make them obey us, and so we turn their whole bodies round. <a href="/web/james/3.htm">World English Bible</a> Indeed, we put bits into the horses’ mouths so that they may obey us, and we guide their whole body. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/james/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> behold, the bits we put into the mouths of the horses for their obeying us, and we direct their whole body; <a href="/blb/james/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Now if we put bits into the mouths of the horses for them to obey us, we turn about even their whole body. <a href="/ylt/james/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> lo, the bits we put into the mouths of the horses for their obeying us, and their whole body we turn about; <a href="/slt/james/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they should yield to us; and we lead their whole body.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/james/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> For if we put bits into the mouths of horses, that they may obey us, and we turn about their whole body. <a href="/cpdv/james/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> For so we put bridles into the mouths of horses, in order to submit them to our will, and so we turn their whole body around. <a href="/nabre/james/3.htm">New American Bible</a> If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we also guide their whole bodies. <a href="/nrsvce/james/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/james/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Behold, we put bits into the mouths of horses, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/james/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> And behold, we put a bridle in the mouths of horses, so that they will submit to us and we turn their whole bodies.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/james/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Behold, we put bits into horses mouths that they may obey us, and we turn about their whole body. <a href="/godbey/james/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> But if we put bridles into the mouths of the horses, that they may obey us; and we manage their whole body; <a href="/haweis/james/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Behold, we put bits into the horses? mouths, that they may obey us, and we turn about their whole body. <a href="/mace/james/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> you see how manageable horses are made by the application of a bit, which makes them take what motion we please. <a href="/wey/james/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Remember that we put the horses' bit into their mouths to make them obey us, and so we turn their whole bodies round. <a href="/worrell/james/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Now, if we put the horses' bridles into their mouths, that they may obey us, we turn about their whole body also. <a href="/worsley/james/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Behold we put bridles into the mouths of horses, that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body as we please. <a href="/parallel/james/3-3.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=488" 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> …2We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body. 3<a href="/greek/1161.htm" title="1161: de (Conj) -- A primary particle; but, and, etc."></a> <a href="/greek/1487.htm" title="1487: Ei (Conj) -- If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.">When</a> <a href="/greek/906.htm" title="906: ballomen (V-PIA-1P) -- (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw.">we put</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tous (Art-AMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/5469.htm" title="5469: chalinous (N-AMP) -- A bridle, bit. From chalao; a curb or head-stall.">bits</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">into</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: ta (Art-ANP) -- 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/4750.htm" title="4750: stomata (N-ANP) -- The mouth, speech, eloquence in speech, the point of a sword. ">mouths</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tōn (Art-GMP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">of</a> <a href="/greek/2462.htm" title="2462: hippōn (N-GMP) -- A horse. Of uncertain affinity; a horse.">horses</a> <a href="/greek/1519.htm" title="1519: eis (Prep) -- A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases.">to make</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autous (PPro-AM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">them</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/3982.htm" title="3982: peithesthai (V-PNM/P) -- A primary verb; to convince; by analogy, to pacify or conciliate; reflexively or passively, to assent, to rely.">obey</a> <a href="/greek/1473.htm" title="1473: hēmin (PPro-D1P) -- I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.">us,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></a> <a href="/greek/3329.htm" title="3329: metagomen (V-PIA-1P) -- From meta and harmozo; to lead over, i.e. Transfer.">we can guide</a> <a href="/greek/846.htm" title="846: autōn (PPro-GM3P) -- He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.">the</a> <a href="/greek/3650.htm" title="3650: holon (Adj-ANS) -- All, the whole, entire, complete. A primary word; whole or all, i.e. Complete, especially as noun or adverb.">whole</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: to (Art-ANS) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the."></a> <a href="/greek/4983.htm" title="4983: sōma (N-ANS) -- Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively.">animal.</a> 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.…<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/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23</a> He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress. <a href="/psalms/39-1.htm">Psalm 39:1</a> For the choirmaster. For Jeduthun. A Psalm of David. I said, “I will watch my ways so that I will not sin with my tongue; I will guard my mouth with a muzzle as long as the wicked are present.” <a href="/matthew/12-34.htm">Matthew 12:34-37</a> You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. / The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. / But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. ... <a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a> Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit. <a href="/proverbs/15-1.htm">Proverbs 15:1-2</a> A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. / The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly. <a href="/proverbs/12-18.htm">Proverbs 12:18</a> Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. <a href="/proverbs/10-19.htm">Proverbs 10:19</a> When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. <a href="/ephesians/4-29.htm">Ephesians 4:29</a> Let no unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building up the one in need and bringing grace to those who listen. <a href="/colossians/4-6.htm">Colossians 4:6</a> Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. <a href="/1_peter/3-10.htm">1 Peter 3:10</a> For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech. <a href="/proverbs/13-3.htm">Proverbs 13:3</a> He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. <a href="/proverbs/17-27.htm">Proverbs 17:27-28</a> A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. / Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue. <a href="/matthew/15-11.htm">Matthew 15:11</a> A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.” <a href="/luke/6-45.htm">Luke 6:45</a> The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. <a href="/proverbs/16-24.htm">Proverbs 16:24</a> Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.<a href="/james/1-26.htm">James 1:26</a> If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.<a href="/2_kings/19-28.htm">2 Kings 19:28</a> Because thy rage against me and thy tumult is come up into mine ears, therefore I will put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest.<a href="/psalms/32-9.htm">Psalm 32:9</a> Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/12-20.htm">Animal</a> <a href="/john/13-30.htm">Bit</a> <a href="/acts/19-19.htm">Bits</a> <a href="/james/2-16.htm">Bodies</a> <a href="/james/3-2.htm">Body</a> <a href="/revelation/14-20.htm">Bridles</a> <a href="/james/3-2.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/james/1-26.htm">Control</a> <a href="/1_timothy/5-17.htm">Direct</a> <a href="/james/1-4.htm">Entire</a> <a href="/hebrews/8-9.htm">Guide</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/3-5.htm">Guided</a> <a href="/acts/23-24.htm">Horses</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-21.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/1_timothy/4-2.htm">Iron</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-33.htm">Mouths</a> <a href="/james/1-23.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/hebrews/5-9.htm">Obeying</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-7.htm">Remember</a> <a href="/hebrews/9-4.htm">Round</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-25.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/james/3-2.htm">Whole</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/james/3-7.htm">Animal</a> <a href="/genesis/18-5.htm">Bit</a> <a href="/revelation/14-20.htm">Bits</a> <a href="/james/4-1.htm">Bodies</a> <a href="/james/3-6.htm">Body</a> <a href="/revelation/14-20.htm">Bridles</a> <a href="/1_john/1-4.htm">Complete</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-10.htm">Control</a> <a href="/genesis/18-19.htm">Direct</a> <a href="/genesis/2-11.htm">Entire</a> <a href="/revelation/7-17.htm">Guide</a> <a href="/james/3-4.htm">Guided</a> <a href="/revelation/9-7.htm">Horses</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-20.htm">Indeed</a> <a href="/revelation/2-27.htm">Iron</a> <a href="/jude/1-16.htm">Mouths</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-2.htm">Obey</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-22.htm">Obeying</a> <a href="/james/3-5.htm">Remember</a> <a href="/james/3-6.htm">Round</a> <a href="/james/5-19.htm">Turn</a> <a href="/james/3-6.htm">Whole</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>When we put bits into the mouths of horses The imagery of a bit in a horse's mouth is a powerful metaphor for control and guidance. In ancient times, as well as today, bits are used to direct horses, which are strong and powerful animals. This metaphor highlights the concept of control over something much larger and stronger than oneself. The use of horses in biblical times was common for transportation, warfare, and agriculture, making this analogy relatable to the original audience. The bit represents the small but significant tool that can direct the course of a large creature, symbolizing how small things can exert great influence.to make them obey us The concept of obedience here is crucial. It reflects the broader biblical theme of submission to authority, which is seen throughout Scripture. In the context of James, this obedience can be likened to the control of one's tongue, a small part of the body that can have a significant impact on one's life and the lives of others. The idea of obedience is also connected to the relationship between God and His people, where believers are called to submit to God's will and guidance.we can guide the whole animal This phrase emphasizes the power of control and direction. Just as a small bit can guide a large horse, so can small actions or words guide the course of a person's life. This is a reflection of the broader biblical principle that small things can have great consequences, as seen in the parables of Jesus, such as the mustard seed (<a href="/matthew/13-31.htm">Matthew 13:31-32</a>). The ability to guide the whole animal with a small bit serves as a reminder of the importance of self-control and the impact of our words and actions. This concept is echoed in other parts of Scripture, such as <a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a>, which speaks of the power of the tongue to bring life or death.<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 and a leader in the early Jerusalem church. He is known for his practical teachings on Christian living. 2. <a href="/topical/h/horses.htm">Horses</a> Used metaphorically in this verse to illustrate the power of small things to control larger entities. Horses were common in the ancient world for transportation and labor. 3. <a href="/topical/b/bits.htm">Bits</a> A small piece of equipment placed in a horse's mouth to control and guide it. This serves as a metaphor for the tongue's power to direct human behavior.<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 bit can control a large horse, our words, though small, have the power to direct the course of our lives and influence others. <a href="/topical/s/self-control_and_discipline.htm">Self-Control and Discipline</a> The bit represents the need for self-control. As Christians, we are called to discipline our tongues, ensuring our words align with our faith. <a href="/topical/g/guidance_and_obedience.htm">Guidance and Obedience</a> The imagery of guiding a horse with a bit reminds us of the importance of being obedient to God's Word, allowing it to direct our actions and speech. <a href="/topical/i/influence_and_responsibility.htm">Influence and Responsibility</a> Our words can have a significant impact on others. We must be mindful of this responsibility and strive to speak life and truth. <a href="/topical/r/reflection_of_the_heart.htm">Reflection of the Heart</a> Our speech is a reflection of our inner spiritual state. Regular self-examination and prayer can help align our hearts with God's will.<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/what_does_the_bible_say_on_speech.htm">What does the Bible teach about controlling speech?</a> <a href="/q/what_is_the_meaning_of_james_3_8.htm">What is the meaning of James 3:8?</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/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>(3) Behold.--A more clumsy reading is insisted upon here: but if, instead of "behold." The supporters of such curious corrections argue that the least likely is the most so; and thus every slip of a copyist, either in grammar or spelling, becomes more sacred in their eyes than is the Received text with believers in verbal inspiration.Three comparisons of the tongue are now introduced; the bit (<a href="/james/3-3.htm" title="Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.">James 3:3</a>), the rudder (<a href="/james/3-4.htm" title="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.">James 3:4</a>), and a fire (<a href="/james/3-6.htm" title="And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.">James 3:6</a>): the two former to show what mastery may be gained by self-discipline, the latter to warn us of a danger which may quickly spread beyond our power to quell.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/james/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 3. - Illustration of the last statement of ver. 2. The bit in the horse's mouth enables us to turn about the whole body. So the man who can govern his tongue has the mastery over the whole body. A remarkable parallel is afforded by Sophocles, 'Antigone,' 1. 470, Σμικρῷ χαλινῷ δ οῖδα τοὺς θυμουμένους ἵππους καταρτυθέιτας. So also Philo, 'De Op. Mundi,' p. 19, Τὸ θυμικώτατον ζῶον ἵππος ῤᾳδίως ἄγεται χαλινωθείς. The manuscript; authority is overwhelming in favor of εἰ δὲ (A, B, K, L; א, εἰδε γάρ, etc.; and Vulgate, si autem) instead of ἰδού of the Received Text (C has ἴδε, and the Syriac ecce): thus the apodosis is contained in the words, καὶ ὅλον κ.τ.λ. Translate, with R.V., now if we put the horses bridles into their mouths that they may obey us, we turn about their whole body also. (For a similar correction of ἰδέ to εἰ δέ, see <a href="/romans/2-17.htm">Romans 2:17</a>.) <a href="/commentaries/james/3-3.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>[When] Εἰ (Ei) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_1487.htm">Strong's 1487: </a> If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. we put βάλλομεν (ballomen) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_906.htm">Strong's 906: </a> (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw. bits χαλινοὺς (chalinous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_5469.htm">Strong's 5469: </a> A bridle, bit. From chalao; a curb or head-stall. into εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. the τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural <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. mouths στόματα (stomata) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_4750.htm">Strong's 4750: </a> The mouth, speech, eloquence in speech, the point of a sword. of the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural <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. horses ἵππων (hippōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2462.htm">Strong's 2462: </a> A horse. Of uncertain affinity; a horse. to make εἰς (eis) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_1519.htm">Strong's 1519: </a> A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. them αὐτοὺς (autous) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. obey πείθεσθαι (peithesthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive <a href="/greek/strongs_3982.htm">Strong's 3982: </a> A primary verb; to convince; by analogy, to pacify or conciliate; reflexively or passively, to assent, to rely. us, ἡμῖν (hēmin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1473.htm">Strong's 1473: </a> I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. we can guide μετάγομεν (metagomen) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3329.htm">Strong's 3329: </a> From meta and harmozo; to lead over, i.e. Transfer. the αὐτῶν (autōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_846.htm">Strong's 846: </a> He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. whole ὅλον (holon) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3650.htm">Strong's 3650: </a> All, the whole, entire, complete. A primary word; 'whole' or 'all', i.e. Complete, especially as noun or adverb. animal. σῶμα (sōma) Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4983.htm">Strong's 4983: </a> Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/james/3-3.htm">James 3:3 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/james/3-3.htm">James 3:3 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/james/3-3.htm">James 3:3 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/james/3-3.htm">James 3:3 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/james/3-3.htm">James 3:3 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/james/3-3.htm">James 3:3 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/james/3-3.htm">James 3:3 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/james/3-3.htm">James 3:3 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/james/3-3.htm">James 3:3 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/james/3-3.htm">James 3:3 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/james/3-3.htm">NT Letters: James 3:3 Indeed we put bits into the horses' (Ja Jas. 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