Tiago 3
A.T. Robertson · Citado em PreceptAustin
Tiago 3
Robertson adds they will receive heavier judgment because "The reason is obvious. The pretence of knowledge adds to the teacher's responsibility and condemnation." Judgment (Condemnation) (2917)(krima from krino = to judge, the suffix –ma indicating the result of the judging, ie, that is, the result of making a decision) is a neutral word which can be either positive or negative. In the NT krima is most often used negatively (Mark 12:40; Luke 20:47; 1 Tim. 5:24) which is how James uses it in this passage. For unbelievers this judgment will be the Great White Throne judgment of Rev 20:11-15, although by calling them my brethren, James is not addressing unbeliever. More to the point, for believers the judgment will occur at the Bema Seat of Christ (2 Cor 5:10, Ro 14:12, cf 1 Cor 3:13-15). 2 Corinthians 5:10+ For we must (dei = obligation, necessity) ALL (NO EXCEPTIONS) appear before the judgment seat (bema) of Christ, so that each one (hekastos) may be recompensed (komizo) for his deeds (NOT SINS) in the body (DURING OUR TIME AS BELIEVERS ON EARTH), according to what he has done, whether good or bad (phaulos = worthless) (NOT FOR SINS - Ro 8:1+ = "No Condemnation" = katakrima).. Romans 14:10-12+ But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will ALL (NO EXCEPTIONS) stand before the judgment seat (bema) of God. For it is written, “AS I LIVE, SAYS THE LORD, EVERY KNEE SHALL BOW TO ME, AND EVERY TONGUE SHALL GIVE PRAISE TO GOD.” So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God. 1 Corinthians 3:13-15 each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. J
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Robertson - "There is more imagery drawn from mere natural phenomena in the one short Epistle of James than in all St. Paul's epistles put together" (Howson). Driven (1643)(elauno) means to urge, drive or propel along, to drive (of ships - Jas 3:4, of "mists driven by a storm" = 2 Pe 2:17+). BDAG has a more figurative meaning = "Of a spirit who drives a possessed person." (Lk 8:29+ of the man who would "be driven by the demon into the desert.") In John 6:19 elauno means "rowed" (the boat) (cf similar sense in Mk 6:48 = "straining at the oars," where oars is the verb elauno - so they were propeling the boat by rowing with oars; cf similar use in Isa 33:21). Gilbrant - Outside the New Testament it is used in the sense of driving chariots, driving off stolen horses, and persecution (driving to extremes). Sometimes elaunō describes the act of striking with a weapon and forging metal.(Complete Biblical Library Greek-English Dictionary) Elauno - 5x in NT - driven(3), oars(1), rowed(1). Mk. 6:48; Lk. 8:29; Jn. 6:19; Jas. 3:4; 2 Pet. 2:17. In Septuagint (Lxx) 4x - Exod. 25:12; 1 Ki. 9:27; Isa. 33:21; Isa. 41:7; Strong (harsh, difficult) (4642)(skleros) means hard, stiff, unyielding, all good descriptions of the powerful winds that frequently arise at sea. Directed (3329) see preceding discussion of metago, the only other use of this verb in the NT. Gilbrant - What is in the heart determines speech content and attitude (Matthew 12:34). If there is genuine faith in the heart, the accompanying works will be both appropriate speech and conduct. (ED: Yes, "genuine faith" is important but there must also be reliance on the empowerment of the Holy Spirit, not the fallen flesh.) Rudder (4079)(pedalion from pedon = blade of an oar) was a large plank at the stern of a ship used to direct its course or steering the ship. See ancient steering oars. These were blades of oars and refers to paddle rudders extending from the sides of the ship and were tied while the ship was at anchor. BDAG adds that "each ship had two rudders, connected by a crossbar and operated by one man." Inclination (3730)(horme) refers to a rapid motion forwards, onrush, violent impulse, assault. Zodhiates adds that "Hormé often times has in view motion toward an object with the purpose of propelling and repelling it still further from oneself." BDAG describes the figurative means - "a psychological state of strong tendency = impulse, inclination, desire." In the use in Acts 14:5 we read of swift and capricious mob action, Luke writing "an attempt (horme) was made by both the Gentiles and the Jews with their rulers, to mistreat and to stone them." So here horme describes an assault of unbelieving Jews and Gentiles, with the leaders of the city of Iconium, against the synagogue where Paul was preaching and so depicts a violent quick attack. Horme a wide range of meanings, usually involving motion, but it could also express such ideas as impulse or eagerness (Liddell-Scott). The Leipzig collection of inscriptions read, “He stopped the force of the Barbarian rush” (cf. Moulton-Milligan). Likewise, the Oxyrhynchus Papyri (Fourth Century A.D.) speak of “two pigs making a rush into our piece of land” (ibid.). Pilot (2116)(euthuno from euthus = straight) means literally to cause something to be (or to make) straight and was used here by James 3:4+ in his metaphorical description of the tongue to speak of a ship that was kept on a straight course, something done by the pilot. In the only other NT use in John 1:23+ euthuno speaks of a "road" (THE WAY) that is to be made straight. In context John was using euthuno figuratively and in fact commanded (aorist imperative) his Jewish listeners to remove any and all obstacles that would impede or prevent the Lord from entering into a personal relationship with them! ILLUSTRATION - On May 21, 1941, the “unsinkable” German battleship, the Bismarck, was sighted in the North Atlantic. Immediately planes and ships from the Royal British Navy sped to the scene. As the Bismarck headed toward the German-controlled French coast where it would be safe from attack, to the astonishment of all the massive battleship suddenly swung around and reentered the area where the British ships were massed in greatest strength. At the same time, she began to steer an erratic zigzag course, which made it much easier for the British to overtake her. You see, a torpedo had damaged her rudder and without its control the “unsinkable” Bismarck was sunk. As the rudder controls a ship, so the tongue controls a person. Let's Apply this Illustration of a rudder and a ship We all need to ask ourselves - Who is the pilot? Are we? Or is the Lord, the Holy Spirit? James 3:5 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! (NASB95) Amplified Even so the tongue is a little member, and it can boast of great things. See how much wood or how great a forest a tiny spark can set ablaze! Phillips The human tongue is physically small, but what tremendous effects it can boast of! A whole forest can be set ablaze by a tiny spark of fire Wuest Even so the tongue also is a small member [of the human body] and boasts great things. Behold, how great a forest a little fire sets ablaze. NET 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. GNT οὕτως καὶ ἡ γλῶσσα μικρὸν μέλος ἐστὶν καὶ μεγάλα αὐχεῖ. Ἰδοὺ ἡλίκον πῦρ ἡλίκην ὕλην ἀνάπτει· NLT 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. KJV Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! ESV 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! ASV So the tongue also is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how much wood is kindled by how small a fire! CSB 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. NIV Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. NKJ Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles! NRS 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! YLT so also the tongue is a little member, and doth boast greatly; lo, a little fire how much wood it doth kindle! NAB 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. NJB So the tongue is only a tiny part of the body, but its boasts are great. Think how small a flame can set fire to a huge forest; GWN 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. BBE Even so the tongue is a small part of the body, but it takes credit for great things. How much wood may be lighted by a very little fire! So also the tongue is a small part of the body: Ex 5:2 15:9 2Ki 19:22-24 Job 21:14,15 22:17 Ps 10:3 12:2-4 Ps 17:10 52:1,2 73:8,9 Pr 12:18 15:2 18:21 Jer 9:3-8 18:18 Eze 28:2 29:3 Da 3:15 4:30 2Pe 2:18 Jude 1:16 Rev 13:5,6 James 3 Resources - Multiple Sermons and Commentaries Youtube Video Verse by Verse Teaching on James 3 5W/H Questions on James 3 for teaching and personal study THE TONGUE "PLUMES ITSELF" For explanation of "plumes itself" see note below. So also - In the same manner (as a small bridle, as a small rudder). The tongue is a small part of the body - The tongue is physically small, a "small member." "The tongue is petite but powerful!" (Blue) I lost a very little word, only the other day. It was a very naughty word, I had not meant to say. But then, it was not really lost, when from my lips it flew. My little brother picked it up and now he says it too. Tongue (100) (glossa)means literal tongue, the organ of the body (Rev 16:10). Part (member)(3196)(melos) is literally any part of the human body. In this passage melos is singular (most of us have only one tongue, although some of us to often speak with a "forked tongue!") In the plural melos was used to describe the members of the body as the seat of the desires and passions (Ro 6:13, 19; Ro 7:5, 23; 1 Cor. 6:15; Col. 3:5; James 4:1). Figuratively melos of one who belongs to the Christian community as the body of Christ (Ro 12:5; 1 Cor 6:15; 1 Cor 12:27; Eph 5:30). In classical Greek the primary meaning of melos is “limb” or “part” of the body. And yet it boasts of great things - Some (John Butler - Analytical Bible Expositor) interpret "great things" in a positive sense, stating that the "tongue has the capability of being a great and wonderful influence for good." That may be true (especially if it is a Spirit-controlled tongue!), but that is not what James is saying here. Notice his choice of words ("boasts" a negative word) and secondly the contextual description of the destructive effect of the tongue (great forest fire). The NET Bible renders it "yet it has great pretensions" which emphasizes the evil or negative sense. Similarly the NLT says it "makes grand speeches." So clearly this refers to the naturally self-centered tongue which, energized by the fallen flesh, ultimately results in a wake of destruction (like a fire destroying a great forest). Puritan Thomas Manton agrees this is a negative statement by James, paraphrasing it as "The tongue witnesses for itself; for by it people trumpet their presumptions and boast that they can do great things.” He gives the example of boasting because: (1) It is the usual sin of the tongue. This is the part of the body that most serves pride (INTERESTING THOUGHT!). (2) It is usually the sin of those who have no control over their spirits and actions. Hypocrites and vain men are proud boasters. “Flattering lips” and “every boastful tongue” are linked together (Psalm 12:3). And in Proverbs 14:3 we read, “A fool’s talk brings a rod to his back.” True grace humbles; false "grace" puffs up. Monty Mills on boasts (aucheo) of great things - We do well to remember that Jas 1:26+ indicates it is possible for a man’s tongue to be bridled, so the epistle has already indicated that the ‘implanted word’ (James 1:21+ [i.e., the power of regeneration]) has the ability to bridle the tongue (ED: BECAUSE EVERY REGENERATED PERSON HAS THE SPIRIT INDWELLING THEM TO ENABLE THEM).....The ‘boasts great things’ of James 3:5a indicates any kind of haughty speech which stirs up strife or provokes others....The passage thus talks not of the commitment which boasting establishes, but rather the malicious strife engendered by the tongue; and this harmonizes with James 3:5b. However, it is also true that when the tongue makes a boast it sets a goal for the person to fulfill (have not we all said something we wished we had not, and yet felt obliged to live up to our word?). So, the tongue exercises a bewildering control over the course of our lives, and demonstrates when a person’s life is not under the control of the Holy Spirit. Besides the marvel of the smallness of the controlling force and instrument, the two illustrations have in common the fact that both controlling media are under the control of the will of the rider, helmsman, or rider. The question thus is, “Who is in control of the tongue? God or Satan (ED: I WOULD SAY "THE FALLEN FLESH" BECAUSE OF James 1:14-15+)?” How the tongue is employed, then, is an indication of the person in control of the whole body of the individual. (James, A Study Guide) 🙏 THOUGHT - This is very convicting! How easy it is to "boast" and not think we are boasting. I do it with just a little exaggeration of the truth. Or with a statement of some spiritual success (that puts me in a good light). And the list goes on and on! Boasts (aucheo) occurs only here in the Bible and describes speaking with much confidence about great things, focusing on pride towards oneself. It means to "show off" verbally. The present tense indicates that the tongue continually declares boastfully. There is an old idiom which would be apropos - plume oneself (Liddell-Scott list "plume oneself" as a definition of aucheo) which means to congratulate oneself. This idiomatic picture comes from a bird's habit of dressing its feathers which in turn is seen as a picture of men expressing self-satisfaction over their "feathers!" In short to plume oneself is to pride oneself on something in a manner which is vain, boastful, or showy. TECHNICAL NOTE: The Textus Receptus has the verb megalaucheo which is actually a combination of megas = big and aucheo = to boast and means to brag exceedingly, to be a braggart. In the Nestle-Aland the words are separate "megala auchei." John
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Robertson - It is a moral incongruity for blessing and cursing to come out of the same mouth. Ought not - Greek uses the strongest negative to modify chre (ou chre) signifying that this absolutely ought not to be this way. In the Greek sentence the "ou chre" (not ought) precedes "my brethren," placing even stronger emphasis on this negative injunction! In other words "dichotomous dialogue" has absolutely no place in the life of a believer in Jesus Christ. James sees a person’s speech as a barometer of his or her spiritual state Douglas Moo: Like Jesus, James sees a person’s speech as a barometer of his or her spiritual state; it reveals what is in the heart. Jesus’ warning must be taken with utter seriousness: ‘But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned’ (Matt. 12:36–37). The person who is double and inconsistent with regard to the things of God in his or her heart (dipsychos; see Jas 1:8 and Jas 4:8) will be double and inconsistent in speech. (James: An Introduction and Commentary - Page 164) R. Kent