2:23a

And: The Greek conjunction that the Berean Standard Bible translates as And connects 2:23 to 2:21–22. Verse 2:23 gives two results of Abraham’s deed of offering Isaac in 2:21. The results were:

(a) the scripture was fulfilled

(b) Abraham was called God’s friend

Some other ways to connect 2:23 to 2:21–22 are:

And so (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
In this way (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
That is how

the Scripture: The phrase the Scripture refers to something that was written in the Old Testament. In this case, the words that James quoted are from Genesis 15:6. These words refer to events that took place about thirty years before Abraham offered Isaac to God.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

what was written in God’s book
-or-
God’s written words
-or-
the word of God that someone/Moses wrote

This phrase also occurs in 2:8b. See the note there for more information.

was fulfilled: There are at least two ways to interpret the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as was fulfilled:

(1) It means that the Scripture was fully shown and demonstrated to be true. According to this interpretation, when Abraham offered Isaac, his action was the best possible illustration that what the scripture said about him was true. His action clearly showed that he believed/trusted God and that he was righteous (Genesis 15:6).

(2) It means that the Scripture became true. According to this interpretation, God’s words in Genesis 15:6 were a prophecy. This prophecy was fulfilled when Abraham offered Isaac as a sacrifice.

For example, the Good News Translation says:

And the scripture came true that said,…

(New Living Translation (2004 Revision), Good News Translation, God’s Word)

Many English versions translate this Greek word as “was fulfilled” and probably imply interpretation (2). However, it is recommended that you follow interpretation (1). Most commentators follow this interpretation. The quoted Scripture verse is not a prophecy or promise that needed to come true. It is a statement that was already true when spoken thirty years before Abraham was willing to offer Isaac as a sacrifice.

Some ways to translate this entire clause are:

And so the scripture was shown/demonstrated to be true that says
-or-
This fits/agrees perfectly with the Scripture that says
-or-
His action is a good/excellent example of the Scripture that says
-or-
And so his action perfectly demonstrated his trust in God as described in the scripture that says

2:23b–c

Verse 2:23b–c is a quotation of Genesis 15:6. If you have already translated the book of Genesis, you will probably want to quote that verse here just as you translated it there.

2:23b

Abraham believed God: The word believed here means “trusted in” or “relied on.” Abraham believed God’s promise in Genesis 15:5 that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars. In other words, he accepted God’s promise as true.

He believed God’s promise because of his deep level of trust in God and his loyalty to God. Abraham was confident that God would do what he had promised to do. He trusted God even when the promise seemed very difficult or impossible in human terms.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

had confidence/faith in God
-or-
trusted God
-or-
relied/depended on God
-or-
trusted/believed that God could do what he promised

2:23c

it was credited to him as righteousness: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as was credited means “regarded” or “considered.” The word it refers to Abraham’s faith in God (2:22b). So the clause it was credited to him as righteousness means that God considered Abraham righteous on the basis of his faith.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

because of that, he was considered by God to be just/righteous
-or-
because of his faith God accepted him as righteous (Good News Translation)
-or-
so God declared him to be righteous (New Living Translation, 1996 edition)

was credited: The verb was credited is passive. There are at least two ways to translate it:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

that faith was counted to him as righteousness (Revised English Bible)

• Use an active verb. God is the one who credited Abraham’s faith as righteousness. For example:

God declared him to be righteous (New Living Translation, 1996 edition)

righteousness: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as righteousness means “doing what is right and good in God’s sight.” God considered Abraham to have done what was good and right.

The word righteousness here is closely related in form and meaning to the word that is translated as “justified by” in 2:21b, 2:24b, and 2:25b. If possible, you may want to translate them in a similar way so it is clear that they are related.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

it was credited to him by God as right behavior
-or-
and that faith made him right with God (New Century Version)
-or-
God declared him to have done what is right
-or-
he was considered a person who lived the kind of life that God desires
-or-
God approved Abraham

2:23d

and: Verse 2:23d is a result of 2:23b–c. The word and may give the impression that 2:23d is another part of the quoted scripture in 2:23b–c. But it is not. Notice the closing quotes at the end of 2:23c. Some ways to make this clear are:

And so (Good News Translation)
-or-
As a result

he was called a friend of God: In Isaiah 41:8 God called Abraham “my friend.” (See also 2 Chronicles 20:7.)

The verb was called is passive. There are at least two ways to translate it.

• Use a passive verb. For example:

Abraham was called God’s friend (Good News Translation)

• Use an active verb. For example:

God called him “my friend”
-or-
he was God’s friend

© 2012 by SIL International®

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

2:24a

As you can see: The clause As you can see introduces James’ final conclusion from the life of Abraham in 2:21–23. Some ways to introduce this conclusion are:

So you see (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
Therefore, we can see/understand that

you: In Greek, James switches to the plural pronoun you. Up to this point, James used the singular pronoun you.

2:24b

a man is justified by his deeds: This clause indicates that God declares a person righteous on the basis of faith that is demonstrated by his good deeds.

The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible here translates as justified is the same verb that is used in 2:21b. Use the same expression here as in 2:21b. For example:

a person is declared right with God because of the good deeds he does
-or-
we are considered righteous/straight because of what we do
-or-
It is on the basis of what someone does that God declares that he is a righteous/good person

The difference between this verse and 2:21b is that 2:21b refers to a particular time in the past when God declared that Abraham was righteous. This verse is a general statement about how God declares that people are righteous. Translate this in the way that is most natural in your language for expressing statements that are true for everyone.

This clause is also passive. Some ways to translate it are:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

a person is justified by works (NET Bible)

• Use an active verb. For example:

God declares a person righteous because of the good deeds he does

by his deeds: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible here translates as by his deeds is the same Greek phrase as in 2:21b. There the Berean Standard Bible translates it as “by what he did.” See the note there for advice on translating the implied information.

2:24c

not by faith alone: Here James left some words implicit. In some languages, it may be necessary to supply this implicit information. For example:

he is not declared righteous by faith alone

The phrase faith alone means “faith by itself” or “faith that does not have any good deeds accompanying it.” (Many people have found this verse difficult, because at first sight it appears to contradict Paul who says, “For we hold that a man is justified by faith apart from works of law.” (Romans 3:28, Revised Standard Version).However, if we look at the context closely, we see that James and Paul are talking about different things. Paul’s argument in Romans 3 and 4 is intended to show that God justifies Gentiles in the same way as he justifies Jews, on the basis of their faith, not their obedience to the laws of Moses. This means in practice that the fact that many Gentiles have not obeyed the law of Moses (especially in the matter of circumcision) is not a barrier to stop them joining the church.Notice that Paul speaks of works of law not just works. James’ argument has nothing to do with the problem of allowing Gentiles to become members of the church, but it is the problem of those in the church who say they have faith but do not do the deeds that should result from their faith. So for James, works (“deeds”) means “deeds done in obedience to God”. Notice also that James is not against faith, he is against faith without deeds.) It does not mean that someone can be justified by good deeds instead of faith.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

not by faith without any good deeds
-or-
he is not declared righteous if he only has faith
-or-
God does not consider him just/straight if he only believes but does not have any good deeds

In this phrase, the emphasis is on the word alone.

Notice that the contrast is between “by what he does” in 2:24b and by faith alone here. Try to make this contrast clear in your translation.

© 2012 by SIL International®

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

2:25

In 2:25, James gave a second example from the Old Testament of someone whom God declared to be righteous. This example is about a prostitute called Rahab. Her story is told in the book of Joshua in two parts: Joshua 2:1–24 and Joshua 6:22–25.

In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute justified by her actions when she welcomed the spies and sent them off on another route?: This is a rhetorical question. James used this rhetorical question to emphasize that Rahab was considered righteous for what she did.

Some ways to translate this emphasis are:

• As a rhetorical question. For example:

And similarly, was not Rahab the prostitute also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by another way? (NET Bible)

• As a statement. For example:

Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was declared to be right with God by what she did when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road.

• As a statement and a question. For example:

Another example is the prostitute Rahab. She hid some messengers and then helped them escape by another road. She also was declared righteous for what she did, right?

Translate this emphasis in a way that is natural in your language. It is best to use wording that is similar to your translation of 2:21.

2:25a

In the same way: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as In the same way introduces another example that is like the example of Abraham.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

Likewise (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Similarly
-or-
Another example is (New Century Version)

even: There are two ways to interpret the Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as even:

(1) It means also. God declared Abraham righteous. He also declared Rahab righteous. For example, the NET Bible says:

was not Rahab the prostitute also justified by works

(Revised Standard Version, New Jerusalem Bible, English Standard Version, King James Version, New American Standard Bible, Revised English Bible, NET Bible, New Living Translation (2004 Revision), New Century Version)

(2) It means even. According to this interpretation, this word indicates something unexpected. Here it indicates that Rahab was an unlikely person to be an example of someone who was declared righteous. For example, the Contemporary English Version says:

Rahab had been a prostitute. But she pleased God…

(Berean Standard Bible, New International Version (2011 Revision), Contemporary English Version)

It is recommended that you follow interpretation (1) and the majority of versions.

In some languages, the translation of “in the same way” will include the idea of also. For example:

Rahab the prostitute is another example. (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

If that is the case in your language, you will not need to translate this word explicitly.

the prostitute: A prostitute is a woman who has sex with men in exchange for money. In some cultures, the word referring to such a woman may be considered too vulgar or explicit to be read aloud in church. If that is true in your language, translate this word using a more general term. For example:

immoral woman
-or-
woman whose reputation was bad

2:25b

justified by her actions: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as justified by her actions also occurs in 2:21b. You should translate it the same way in both places. (Also, it is almost identical with the phrase in 2:24b.)

by her actions: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as by her actions here is literally “by works” (as in the Revised Standard Version). Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

because of what she did
-or-
because of her good deeds

This phrase also occurs in 2:21b.

2:25c

when she welcomed: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as welcomed means “received someone” or “welcomed someone into one’s house.” In this context, it also means “provided a place to stay and hide from the people who wanted to kill them.”

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

when she hid those messengers (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
She welcomed the spies into her home (New Century Version)
-or-
when she gave shelter to those messengers and hid them

the spies: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as spies is literally “messengers” (as in the Revised Standard Version). In this context, it refers to men who were secretly looking at a town they hoped to conquer. Then they returned to report back to their commander.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

Israelites who secretly came to investigate her town
-or-
Jewish men sent to secretly inspect her town to see the best way to attack it

2:25d

sent them off on another route: In Joshua 2:15–16, Rahab helped the spies escape by:

(a) hanging a rope out of her window that they used to descend outside the city wall.

(b) counseling them to go into the hills and hide for three days before they returned home.

The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as route can refer to a “road” or more figuratively a “way.” A number of English versions translate this word as “road”. (See the Good News Translation, New Living Translation (2004 Revision), for example.) However, in this context it more likely refers to letting the spies out of the window by a rope. Or, this word may refer to both escaping out of the window and then hiding in the hills.

If you have a word or phrase that can refer to both escaping out of the window and going into the hills, you could use it here. Otherwise be sure that your translation can refer to the spies going out of the window.

Some ways to translate this clause are:

sent them out by another way (New American Standard Bible)
-or-
showed them a different way to leave (New Jerusalem Bible)
-or-
helped them to escape by getting out of the city in/by an unusual/secret way

Some people are not familiar with this Old Testament story. So you may have to make some of the information explicit. For example:

Then she sent them home a different way so that their enemies would not find them.

General Comment on 2:25a–d

In some languages, it may be clearer to say what Rahab did before saying that God considered her righteous because of it. For example:

^25aAnother example is Rahab the prostitute. ^25cWhen Israelite spies came to her town, she welcomed them. ^25dAnd she advised them to depart another way. ^25bIt was because of what she did at that time that God considered her also to be a righteous person.

© 2012 by SIL International®

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

2:26

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead: James concluded his discussion of faith and deeds by repeating the statement faith without deeds is dead. He had already made this statement in 2:17. Here, James used a simile to emphasize this statement.

In this simile, James compared faith without deeds to the body without the spirit. The way that they are similar is that both are dead and useless.

Some other ways to translate this simile are:

Just as a person’s body that does not have a spirit is dead, so faith that does nothing is dead! (New Century Version)
-or-
faith without action is as dead as a body without a soul (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
If someone believes/trusts but does not do good deeds, that belief/trust is as useless as a body that has no spirit.
-or-
If a person’s spirit has left his body, he cannot do any good deeds because the body has no life. In the same way, if someone believes but does not do any good deeds, his belief has no life.

2:26a

In Greek, this verse is connected to the previous verse with a conjunction. The Berean Standard Bible does not translate this conjunction. Here this conjunction introduces a simile that concludes this section.

Some other ways to indicate that 2:26 is the conclusion are:

So then (Good News Translation)
-or-
What we should understand here is this:
-or-
In conclusion

the body: The phrase the body refers to a human body.

without the spirit: The phrase the spirit here refers to the inner part of a person that continues to exist after the person has died.

is dead: If possible, translate the word dead with a word or phrase in your language that can refer to a body as well as to faith. For example:

has no life
-or-
is dead and useless

2:26b

without deeds: The phrase without deeds also occurs in 2:20b.

dead: The word dead here indicates that the person’s faith has no power to do anything and so is of no use. (Compare 2:17c where the word dead also occurs.) In some languages, the word faith cannot be spoken of as dead. If that is the case in your language, you can:

• Use a simile. For example:

as if dead
-or-
like a dead thing

• Explain the meaning of the word dead here. For example:

useless
-or-
powerless

Some other possible headings for this section are:

We must control our speech (Translator’s Handbook on James, page 100.)
-or-
Controlling the things we say (New Century Version)

Paragraph 3:1

This paragraph introduces this next section. James warned that it is a serious matter when a person becomes a teacher in the church.

3:1a

Not many of you should become teachers: In Greek, this sentence is literally “be not many teachers.” Many ambitious people wanted to have the honor of being a religious teacher. However, James told them that not all of them should be eager to become teachers.

Some other ways to translate this sentence are:

not many of you should become teachers in the church (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
we should not all try to become teachers (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
only a few of you should try to become teachers

Not many of you: The phrase Not many of you means “only some of you,” or “only a few of you.” Most of James’ readers should not try to become teachers.

teachers: The word teachers refers to those who had authority to teach in the church. They instructed other Christians in the meaning of what God had said in his word and how they should live.

Here the word teachers does not refer to a teacher in a school. This word refers only to people who teach the word of God and the good news about Jesus Christ. If many people in your area would confuse this and think of teachers of other subjects, then it may be necessary to make explicit what the teachers teach in this context. For example:

teachers in the church (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))
-or-
people who teach the word of God
-or-
people who teach the Christian faith/belief

my brothers: The phrase my brothers refers to other believers in Christ to whom James was writing. In the time of James, all the teachers were men. So here, this phrase does not include women as it does in 1:2a, 1:16, 1:19a, 2:1a, 2:5a, and 2:14a.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

My fellow believers
-or-
My Christian friends
-or-
My relatives in Christ

Here James used the phrase my brothers to introduce the topic of the need for believers to control their speech. If you have another way in your language to introduce a change of topic, you may use it here.

Notice that the Berean Standard Bible places the phrase my brothers in the middle of 3:1. This follows the Greek text. In some languages, it may be more natural to place it at the beginning. For example:

My friends, not many of you should become teachers… (Revised English Bible)

This same phrase occurs in 1:2a.

3:1b

because you know that: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as because you know that is literally “knowing that.” This phrase introduces the reason for the statement in 3:1a. In some languages, it will be natural to follow the example of the Berean Standard Bible.

Some other ways to translate the phrase “knowing that” are:

you know (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
Remember (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
you may be certain (Revised English Bible)

3:1c

we who teach: The word we refers to all teachers of God’s word. It includes James. It does not include all of James’ readers.

will be judged more strictly: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as will be judged more strictly means “will be examined and punished according to a stricter standard.” This refers to the day when God will judge all human beings. Teachers in the church will be judged more strictly than those who are not teachers. God will judge what they teach and how well their actions correspond to what they teach.

Here, the word judged does not refer to God judging unbelievers and condemning them eternally to hell.

Some ways to translate this are:

will be judged by a much higher standard (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
will be evaluated/assessed more strictly than those who are not teachers
-or-
will receive more severe punishment if we fail

The Berean Standard Bible uses a passive verb. Some ways to translate this word are:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

will be judged with greater strictness than others (Good News Translation)

• Use an active verb. For example:

God will judge us more strictly

• Translate judged as a noun. For example:

will receive more severe judgment

© 2012 by SIL International®

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

Paragraph 3:2–3

In this paragraph, James explained why teachers are in danger of being condemned at the Judgment. It is because the most difficult thing for a human being to control is what he says. If he can control what he says, he can control everything he does. James illustrated his point by a comparison with how a man controls a horse.

3:2a

Verse 3:2 is connected to 3:1 by a Greek conjunction that is often translated as “for” (as in the Revised Standard Version). Here it indicates that 3:2 is the basis for the warning in 3:1. Verse 3:2 also introduces the topic of speech. This topic applies to all people, not just to teachers.

Some versions are like the Berean Standard Bible and do not translate this conjunction.

We all: The phrase We all refers to all human beings. Here it does not just refer to teachers. Therefore, the word We includes James’ readers as well as James himself.

stumble: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as stumble is used figuratively. In this context of Christian believers, it refers to doing something wrong or sinning.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

sin
-or-
make many mistakes (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
do…wrong things (Contemporary English Version)

Here this word does not mean “physically slip and fall.” This word also occurs in 2:10b.

in many ways: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as in many ways can mean:

• “many times.” For example:

often (Good News Translation)

• “in many matters/ways.” For example:

in many ways (New Jerusalem Bible)

The choice of one of these meanings does not need to exclude the other. If someone sins many times, it is likely that he also sins in many matters. If he sins in many matters, he also sins often. If possible, translate this word in a way that can include both meanings.

3:2b

If anyone is never at fault in what he says: This clause means “if anyone never says anything wrong.” It is not clear whether or not James thought that there are such people. It is best to leave it open in your translation.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

But if a person never makes a mistake in what he says (Good News Translation)
-or-
If people never said anything wrong (New Century Version)
-or-
the person who never sins in his speech

is never at fault: The words is…at fault translate the same Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as “stumble” earlier in the verse. If possible, use the same expression in both places. Here James was talking about sins such as slander, insults, angry words, lying, and cursing. These words do not refer to speaking when it is not one’s turn, or making grammatical mistakes.

3:2c

he: The pronoun he refers back to “anyone” in 3:2b. In some languages, it is more natural to use another word or phrase here. For example:

such a person

Depending on how you translated “anyone” in 3:2b, you may have to translate this word as “they,” “you,” or “we.”

is a perfect man: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as perfect also means “complete” or “mature” (Contemporary English Version).

This word also occurs in 1:4. There, the Berean Standard Bible translates it as “mature.”

3:2d

able to control his whole body: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as to control is literally “to bridle” (as in the Revised Standard Version). For example:

able to bridle his whole body (English Standard Version)

This word refers to the way people control horses using rope or straps around the head and mouth. These straps are called a bridle. (See the illustration above.) The verb is also “bridle.” (For example, “He bridles his horse.”)

Here this word is a metaphor. James compared someone who is able to control his body to a horse that is bridled. They are similar in that both can be controlled. Both can be taught to obey.

This metaphor continues in 3:3a. So, if possible, you should translate the metaphor here. If it is not possible, you can translate the meaning without a metaphor. For example:

able to control the entire body (NET Bible)
-or-
able to restrain/manage his whole body

This same Greek word occurs in 1:26.

his whole body: The phrase his whole body refers to “a person’s entire being.” It refers to “everything that he does.” James was saying that if a person can bridle/control what he says, he will have no difficulty controlling what he does with the rest of his body. He can control everything he thinks and does.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

every part of his body (Revised English Bible)
-or-
everything he does (God’s Word)
-or-
every other part of his personality (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)
-or-
control themselves in every other way (New Living Translation, 1996 edition)

© 2012 by SIL International®

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

3:3

Verse 3:3 reinforces and illustrates the point that James made in 3:2. Human beings are like horses: by controlling the mouth one can control the whole body.

In some languages, it may be natural to introduce this verse with a phrase that indicates that it is an illustration. For example:

To illustrate: when we put bits…
-or-
Consider how we put bits…
-or-
This is like putting bits….

3:3a

When we put bits into the mouths of horses: In Greek, the illustration of the horse is introduced with the word “if.” The Berean Standard Bible translates this word as When . Some ways to introduce this illustration are:

If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies. (New Revised Standard Version)
-or-
We put bits in the mouths of horses to make them obey us, and we have control over everything they do. (God’s Word)
-or-
By putting a bit into the mouth of a horse, we can turn the horse in different directions. (Contemporary English Version)

we put: The phrase we put is a general statement concerning what people habitually do. In some languages, it may be more natural to say:

people put
-or-
they put
-or-
you put

bits into the mouths of horses: In Greek, the words bits, mouths, and horses are plural. In some languages, it will be more natural to use singular words. For example:

We put a bit into the mouth of a horse (Good News Translation)

bits:The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as bits is the noun form of the verb “bridle” in 3:2d. A bridle is a rope or strap that goes over the horse’s head to control it. (See the illustration of the horse above.) Attached to the bridle is a piece of metal that passes through the horse’s mouth. In English, there is a specific word for this piece of metal. It is called a bit.

The Greek word used here normally refers to the whole bridle: both the straps and the piece of metal. But if your language has a specific word for the piece of metal that is put into the horse’s mouth, you should use it here. That is what the Berean Standard Bible has done.

Some ways to translate this word are:

• Use a specific term for the thing that is put in the mouth of a horse to control it. For example, most English versions say:

bits

• Use a more general term for the things that people use to control a horse. In some cases, it will be more natural to leave the phrase into the mouths untranslated. For example:

bridles
-or-
reins on the head

• Use a descriptive phrase. For example:

When we put something into the mouths of horses to guide them

• Use a cultural substitute. For example:

rope around the neck
-or-
ring in the nose/snout

horses: Some people are not familiar with horses and have no word for them in their language. If that is the case in your language, you can:

• Use a generic term and describe the function of a horse. For example:

an animal one can ride

• Substitute a different animal that a person can ride and put a bridle on. For example:

an ox
-or-
a camel

3:3b

to make them obey us: The clause to make them obey us is the purpose of using a bit and a bridle. Some other ways to translate this clause are:

to cause them to obey/follow our will
-or-
to force/make them to do what we want

3:3c

we can guide: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as guide means to turn or change the direction of something that is moving. Some other ways to translate this word are:

we can turn
-or-
we guide (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
we can direct (Revised English Bible)
-or-
we are able to make it go where we want (Good News Translation)

whole animal: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as whole animal is literally “whole body.” It refers to the body of the horse. The same Greek words are found in 3:2d. When translating this phrase, it is best to use similar words in both verses so that the reader can see the connection between them. For example:

the whole body of the person (3:2d)

the whole body of the horse (3:3c)

© 2012 by SIL International®

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

Paragraph 3:4–5b

In this paragraph, James used the illustration of how a small rudder can turn a large ship. In a similar way, the tongue, even though it is a small part of the body, can have enormous effects.

3:4a

Consider ships as well: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Consider ships as well is literally “Look, the ships also.” These words introduce James’ second comparison and call attention to that example. Use a natural expression for introducing an illustration in a way that gets the attention of the readers/hearers. For example:

Also, listen to this example of ships
-or-
Or think of a ship (Good News Translation)

ships: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as ships may refer to any kind of ship or boat. In this verse, James mentions the wind (3:4c). So it is clear that here he was thinking of sailing ships.

A sailing ship is a large boat that uses the power of the wind to move it across the water. One or more sails (very large pieces of strong cloth) are attached to tall posts on the ship. The wind blows against the cloth which in turn pushes the whole boat.

Some ways to translate this word are:

big sailing ships
-or-
huge canoes with sails
-or-
very large boats

In some languages, it is more natural to use a singular word “ship” here.

If the idea of a large boat with sails is not known by the people of your region, you may want to include an illustration at this place in your translation.

3:4b–c

Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds: In this clause, James listed two things that make it hard to control a ship: its size and the powerful winds that blow on it.

3:4c

are driven by strong winds: The clause are driven by strong winds indicates that it takes strong winds to cause these ships to move. Some other ways to translate this clause are:

are pushed by strong winds
-or-
are carried by strong winds
-or-
are blown by strong winds

The verb is passive. There are at least two ways to translate it:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

it is pushed by strong winds (New Century Version)

• Use an active verb. For example:

strong winds…move a large sailing ship (Contemporary English Version)
-or-
and seamen use strong winds to move their large sailing ships

3:4d

they are steered by a very small rudder: The Greek verb that the Berean Standard Bible translates as steered is from the same verb as the word translated “guide” in 3:3c. It refers to turning or changing the direction of something that is moving.

Some other ways to translate this verb are:

they are guided by a very small rudder (Revised Standard Version)
-or-
are controlled by a very small rudder (Phillips’ New Testament in Modern English)

This verb is passive. There are at least two ways to translate it:

• Use a passive verb. For example:

it can be steered by a very small rudder (Good News Translation)

• using an active verb. For example:

a very small rudder controls that big ship (New Century Version)
-or-
the captain uses only a small rudder to make it go in any direction (Contemporary English Version)

rudder: A rudder is a device that sailors use to steer a boat. It is attached to the back or the side of the boat. In ancient boats, it consisted of a wide, flat piece of wood attached to the end of a long pole. The man who steered the boat held one end of the pole and the other end with the flat piece of wood went down into the water. By pushing or pulling the pole, he was able to change the direction that the boat was going.

Some ways to translate rudder are:

• Use a specific word. For example:

rudder

• Use a word for the piece of wood that moves and turns canoes. For example:

paddle/oar

• Use a descriptive phrase. For example:

a small steering paddle/thing

Each ship had one rudder. If you have spoken of “ships” in the plural in 3:4a–b, you may need to speak of rudders in the plural.

3:4e

pilot: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as pilot refers to the man who steers a boat using a rudder. Some other ways to translate this word are:

boatman
-or-
oarsman
-or-
the sailor/man who steers

Each ship had one pilot. If you have been talking about “ships,” consider whether you will need to say “pilot” or “pilots” here.

is inclined: James emphasizes that it is the man who steers the boat who determines its direction. Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

in the direction the pilot wants to cause it to go
-or-
wherever the pilot chooses to go (New Living Translation (2004 Revision))

General Comment on 3:4a–d

In some languages, it may be helpful to reorder this verse so that 3:4b–c comes after 3:4d–e. For example:

^4aFor another example, think about a sailing ship. ^4eThe pilot directs it wherever he wishes ^4dby means of a tiny rudder, ^4beven though the ship may be very large ^4cand only strong winds can move it.

© 2012 by SIL International®

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.

3:5a

In the same way: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as In the same way introduces the application of the ship illustration to the tongue. Some other ways to translate this word are:

Likewise (New International Version (2011 Revision))
-or-
So too (NET Bible)
-or-
So it is with (Good News Translation)

In some languages, it may be natural to make this word a separate sentence. For example:

It is the same with the tongue. (New Century Version)

the tongue: In some languages, it is difficult to say the tongue without saying whose tongue it is. In such cases, it may be better to say:

a person’s tongue
-or-
the tongue of people
-or-
our tongue(s)

In this passage, the tongue represents the words that a person says with his tongue. In some languages, “the lips” or “the mouth” represent the words that a person says.

a small part of the body: Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

is a very little part of our body
-or-
is very small

3:5b

but: There is a contrast between the tongue (a small part of the body) and the great boasts that it can make. Some versions do the same as the Berean Standard Bible and use the word but to indicate this contrast. It is also possible to show the contrast without a conjunction. For example:

So it is with the tongue: small as it is, it can boast about great things. (Good News Translation)

it boasts of great things: The phrase it boasts of great things here indicates that the person’s tongue boasts or brags about the great things that it has done.

Notice that this is a personification. The meaning is that people use their tongues to boast about the great things they have done. There are at least two ways to translate this phrase:

• Keep the personification. For example:

it can brag about doing important things (God’s Word)

• Translate the meaning. For example:

people use their tongue to boast about the great things that they have done.

Paragraph 3:5c–6

Many versions begin a new paragraph in the middle of 3:5.

This paragraph illustrates the power of the tongue by comparing it with a small fire.

3:5c

Consider: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Consider is literally “behold!” or “look!” It is the same word as in 3:4a. This word introduces the next comparison and calls attention to it.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

Just think (Good News Translation)
-or-
Let us consider
-or-
Look

how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze: This sentence is more literally “Look how a small fire burns a great forest.”

James was probably referring to a small fire that a person may light in a wooded area. If he does not control the fire, it will set fire to a large area. This is something that can happen and does sometimes happen. James was not referring to any specific event.

a spark: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as how small a spark means “a small fire” (as in the Revised Standard Version).

sets a great forest ablaze: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as sets…ablaze is an active verb meaning “kindle,” “cause to burn” or “ignite.” The small fire ignites or sets fire to the forest.

Translate this in the way that best emphasizes the contrast between the large size of the forest and the small size of the fire that starts burning it.

a great forest: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as a great forest refers to a large area where there are lots of trees. Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

many trees
-or-
a large area full of trees
-or-
lots of brush/grass

© 2012 by SIL International®

Made available under the terms of a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 License (CC BY-SA) creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0

All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.