Power of the Tongue: 23 Revelations from the Greek in James 3:5-6

James 3:5

KJV

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

RIV

In the same identical way[490]  the tongue[491]  is a physi2qcally small[492] organ of the body,[493] but in the same way a rudder controls and directs massive ships, the tongue, though small, can make a remarkably big noise and stir a lot of commotion.[494] Think of how remarkable it is[495] that a small fire[496] — if it is kindled sufficiently to re-spark again and again[497] — can stir a fire so great[498] that it can burn down a whole forest[499]!

James 3:6

KJV

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

RIV

And[500] the tongue[501] is a fire[502] — a world of its own that [if not controlled] is filled with hurt, injustice, wickedness, and violations of every kind.[503] The tongue[504] is positioned[505] right in the middle[506] of our physical organs[507] and [if not controlled] has a defiling, spotting, staining, negative effect[508] on the whole body.[509] If not controlled, it ignites raging passions[510] that, once released, get the wheels moving[511] in a regrettable series of events. Make no mistake, this is a fire that is released from and inflamed by hell itself.[512]

Footnotes

• [490] The words “in the same identical way” are a translation of the words οὕτως καὶ (houtos kai), which mean likewise additionally, likewise also, or in the very same, identical way.

• [491] The words “the tongue” are a translation of ἡ γλῶσσα (he glossa), which is the word tongue with a definite article. Hence, it could be interpreted THE tongue, intending to bring the reader to the real point about the power of speech or the power of the tongue. After comparing the human tongue to small bits in the mouths of horses and small rudders on enormous ships, James then elaborates on the powerful effects of speech or of the human tongue. (Trump:) James’ use of the definite article ἡ (he) with the word γλῶσσα (glossa) — “tongue” — proves far from just serendipitous. Greek writers most often employ the definite article to grab the reader’s attention and direct it to a specific person, place, or thing. For example, the statement, “A child ran down a street” speaks of any child. However, the statement, “THE child ran down a street” presupposes the reader knows the specific child referred to by the word “the.” Here James skillfully inserts a mixed-usage definite article that signifies both the collective tongue of humanity and that of every individual. In other words, everyone’s tongue, including “yours,” in particular, is a small member that has a nearly incalculable impact upon both the individual and the larger world around him.

• [492] The words “physically small” are a translation of a form of the word μικρός (mikros), which means very little or small. In comparison to other body parts, the tongue is indeed very small, yet it is very powerful. The word μικρός (mikros) is where we derive the word “micro” or “microscopic.”

• [493] The words “organ of the body” are translated from μέλος (melos), a word that pictures a member or organ of the body. It was used in antiquity to depict the part of a ship needed to move the ship along. The word μέλος (melos) was also figuratively used to denote medical instruments used to promote healing, but it was also used figuratively to depict weapons of war. Likewise, the tongue has the ability to promote progress or bring healing or to wage war. Whether the tongue contributes to movement in the right direction, or to healing — or if it releases destruction that leads to conflict and war with others — wholly depends on the one controlling it or not controlling it, as the case may be.

• [494] The words “make a remarkably big noise and stir a lot of commotion” are interpreted from the words μεγάλα αὐχεῖ (megala auchei), which mean to make a big commotion or to make a big noise.

• [495] The words “think of how remarkable it is” are interpreted from ἰδού (idou), which carries the ideas of amazement, bewilderment, shock, and wonder. Here James injects ἰδού (idou) into the text to declare how utterly amazing, bewildering, and shocking are the manifold effects of the human tongue.

• [496] The words “a small fire” are a translation of ἡλίκον πῦρ (helikon pur). The word ἡλίκον (helikon) here means small, and the word πῦρ (pur) means fire. As a phrase, it pictures a small fire, which, all things being equal, is always the source and making of a larger blaze.

• [497] The words “kindled sufficiently to re-spark again and again” are translated from a form of ἀνάπτω (anapto), a compound of ἀνά (ana) and ἅπτω (hapto). The preposition ἀνά (ana) means again and carries the idea of what is repetitive, while the word ἅπτω (hapto) means to kindle or to set on fire. As a compound, it means to light again and again, to re-light, or to rekindle and pictures something similar to the sparks of a fire that carry embers and cause fires to be lit again and again.

• [498] The words “so great” are interpreted from a form of ἡλίκος (helikos), which here refers to the size of fire that James describes.

• [499] The word “forest” is from a form of ὕλη (hule), a word to depict a forest, timber, or wood, but it is also used to describe fuel.

• [500] The word “and” is a translation of καί (kai), a conjunction that carries the previous thought forward as James continues to describe the effect of the tongue if it is not brought under the control of a person who is filled with the Holy Spirit.

• [501] The words “the tongue” are a translation of the words ἡ γλῶσσα (he glossa). Exactly as it was used in verse 5, it is the word “tongue” with a definite article. Hence, it could be interpreted THE tongue, again reminding the reader about the fiery and unruly power of the tongue.

• [502] The word “fire” is a translation of πῦρ (pur), which pictures fire. Fire has either positive or negative results depending on how it is used. Without fire, there is no light in the dark, no heat in winter, no cooking of meat or baking of bread, no smelting…no civilization. If fire were removed from the world, there would be no electricity, no warmth, and no cooked food. Without fire, technology would be impossible, for fire in some form is required to keep civilization running. It is needed for survival, development, and progress. Furthermore, for one to remain spiritually passionate, he must be on fire with the Spirit! While fire can be a positive force, if handled incorrectly, the results can be damaging and deadly. In this verse, James speaks of the disastrous effects of a fire ignited by a tongue out of control.

• [503] The words “a world of its own that [if not controlled] is filled with hurt, injustice, wickedness, and violations of every kind” are interpreted from the phrase ὁ κόσμος τῆς ἀδικίας (ho kosmos tes adikias), and it means a universe or its own world, filled with hurt, injustice, wickedness, and violations. Thus, James was clearly stating that the tongue is a world of its own, that, if not controlled and directed, will produce hurt, injustice, wickedness, and violations of all types.

• [504] The words “the tongue” are a translation of ἡ γλῶσσα (he glossa). See footnote 491 and 501 for more on this word.

• [505] The word “positioned” is interpreted from a form of καθίστημι (kathistemi), a compound of κατά (kata) and ἵστημι (histemi). The preposition κατά (kata) means down, and the word ἵστημι (histemi) means to set, as to set in place or to stand, as to stand in its place. As a compound, it portrays that which is set in its place and it pictures the central role of the tongue in enabling one to exercise decisive force. Thus, it shows the tongue’s central role in releasing a decisive force in one’s life or in the environment around him.

• [506] The words “right in the middle” are a translation of ἐν (en), a preposition which means among, in, or in the midst. It paints a picture of the central role of the tongue in the life of a person, group, or society.

• [507] The words “physical organs” are interpreted from a form of μέλος (melos). See footnote 493 for more on this word.

• [508] The words “defiling, spotting, staining, negative effect” are interpreted from a form of the Greek word σπῖλος (spilos), which is where we get the word “spill.” It means to stain, defile, or contaminate. It carries the idea of spilling something that creates a permanent stain, permanent defilement, or permanent contamination. James uses this powerful word to depict what the tongue is capable of negatively producing if it is not properly harnessed and controlled.

• [509] The words “the whole body” are again a translation of ὅλον τὸ σῶμα (holon to soma). See footnotes 473 and 477 for more on this phrase.

• [510] The words “ignites raging passions” are interpreted from a form of φλογίζω (phlogidzo), which pictures the igniting of fire or, figuratively, raging passions. James uses this word to describe raging passions that are burning out of control.

• [511] The words “get the wheels moving” are interpreted from a form of τροχός (trochos), which depicts a wheel, but it is derived from τρέχω (trecho), which means to run. However, James uses a form here that pictures something that really gets moving once it is started.

• [512] The words “a fire that is released from and inflamed by hell itself ” are interpreted from the words καὶ φλογιζομένη ὑπὸ τῆς γεέννης (kai phlogidzomene hupo tes geennes), which pictures something that has been ignited and inflamed from and by hell itself.