Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. New Living Translation We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth. English Standard Version If we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we guide their whole bodies as well. Berean Standard Bible When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal. Berean Literal Bible Now if we put bits into the mouths of the horses for them to obey us, we turn about even their whole body. King James Bible Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. New King James Version Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. New American Standard Bible Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their whole body as well. NASB 1995 Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. NASB 1977 Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they may obey us, we direct their entire body as well. Legacy Standard Bible Now if we put the bits into the horses’ mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. Amplified Bible Now if we put bits into the horses’ mouths to make them obey us, we guide their whole body as well. Christian Standard Bible Now if we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we direct their whole bodies. Holman Christian Standard Bible Now when we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we also guide the whole animal. American Standard Version Now if we put the horses' bridles into their mouths that they may obey us, we turn about their whole body also. Contemporary English Version By putting a bit into the mouth of a horse, we can turn the horse in different directions. English Revised Version Now if we put the horses' bridles into their mouths, that they may obey us, we turn about their whole body also. GOD'S WORD® Translation We put bits in the mouths of horses to make them obey us, and we have control over everything they do. Good News Translation We put a bit into the mouth of a horse to make it obey us, and we are able to make it go where we want. International Standard Version Now if we put bits into horses' mouths to make them obey us, we can guide their whole bodies as well. Majority Standard Bible When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal. NET Bible And if we put bits into the mouths of horses to get them to obey us, then we guide their entire bodies. New Heart English Bible Now if we put bits into the horses' mouths so that they may obey us, we guide their whole body. Webster's Bible Translation Behold, we put bits in the mouths of horses, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Weymouth New Testament Remember that we put the horses' bit into their mouths to make them obey us, and so we turn their whole bodies round. World English Bible Indeed, we put bits into the horses’ mouths so that they may obey us, and we guide their whole body. Literal Translations Literal Standard Versionbehold, the bits we put into the mouths of the horses for their obeying us, and we direct their whole body; Berean Literal Bible Now if we put bits into the mouths of the horses for them to obey us, we turn about even their whole body. Young's Literal Translation lo, the bits we put into the mouths of the horses for their obeying us, and their whole body we turn about; Smith's Literal Translation Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they should yield to us; and we lead their whole body. Catholic Translations Douay-Rheims BibleFor if we put bits into the mouths of horses, that they may obey us, and we turn about their whole body. Catholic Public Domain Version For so we put bridles into the mouths of horses, in order to submit them to our will, and so we turn their whole body around. New American Bible If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we also guide their whole bodies. New Revised Standard Version If we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we guide their whole bodies. Translations from Aramaic Lamsa BibleBehold, we put bits into the mouths of horses, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. Aramaic Bible in Plain English And behold, we put a bridle in the mouths of horses, so that they will submit to us and we turn their whole bodies. NT Translations Anderson New TestamentBehold, we put bits into horses mouths that they may obey us, and we turn about their whole body. Godbey New Testament But if we put bridles into the mouths of the horses, that they may obey us; and we manage their whole body; Haweis New Testament Behold, we put bits into the horses? mouths, that they may obey us, and we turn about their whole body. Mace New Testament you see how manageable horses are made by the application of a bit, which makes them take what motion we please. Weymouth New Testament Remember that we put the horses' bit into their mouths to make them obey us, and so we turn their whole bodies round. Worrell New Testament Now, if we put the horses' bridles into their mouths, that they may obey us, we turn about their whole body also. Worsley New Testament Behold we put bridles into the mouths of horses, that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body as we please. Additional Translations ... Audio Bible Context Taming the Tongue…2We 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. 3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can guide the whole animal. 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.… Cross References Proverbs 21:23 He who guards his mouth and tongue keeps his soul from distress. 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.” Matthew 12:34-37 You brood of vipers, how can you who are evil say anything good? For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. / The good man brings good things out of his good store of treasure, and the evil man brings evil things out of his evil store of treasure. / But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. ... 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. Proverbs 12:18 Speaking rashly is like a piercing sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, sin is unavoidable, but he who restrains his lips is wise. 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. Colossians 4:6 Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone. 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 13:3 He who guards his mouth protects his life, but the one who opens his lips invites his own ruin. 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. Matthew 15:11 A man is not defiled by what enters his mouth, but by what comes out of it.” Luke 6:45 The good man brings good things out of the good treasure of his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil treasure of his heart. For out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. Proverbs 16:24 Pleasant words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones. Treasury of Scripture Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body. 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. 2 Kings 19:28 Because thy rage against me and thy tumult is come up into mine ears, therefore I will put my hook in thy nose, and my bridle in thy lips, and I will turn thee back by the way by which thou camest. Psalm 32:9 Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee. Jump to Previous Animal Bit Bits Bodies Body Bridles Complete Control Direct Entire Guide Guided Horses Indeed Iron Mouths Obey Obeying Remember Round Turn WholeJump to Next Animal Bit Bits Bodies Body Bridles Complete Control Direct Entire Guide Guided Horses Indeed Iron Mouths Obey Obeying Remember Round Turn WholeJames 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. When we put bits into the mouths of horses The imagery of a bit in a horse's mouth is a powerful metaphor for control and guidance. In ancient times, as well as today, bits are used to direct horses, which are strong and powerful animals. This metaphor highlights the concept of control over something much larger and stronger than oneself. The use of horses in biblical times was common for transportation, warfare, and agriculture, making this analogy relatable to the original audience. The bit represents the small but significant tool that can direct the course of a large creature, symbolizing how small things can exert great influence. to make them obey us we can guide the whole animal Persons / Places / Events 1. JamesThe author of the epistle, traditionally identified as James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Jerusalem church. He is known for his practical teachings on Christian living. 2. Horses Used metaphorically in this verse to illustrate the power of small things to control larger entities. Horses were common in the ancient world for transportation and labor. 3. Bits A small piece of equipment placed in a horse's mouth to control and guide it. This serves as a metaphor for the tongue's power to direct human behavior. Teaching Points The Power of Small ThingsJust as a small bit can control a large horse, our words, though small, have the power to direct the course of our lives and influence others. Self-Control and Discipline The bit represents the need for self-control. As Christians, we are called to discipline our tongues, ensuring our words align with our faith. Guidance and Obedience The imagery of guiding a horse with a bit reminds us of the importance of being obedient to God's Word, allowing it to direct our actions and speech. Influence and Responsibility Our words can have a significant impact on others. We must be mindful of this responsibility and strive to speak life and truth. Reflection of the Heart Our speech is a reflection of our inner spiritual state. Regular self-examination and prayer can help align our hearts with God's will.(3) Behold.--A more clumsy reading is insisted upon here: but if, instead of "behold." The supporters of such curious corrections argue that the least likely is the most so; and thus every slip of a copyist, either in grammar or spelling, becomes more sacred in their eyes than is the Received text with believers in verbal inspiration. Three comparisons of the tongue are now introduced; the bit (James 3:3), the rudder (James 3:4), and a fire (James 3:6): the two former to show what mastery may be gained by self-discipline, the latter to warn us of a danger which may quickly spread beyond our power to quell. Verse 3. - Illustration of the last statement of ver. 2. The bit in the horse's mouth enables us to turn about the whole body. So the man who can govern his tongue has the mastery over the whole body. A remarkable parallel is afforded by Sophocles, 'Antigone,' 1. 470, Σμικρῷ χαλινῷ δ οῖδα τοὺς θυμουμένους ἵππους καταρτυθέιτας. So also Philo, 'De Op. Mundi,' p. 19, Τὸ θυμικώτατον ζῶον ἵππος ῤᾳδίως ἄγεται χαλινωθείς. The manuscript; authority is overwhelming in favor of εἰ δὲ (A, B, K, L; א, εἰδε γάρ, etc.; and Vulgate, si autem) instead of ἰδού of the Received Text (C has ἴδε, and the Syriac ecce): thus the apodosis is contained in the words, καὶ ὅλον κ.τ.λ. Translate, with R.V., now if we put the horses bridles into their mouths that they may obey us, we turn about their whole body also. (For a similar correction of ἰδέ to εἰ δέ, see Romans 2:17.)Parallel Commentaries ... Greek [When]Εἰ (Ei) Conjunction Strong's 1487: If. A primary particle of conditionality; if, whether, that, etc. we put βάλλομεν (ballomen) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural Strong's 906: (a) I cast, throw, rush, (b) often, in the weaker sense: I place, put, drop. A primary verb; to throw. bits χαλινοὺς (chalinous) Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural Strong's 5469: A bridle, bit. From chalao; a curb or head-stall. into εἰς (eis) Preposition Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. the τὰ (ta) Article - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. mouths στόματα (stomata) Noun - Accusative Neuter Plural Strong's 4750: The mouth, speech, eloquence in speech, the point of a sword. of the τῶν (tōn) Article - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. horses ἵππων (hippōn) Noun - Genitive Masculine Plural Strong's 2462: A horse. Of uncertain affinity; a horse. to make εἰς (eis) Preposition Strong's 1519: A primary preposition; to or into, of place, time, or purpose; also in adverbial phrases. them αὐτοὺς (autous) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative Masculine 3rd Person Plural Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. obey πείθεσθαι (peithesthai) Verb - Present Infinitive Middle or Passive Strong's 3982: A primary verb; to convince; by analogy, to pacify or conciliate; reflexively or passively, to assent, to rely. us, ἡμῖν (hēmin) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I. we can guide μετάγομεν (metagomen) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 1st Person Plural Strong's 3329: From meta and harmozo; to lead over, i.e. Transfer. the αὐτῶν (autōn) Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Plural Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons. 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. animal. 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. Links James 3:3 NIVJames 3:3 NLT James 3:3 ESV James 3:3 NASB James 3:3 KJV James 3:3 BibleApps.com James 3:3 Biblia Paralela James 3:3 Chinese Bible James 3:3 French Bible James 3:3 Catholic Bible NT Letters: James 3:3 Indeed we put bits into the horses' (Ja Jas. Jam) |
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