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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 3:5 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.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/james/3-5.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/15/59_Jas_03_05.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="James 3:5 - Taming the Tongue" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it boasts of great things. 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Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. <a href="/nlt/james/3.htm">New Living Translation</a> In the same way, the tongue is a small thing that makes grand speeches. But a tiny spark can set a great forest on fire. <a href="/esv/james/3.htm">English Standard Version</a> So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! <a href="/bsb/james/3.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/blb/james/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Thus also the tongue is a small member, and boasts exceeding things. Behold a small fire, how great a forest it kindles. <a href="/kjv/james/3.htm">King James Bible</a> Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! <a href="/nkjv/james/3.htm">New King James Version</a> Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! <a href="/nasb_/james/3.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! <a href="/nasb/james/3.htm">NASB 1995</a> So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! <a href="/nasb77/james/3.htm">NASB 1977 </a> So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. Behold, how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! <a href="/lsb/james/3.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. Behold how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire! <a href="/amp/james/3.htm">Amplified Bible</a> In the same sense, the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See [by comparison] how great a forest is set on fire by a small spark! <a href="/csb/james/3.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> So too, though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts great things. Consider how a small fire sets ablaze a large forest. <a href="/hcsb/james/3.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> So too, though the tongue is a small part of the body, it boasts great things. Consider how large a forest a small fire ignites. <a href="/asv/james/3.htm">American Standard Version</a> So the tongue also is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how much wood is kindled by how small a fire! <a href="/cev/james/3.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> Our tongues are small too, and yet they brag about big things. It takes only a spark to start a forest fire! <a href="/erv/james/3.htm">English Revised Version</a> So the tongue also is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how much wood is kindled by how small a fire! <a href="/gwt/james/3.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> In the same way the tongue is a small part of the body, but it can brag about doing important things. A large forest can be set on fire by a little flame. <a href="/gnt/james/3.htm">Good News Translation</a> So it is with the tongue: small as it is, it can boast about great things. Just think how large a forest can be set on fire by a tiny flame! <a href="/isv/james/3.htm">International Standard Version</a> In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body, yet it can boast of great achievements. A huge forest can be set on fire by a little flame. <a href="/msb/james/3.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> 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. <a href="/net/james/3.htm">NET Bible</a> So too the tongue is a small part of the body, yet it has great pretensions. Think how small a flame sets a huge forest ablaze. <a href="/nheb/james/3.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> So the tongue is also a little member, and boasts great things. See how a small fire can spread to a large forest. <a href="/wbt/james/3.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! <a href="/wey/james/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> In the same way the tongue is an insignificant part of the body, but it is immensely boastful. Remember how a mere spark may set a vast forest in flames. <a href="/web/james/3.htm">World English Bible</a> So the tongue is also a little member, and boasts great things. See how a small fire can spread to a large forest! <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/james/3.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> so also the tongue is a little member, and boasts greatly; behold, how much forest a little fire kindles! <a href="/blb/james/3.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Thus also the tongue is a small member, and boasts exceeding things. Behold a small fire, how great a forest it kindles. <a href="/ylt/james/3.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> so also the tongue is a little member, and doth boast greatly; lo, a little fire how much wood it doth kindle! <a href="/slt/james/3.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> So also the tongue is a small member, and vaunts itself. Behold, how great a wood a little fire inflames.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/james/3.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Even so the tongue is indeed a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold how small a fire kindleth a great wood. <a href="/cpdv/james/3.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> So also the tongue certainly is a small part, but it moves great things. Consider that a small fire can set ablaze a great forest. <a href="/nabre/james/3.htm">New American Bible</a> In the same way the tongue is a small member and yet has great pretensions. Consider how small a fire can set a huge forest ablaze. <a href="/nrsvce/james/3.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great exploits. How great a forest is set ablaze by a small fire!<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/james/3.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. Likewise, a small fire sets ablaze the large forests. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/james/3.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> In this way, also, the tongue is a small member and has dominion; even a small fire kindles a great forest.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/james/3.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> So, also, the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. Behold, how great a forest does a little fire set in a blaze. <a href="/godbey/james/3.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> so also the tongue is a little member, and it boasts great things. Behold, how great a wood a little fire kindles! <a href="/haweis/james/3.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> So also the tongue is a little member, and proudly vaunts. Behold how great a pile of wood, a little fire kindleth! <a href="/mace/james/3.htm">Mace New Testament</a> so the tongue is but a small part of the body, yet how grand are its pretensions, a spark of fire! what quantities of timber will it blow into a flame? <a href="/wey/james/3.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> In the same way the tongue is an insignificant part of the body, but it is immensely boastful. Remember how a mere spark may set a vast forest in flames. <a href="/worrell/james/3.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> So also the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. Behold, how small a fire kindles how great a forest! <a href="/worsley/james/3.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> So the tongue is a small part of the body, yet boasteth great things. Behold how much fuel a little fire kindleth! <a href="/parallel/james/3-5.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=508" 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> …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. 5<a href="/greek/3779.htm" title="3779: Houtōs (Adv) -- Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows).">In the same way,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. "></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/1100.htm" title="1100: glōssa (N-NFS) -- The tongue; by implication, a language.">tongue</a> <a href="/greek/1510.htm" title="1510: estin (V-PIA-3S) -- I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.">is</a> <a href="/greek/3398.htm" title="3398: mikron (Adj-NNS) -- Little, small. Including the comparative mikroteros apparently a primary word; small (figuratively) dignity).">a small</a> <a href="/greek/3196.htm" title="3196: melos (N-NNS) -- A bodily organ, limb, member. Of uncertain affinity; a limb or part of the body.">part of the body,</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">but</a> <a href="/greek/3166.htm" title="3166: auchei (V-PIA-3S) -- To boast, be arrogant, vaunt. From a compound of megas and aucheo; to talk big, i.e. Be grandiloquent.">it boasts of</a> <a href="/greek/3173.htm" title="3173: megala (Adj-ANP) -- Large, great, in the widest sense. ">great things.</a> <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/2245.htm" title="2245: hēlikon (Adj-NNS) -- Of which size, of what size, how small, how much. From helix; as big as, i.e. how much.">how small</a> <a href="/greek/4442.htm" title="4442: pyr (N-NNS) -- Fire; the heat of the sun, lightning; fig: strife, trials; the eternal fire. A primary word; fire.">a spark</a> <a href="/greek/381.htm" title="381: anaptei (V-PIA-3S) -- To kindle, set on fire, light. From ana and hapto; to enkindle.">sets</a> <a href="/greek/2245.htm" title="2245: hēlikēn (Adj-AFS) -- Of which size, of what size, how small, how much. From helix; as big as, i.e. how much.">a great</a> <a href="/greek/5208.htm" title="5208: hylēn (N-AFS) -- Wood, fuel. Perhaps akin to xulon; a forest, i.e. fuel.">forest ablaze.</a> 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.…<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/16-27.htm">Proverbs 16:27</a> A worthless man digs up evil, and his speech is like a scorching fire. <a href="/proverbs/26-20.htm">Proverbs 26:20-21</a> Without wood, a fire goes out; without gossip, a conflict ceases. / Like charcoal for embers and wood for fire, so is a quarrelsome man for kindling strife. <a href="/matthew/12-36.htm">Matthew 12:36-37</a> But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. / For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” <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/15-2.htm">Proverbs 15:2</a> The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly. <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="/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="/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="/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/21-23.htm">Proverbs 21:23</a> He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress. <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="/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="/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="/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="/psalms/52-2.htm">Psalm 52:2</a> Your tongue devises destruction like a sharpened razor, O worker of deceit.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasts great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindles!so.<a href="/exodus/5-2.htm">Exodus 5:2</a> And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go.<a href="/exodus/15-9.htm">Exodus 15:9</a> The enemy said, I will pursue, I will overtake, I will divide the spoil; my lust shall be satisfied upon them; I will draw my sword, my hand shall destroy them.<a href="/2_kings/19-22.htm">2 Kings 19:22-24</a> Whom hast thou reproached and blasphemed? and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice, and lifted up thine eyes on high? even against the Holy One of Israel… matter.<div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/hebrews/12-18.htm">Ablaze</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/11-29.htm">Aflame</a> <a href="/proverbs/25-14.htm">Boasteth</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/10-17.htm">Boasts</a> <a href="/james/2-23.htm">Credit</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-29.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/zechariah/11-2.htm">Forest</a> <a href="/james/3-4.htm">Great</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-16.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/acts/21-39.htm">Insignificant</a> <a href="/2_timothy/1-6.htm">Kindle</a> <a href="/isaiah/64-2.htm">Kindles</a> <a href="/lamentations/4-11.htm">Kindleth</a> <a href="/james/2-25.htm">Likewise</a> <a href="/james/2-4.htm">Little</a> <a href="/james/2-12.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-11.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/hebrews/7-13.htm">Member</a> <a href="/james/1-22.htm">Mere</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-26.htm">Part</a> <a href="/james/3-3.htm">Remember</a> <a href="/james/3-4.htm">Small</a> <a href="/daniel/3-22.htm">Spark</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-17.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/james/1-26.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/james/2-25.htm">Way</a> <a href="/2_timothy/2-20.htm">Wood</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/2_peter/3-12.htm">Ablaze</a> <a href="/psalms/57-4.htm">Aflame</a> <a href="/psalms/10-3.htm">Boasteth</a> <a href="/2_peter/2-18.htm">Boasts</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-20.htm">Credit</a> <a href="/james/3-6.htm">Fire</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/19-5.htm">Forest</a> <a href="/james/5-16.htm">Great</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-6.htm">Greatly</a> <a href="/2_samuel/7-19.htm">Insignificant</a> <a href="/exodus/35-3.htm">Kindle</a> <a href="/job/41-21.htm">Kindles</a> <a href="/judges/15-5.htm">Kindleth</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-1.htm">Likewise</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-6.htm">Little</a> <a href="/james/4-4.htm">Makes</a> <a href="/james/3-16.htm">Matter</a> <a href="/leviticus/4-27.htm">Member</a> <a href="/james/4-16.htm">Mere</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-14.htm">Part</a> <a href="/james/5-11.htm">Remember</a> <a href="/revelation/10-2.htm">Small</a> <a href="/job/18-5.htm">Spark</a> <a href="/revelation/7-15.htm">Spread</a> <a href="/james/3-6.htm">Tongue</a> <a href="/james/3-10.htm">Way</a> <a href="/revelation/9-20.htm">Wood</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>In the same way, the tongue is a small part of the body The tongue, though physically small, holds significant power. In biblical context, the tongue often symbolizes speech and communication. <a href="/proverbs/18-21.htm">Proverbs 18:21</a> highlights the power of the tongue, stating that it holds the power of life and death. This reflects the broader biblical theme that words can build up or destroy. The tongue's influence is disproportionate to its size, much like other small but powerful elements in Scripture, such as the mustard seed in <a href="/matthew/13-31.htm">Matthew 13:31-32</a>.but it boasts of great things Boasting here refers to the potential of the tongue to express pride and arrogance. In the cultural context of the early church, boasting was often associated with self-exaltation, which was contrary to the humility taught by Jesus (<a href="/matthew/23-12.htm">Matthew 23:12</a>). The tongue's ability to boast underscores its potential to lead individuals away from godly humility. This phrase connects to the broader biblical warning against pride, as seen in <a href="/proverbs/16-18.htm">Proverbs 16:18</a>, which warns that pride precedes destruction.Consider how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze This metaphor illustrates the destructive potential of the tongue. A small spark, though seemingly insignificant, can cause widespread devastation, much like careless or malicious words can lead to significant harm. The imagery of fire is used throughout Scripture to denote judgment and destruction, as seen in <a href="/isaiah/66-15.htm">Isaiah 66:15-16</a>. This metaphor serves as a warning about the consequences of unchecked speech, emphasizing the need for self-control, a fruit of the Spirit mentioned in <a href="/galatians/5-22.htm">Galatians 5:22-23</a>. The imagery also echoes the destructive power of sin, which can start small but grow into something much larger and more damaging.<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 was a leader in the early Jerusalem church and wrote to Jewish Christians scattered among the nations. 2. <a href="/topical/t/the_tongue.htm">The Tongue</a> A metaphorical reference to human speech and the power of words. In this context, it represents the potential for both good and harm. 3. <a href="/topical/t/the_body.htm">The Body</a> Represents the whole person, emphasizing how a small part (the tongue) can influence the entire being. 4. <a href="/topical/t/the_spark.htm">The Spark</a> A metaphor for a small action or word that can lead to significant consequences, much like a tiny flame can ignite a large fire. 5. <a href="/topical/t/the_forest.htm">The Forest</a> Symbolizes the broader community or world, illustrating how words can have far-reaching effects.<div class="vheading2">Teaching Points</div><a href="/topical/t/the_power_of_words.htm">The Power of Words</a> Recognize that words, though small, have the power to influence and change lives. They can build up or tear down, encourage or discourage. <a href="/topical/g/guarding_the_tongue.htm">Guarding the Tongue</a> As believers, we are called to exercise self-control over our speech, ensuring that our words reflect our faith and values. <a href="/topical/c/consequences_of_speech.htm">Consequences of Speech</a> Understand that careless or harmful words can lead to significant and sometimes irreversible damage, much like a spark igniting a forest fire. <a href="/topical/e/encouragement_and_edification.htm">Encouragement and Edification</a> Use the tongue to speak life, encouragement, and truth into the lives of others, aligning with biblical teachings on edification. <a href="/topical/a/accountability.htm">Accountability</a> Remember that we are accountable to God for our words, and strive to speak in a way that honors Him and reflects His love.<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/how_can_a_church_handle_pastor_gossip.htm">How should a church address gossip about its pastor?</a> <a href="/q/what_are_idle_words.htm">What are idle words?</a> <a href="/q/avoid_using_offensive_language.htm">Should we avoid using offensive language?</a> <a href="/q/how_do_words_shape_life_and_bonds.htm">How do words influence life and relationships?</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>(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. <a href="//apocrypha.org/ecclesiasticus/28-10.htm" title="As the matter of the fire is, so it burneth: and as a man's strength is, so is his wrath; and according to his riches his anger riseth; and the stronger they are which contend, the more they will be inflamed.">Ecclesiasticus 28:10</a>.)<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/james/3.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 5. - (1) Application, of illustration. The tongue is only a little member, but it boasts great things. The true reading appears to be μεγάλα αὐχεῖ (A, B, C). The compound verb of the Textus Receptus, μεγαλαυχεῖν, is found in the LXX. (<a href="/ezekiel/16-50.htm">Ezekiel 16:50</a>; <a href="/zephaniah/3-11.htm">Zephaniah 3:11</a>; 2 Macc. 15:32; Ecclus. 48:18). (2) Third illustration. A very small fire may kindle a very large forest. Ἡλίκον (א, A2, B, C1, Vulgate) should be read instead of ὀλίγον (A1, C2, K, L, ff). It is equivalent to quantulus as well as quantus. A somewhat similar thought to the one before us is found in Ecclus. 11:32, "Of a spark of fire a heap of coals is kindled." Υλη "Matter," A.V.; "wood," R.V. The word is only found here in the New Testament. In the LXX. it is used for a "matter" of judgment in <a href="/job/19-29.htm">Job 19:29</a>; "matter" in the philosophical sense in Wisd. 11:18. (cf. 15:13); the "matter" of a book in 2 Macc. 2:24; the "matter" of a fire in Ecclus. 28:10 (the whole passage, vers. 8-12, is wroth comparing with the one before us); and for "forest" in <a href="/job/38-40.htm">Job 38:40</a>; <a href="/isaiah/10-17.htm">Isaiah 10:17</a>. It is most natural to take it in this sense here (so Syriac and Vulgate, silva). "The literal meaning is certainly to be preferred to the philosophical" (Lightfoot on Revision, p. 140). Forest fires are frequently referred to by the ancients. Virgil's description of one ('Georgies,' 2:303) is well known; so also Homer's ('Iliad,' 11:155). <a href="/commentaries/james/3-5.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>In the same way, Οὕτως (Houtōs) Adverb <a href="/greek/strongs_3779.htm">Strong's 3779: </a> Thus, so, in this manner. Or (referring to what precedes or follows). 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. tongue γλῶσσα (glōssa) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1100.htm">Strong's 1100: </a> The tongue; by implication, a language. is ἐστὶν (estin) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <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. a small μικρὸν (mikron) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3398.htm">Strong's 3398: </a> Little, small. Including the comparative mikroteros apparently a primary word; small (figuratively) dignity). part of the body, μέλος (melos) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3196.htm">Strong's 3196: </a> A bodily organ, limb, member. Of uncertain affinity; a limb or part of the body. [but] καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. it boasts of αὐχεῖ (auchei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_3166.htm">Strong's 3166: </a> To boast, be arrogant, vaunt. From a compound of megas and aucheo; to talk big, i.e. Be grandiloquent. great things. μεγάλα (megala) Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3173.htm">Strong's 3173: </a> Large, great, in the widest sense. 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! how small ἡλίκον (hēlikon) Adjective - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2245.htm">Strong's 2245: </a> Of which size, of what size, how small, how much. From helix; as big as, i.e. how much. a spark πῦρ (pyr) Noun - Nominative Neuter Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_4442.htm">Strong's 4442: </a> Fire; the heat of the sun, lightning; fig: strife, trials; the eternal fire. A primary word; 'fire'. sets ἀνάπτει (anaptei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_381.htm">Strong's 381: </a> To kindle, set on fire, light. From ana and hapto; to enkindle. a great ἡλίκην (hēlikēn) Adjective - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2245.htm">Strong's 2245: </a> Of which size, of what size, how small, how much. From helix; as big as, i.e. how much. forest {ablaze}. ὕλην (hylēn) Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_5208.htm">Strong's 5208: </a> Wood, fuel. Perhaps akin to xulon; a forest, i.e. fuel. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/james/3-5.htm">James 3:5 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/james/3-5.htm">NT Letters: James 3:5 So the tongue is also a little (Ja Jas. 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