James 3:2
New International Version
We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check.

New Living Translation
Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way.

English Standard Version
For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.

Berean Standard Bible
We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body.

Berean Literal Bible
For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, this one is a perfect man, able indeed to bridle the whole body.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
For we all stumble in many things. If anyone does not stumble in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

New American Standard Bible
For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to rein in the whole body as well.

NASB 1995
For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.

NASB 1977
For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body as well.

Legacy Standard Bible
For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to bridle the entire body as well.

Amplified Bible
For we all stumble and sin in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says [never saying the wrong thing], he is a perfect man [fully developed in character, without serious flaws], able to bridle his whole body and rein in his entire nature [taming his human faults and weaknesses].

Christian Standard Bible
For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is mature, able also to control the whole body.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
for we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a mature man who is also able to control his whole body.

American Standard Version
For in many things we all stumble. If any stumbleth not in word, the same is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also.

Contemporary English Version
All of us do many wrong things. But if you can control your tongue, you are mature and able to control your whole body.

English Revised Version
For in many things we all stumble. If any stumbleth not in word, the same is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
All of us make a lot of mistakes. If someone doesn't make any mistakes when he speaks, he would be perfect. He would be able to control everything he does.

Good News Translation
All of us often make mistakes. But if a person never makes a mistake in what he says, he is perfect and is also able to control his whole being.

International Standard Version
For all of us make many mistakes. If someone does not make any mistakes when he speaks, he is perfect and able to control his whole body.

Majority Standard Bible
We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body.

NET Bible
For we all stumble in many ways. If someone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect individual, able to control the entire body as well.

New Heart English Bible
For in many things we all stumble. If anyone does not stumble in word, this one is a perfect person, able to bridle the whole body also.

Webster's Bible Translation
For in many things we all offend. If any man offendeth not in word, the same is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

Weymouth New Testament
For we often stumble and fall, all of us. If there is any one who never stumbles in speech, that man has reached maturity of character and is able to curb his whole nature.

World English Bible
For we all stumble in many things. Anyone who doesn’t stumble in word is a perfect person, able to bridle the whole body also.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
for we all make many stumbles; if anyone does not stumble in word, this one [is] a perfect man, able to also bridle the whole body;

Berean Literal Bible
For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, this one is a perfect man, able indeed to bridle the whole body.

Young's Literal Translation
for we all make many stumbles; if any one in word doth not stumble, this one is a perfect man, able to bridle also the whole body;

Smith's Literal Translation
For in many things we all stumble. If any stumble not in word, this a perfect man, able to govern by a bridle also the whole body.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
For in many things we all offend. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man. He is able also with a bridle to lead about the whole body.

Catholic Public Domain Version
For we all offend in many ways. If anyone does not offend in word, he is a perfect man. And he is then able, as if with a bridle, to lead the whole body around.

New American Bible
for we all fall short in many respects. If anyone does not fall short in speech, he is a perfect man, able to bridle his whole body also.

New Revised Standard Version
For all of us make many mistakes. Anyone who makes no mistakes in speaking is perfect, able to keep the whole body in check with a bridle.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
For in many things we all stumble. Anyone who does not offend in word, this one is a perfect man, and able also to subdue his whole body.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
For all of us stumble much Everyone who does not slip in his speech is a perfect man who can subdue also his whole body.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
For in many things we all offend. If any one offends not in word, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle the whole body.

Godbey New Testament
For we all fail in many things; if any one fails not in word, the same is a perfect man, able even to bridle the whole body.

Haweis New Testament
For in many things we all offend. If any man offend not in word, he is a perfect man, and capable of reining in the whole body.

Mace New Testament
for we are all liable to frequent mistakes, he that does not give too great a loose to his tongue, is an accomplish'd person and fit to moderate the whole church.

Weymouth New Testament
For we often stumble and fall, all of us. If there is any one who never stumbles in speech, that man has reached maturity of character and is able to curb his whole nature.

Worrell New Testament
For in many things we all stumble. If anyone stumbles not in word, the same is a perfect man, able to restrain also the whole body.

Worsley New Testament
and if any offend not in word, he is a compleat man, able to manage also the whole body.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Taming the Tongue
1Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to control his whole body. 3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal.…

Cross References
Proverbs 10:19
When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise.

Matthew 12:36-37
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.”

Proverbs 21:23
He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress.

Proverbs 17:27-28
A man of knowledge restrains his words, and a man of understanding maintains a calm spirit. / Even a fool is considered wise if he keeps silent, and discerning when he holds his tongue.

Ecclesiastes 5:2-3
Do not be quick to speak, and do not be hasty in your heart to utter a word before God. For God is in heaven and you are on earth. So let your words be few. / As a dream comes through many cares, so the speech of a fool comes with many words.

Psalm 39:1
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.”

Proverbs 13:3
He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin.

1 Peter 3:10
For, “Whoever would love life and see good days must keep his tongue from evil and his lips from deceitful speech.

Proverbs 18:21
Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.

Proverbs 15:1-2
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. / The tongue of the wise commends knowledge, but the mouth of the fool spouts folly.

Matthew 15:11
A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.”

Colossians 3:8
But now you must put aside all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander, and filthy language from your lips.

Ephesians 4:29
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.

Proverbs 12:18
Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.

Psalm 141:3
Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch at the door of my lips.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

in.

1 Kings 8:46
If they sin against thee, (for there is no man that sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captives unto the land of the enemy, far or near;

2 Chronicles 6:36
If they sin against thee, (for there is no man which sinneth not,) and thou be angry with them, and deliver them over before their enemies, and they carry them away captives unto a land far off or near;

Proverbs 20:9
Who can say, I have made my heart clean, I am pure from my sin?

If.

James 3:5,6
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! …

See on ch.

James 1:26
If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man's religion is vain.

Psalm 34:13
Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy lips from speaking guile.

Proverbs 13:3
He that keepeth his mouth keepeth his life: but he that openeth wide his lips shall have destruction.

a perfect.

James 1:4
But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

Matthew 12:37
For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

Colossians 1:28
Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus:

to bridle.

1 Corinthians 9:27
But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway.

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James 3
1. We are not rashly or arrogantly to reprove others;
5. but rather to bridle the tongue, a little member,
9. but a powerful instrument of much good, and great harm.
13. The truly wise are mild and peaceable, without envy and strife.














We all stumble in many ways
The phrase "We all stumble" acknowledges the universal human condition of imperfection. The Greek word for "stumble" is "ptaió," which implies a moral or ethical failing, not just a physical misstep. This word choice highlights the inherent fallibility of human nature, emphasizing that no one is exempt from making mistakes. The phrase "in many ways" broadens the scope, suggesting that our shortcomings are not limited to one area but are diverse and manifold. This acknowledgment of human frailty is a call to humility, reminding believers of their need for grace and the importance of relying on God's strength rather than their own.

If anyone is never at fault in what he says
The conditional "If anyone" introduces a hypothetical scenario, suggesting rarity and difficulty. The phrase "never at fault in what he says" focuses on the power and potential destructiveness of the tongue. The Greek word "logos," translated as "what he says," encompasses not just spoken words but also the intent and thought behind them. This highlights the biblical principle that words are a reflection of the heart (Matthew 12:34). The challenge of being "never at fault" underscores the importance of self-control and the spiritual maturity required to govern one's speech.

he is a perfect man
The term "perfect" is translated from the Greek word "teleios," which means complete or mature, rather than flawless. This suggests that spiritual maturity is evidenced by one's ability to control their speech. The "perfect man" is not sinless but has reached a level of maturity where he exercises wisdom and restraint in his words. This maturity is a goal for believers, reflecting the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in their lives.

able to control his whole body
The ability "to control his whole body" implies mastery over one's entire being, not just speech. The Greek word "chalinagógeó," translated as "control," is often used in the context of bridling a horse, suggesting a disciplined and intentional effort. This metaphor indicates that self-control in speech is indicative of broader self-discipline. The "whole body" represents the entirety of one's actions and behaviors, suggesting that mastery over speech is a key to overall self-control. This aligns with the biblical teaching that the tongue, though small, has great power and influence (James 3:5-6). The verse challenges believers to pursue spiritual maturity, recognizing that control over one's words is a significant step toward living a life that honors God.

(2) For in many things we offend all.--Better thus, For in many things we all offend: not, what might be inferred, "we are an offence to all," as Matthew 24:9; 1Corinthians 4:13, et al. Humble, indeed, was the holy mind of James, but this confession of error uplifts him in all right appreciation, and in no way casts him down. The very human weakness of Peter, and Paul, and James, endears them to us; for so we know assuredly that they were "men of like passions" with ourselves (Acts 14:15), and, where they succeeded, we, by the like grace of God, may also win the crown.

If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man.--If any man: much more one who fain would teach his fellows. To "offend" means to stumble over something, and fall, and in this sense we get the exact meaning of "offending" by an unguarded allusion to a subject painful in the mind of another. "A constant governance of our speech, according to duty and reason, is a high instance, and a special argument of a thoroughly sincere and solid goodness," says Isaac Barrow; but the meekest of men failed once, and blessed indeed is he who takes heed to his ways that he sins not with his tongue (Psalm 39:1).

Able also to bridle the whole body.--Not that if the tongue be stilled all the members of the body are consequently in peace; but, because the work of ruling the one rebel is so great, that a much less corresponding effort will keep the others in subjection.

Verse 2. - Γὰρ gives the reason for this κρίμα. We shall be judged because in many things we all stumble, and it is implied that teachers are in danger of greater condemnation, because it is almost impossible to govern the tongue completely. With the thought comp. Ecclesiastes 7:20, "There is not a just man upon earth that doeth good and sinneth not." Πολλά is adverbial, as in Matthew 9:14, and may be either

(1) "in many things," or

(2) "oft." Ἅπαντες. No se ipsos quidem excipiunt apostoli (Bengel). If any stumbleth not in word (R.V.). "Control of speech is named, not as in itself constituting perfection, but as a crucial test indicating whether the man has or has not attained unto it" (Plumptre). Τέλειος (see James 1:4). Ξαλιναγωγεῖν (cf. James 1:26). It is only found in these two passages; never in the LXX.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
We all stumble
πταίομεν (ptaiomen)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 4417: To stumble, fall, sin, err, transgress. A form of pipto; to trip, i.e. to err, sin, fail.

in many ways.
πολλὰ (polla)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Plural
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

If
εἴ (ei)
Conjunction
Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc.

anyone
τις (tis)
Interrogative / Indefinite Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5100: Any one, some one, a certain one or thing. An enclitic indefinite pronoun; some or any person or object.

{is} never
οὐ (ou)
Adverb
Strong's 3756: No, not. Also ouk, and ouch a primary word; the absolute negative adverb; no or not.

at fault
πταίει (ptaiei)
Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4417: To stumble, fall, sin, err, transgress. A form of pipto; to trip, i.e. to err, sin, fail.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

what he says,
λόγῳ (logō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3056: From lego; something said; by implication, a topic, also reasoning or motive; by extension, a computation; specially, the Divine Expression.

he [is]
οὗτος (houtos)
Demonstrative Pronoun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3778: This; he, she, it.

a perfect
τέλειος (teleios)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 5046: From telos; complete; neuter completeness.

man,
ἀνήρ (anēr)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 435: A male human being; a man, husband. A primary word; a man.

able
δυνατὸς (dynatos)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1415: (a) of persons: powerful, able, (b) of things: possible. From dunamai; powerful or capable; neuter possible.

to control
χαλιναγωγῆσαι (chalinagōgēsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 5468: To bridle, curb, restrain, sway. From a compound of chalinos and the reduplicated form of ago; to be a bit-leader, i.e. To curb.

[his]
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

whole
ὅλον (holon)
Adjective - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3650: All, the whole, entire, complete. A primary word; 'whole' or 'all', i.e. Complete, especially as noun or adverb.

body.
σῶμα (sōma)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4983: Body, flesh; the body of the Church. From sozo; the body, used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively.


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NT Letters: James 3:2 For in many things we all stumble (Ja Jas. Jam)
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