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James 3:5

Likewise the tongue is a small body part, yet it boasts great things. Notice also how small a fire sets on fire a large forest.

Unlocked Literal Bible

In The King James Version

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

In Context

4Notice also that ships, although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, are steered by a very small rudder to wherever the pilot desires.

6The tongue is also a fire, a world of sinfulness set among our body parts. It stains the whole body and sets on fire the course of life. It is itself set on fire by hell.

Read all of James 3

Cross References

Exodus 5:2Pharaoh said, “Who is Yahweh? Why should I listen to his voice and let Israel go? I do not know Yahweh; moreover, I will not let Israel go.”

2 Kings 19:22Whom have you defied and insulted? 2 Against whom have you exalted your voice 1 and lifted up your eyes in pride? 2 Against the Holy One of Israel! 1

Job 22:17those who said to God, 'Depart from us'; 1 those who said, 'What can the Almighty do to us?' 1

Psalms 12:2Everyone says empty words to his neighbor; 1 everyone speaks with flattering lips and a double heart. 1

Psalms 52:1Why are you proud of making trouble, you mighty man? 1 The covenant faithfulness of God comes every day. 1

Proverbs 12:18The words of one who speaks rashly are like the thrusts of a sword, 1 but the tongue of the wise brings healing. 1

Matthew Henry on James 3:2-13

Government of the Tongue. ( a. d. 61.) 1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. 2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body. 3 Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 4 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,… Read the whole commentary →

This Verse In Other Editions

King James VersionBíblia Almeida (Português)Luther Bibel (Deutsch)Bible Louis Segond (Français)Библия (Русский)聖經 (中文)성경 (한국어)聖書 (日本語)الكتاب المقدس (العربية)बाइबल (हिन्दी)Biblia (Kiswahili)Bibbia Diodati (Italiano)Alkitab (Bahasa Indonesia)

Study James 3:5

Matthew HenryJamieson-Fausset-BrownAdam ClarkeAlbert BarnesJohn WesleyJohn CalvinScofieldWilliam BurkittFamily Bible NotesGeneva Bible Notes (1599)
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