James 3 5

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!

James 3:5 nkjv

Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things. See how great a forest a little fire kindles!

James 3:5 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.

James 3:5 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!

James 3:5 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.

James 3 verses

James 3 5 Meaning

James chapter 3, verse 5, reveals the deceptive power of the tongue, drawing a stark comparison between its small size and its immense, often destructive, impact. It teaches that despite being a minor member of the body, the tongue has the capacity to "boast great things," implying an inherent pride or destructive potential in its uncontrolled use. The verse then immediately illustrates this power with the analogy of a small fire igniting a vast forest, symbolizing how a tiny spark of careless or malicious words can set in motion a devastating chain of events or widespread destruction. This highlights the disproportionate influence the tongue wields, emphasizing its capacity for both great good or profound harm.

James 3 5 Context

James chapter 3 focuses entirely on the theme of controlling the tongue. Following chapters 1 and 2 which address trials, hearing and doing the Word, and true faith evidenced by works, James shifts to the practical outworking of faith in speech. This specific verse (3:5) serves as a central analogy in the chapter's argument, immediately preceded by illustrations of small objects controlling larger ones (a bit controlling a horse, a small rudder steering a large ship – 3:3-4). This sets the stage for comparing the tongue, despite its small size, to these controlling devices, yet immediately pivot to a negative implication: it "boasts great things" and like a small fire, can cause vast destruction. This verse transitions into James's more explicit warnings about the destructive nature of the tongue in verses 6-8, linking it to the fires of hell. The cultural context likely involves widespread awareness of brushfires or forest fires in dry climates, making the analogy vivid and immediate to the original audience.

James 3 5 Word analysis

• Even so (οὕτως, houtōs): A linking word, meaning "in this way," "thus," or "likewise." It connects the tongue to the previous analogies (horse's bridle, ship's rudder), suggesting a continuation of the theme that a small thing can control or influence something large. However, in this case, the influence described becomes inherently negative.
• the tongue (ἡ γλῶσσα, hē glōssa): Refers to the physical organ, but metaphorically stands for human speech, discourse, or the faculty of articulation. In Scripture, it is often a metonym for the power of words.
• is a little member (μικρὸν μέλος ἐστίν, mikron melos estin): "Little" (μικρὸν, mikron) emphasizes its physical insignificance, setting up the contrast with its disproportionate power. "Member" (μέλος, melos) refers to a part of the body. This highlights the ironic contrast between physical size and potent effect.
• and boasts great things (καὶ μεγαλαυχεί, kai megalauchei): The verb megalaucheō means "to boast proudly," "to make great claims," or "to speak pompously." It carries a connotation of arrogance and overestimation of one's power or importance. In this context, it suggests the tongue's potential for destructive, self-aggrandizing speech, or simply that it has the potential for great impact. It points to the power residing within or through the tongue, which, left uncontrolled, often tends towards pride and harmful expressions.
• Behold (ἰδοὺ, idou): An interjection used to draw attention, like "Look!" or "Pay attention!" It introduces a powerful and urgent illustration.
• how great a matter (ἡλίκον πῦρ, hēlikon pyr): This phrase can be challenging. Hēlikon means "how great," "how large," or "how vast." Pyr (πῦρ) means "fire." The phrase literally means "how great a fire" (with an implied consequence, such as 'forest'). It's not the fire itself that is great, but the impact or the consequence of a small fire. This connects to the following phrase about what a little fire can ignite, reinforcing the small cause-big effect principle. Some translations render this as "how great a forest/material."
• a little fire kindles! (ὀλίγον πῦρ ἅπτει, oligon pyr haptei): "Little" (ὀλίγον, oligon) directly refers to the small quantity or spark of fire. "Kindles" (ἅπτει, haptei) means to "set alight," "to ignite." This phrase forms the central analogy, vividly demonstrating that a physically small spark can set an entire, massive area (like a forest, implicitly) ablaze, paralleling how small words can cause widespread damage.
• Words-group by words-group analysis
  • Even so the tongue is a little member: Establishes the core paradox. Despite its physical insignificance, it's capable of immense action, linking to the preceding metaphors of control (bit, rudder). This sets up the critical problem James addresses regarding speech.
  • and boasts great things: This indicates the problematic nature of the tongue when untamed. The "great things" can be understood in two ways: either the tongue claims great power (which it does indeed possess) or it is the source of boastful, arrogant words. Given the context of the subsequent verses (tongue as a fire, staining the whole body), it points to speech that is not just impactful but often overreaching and potentially destructive in its self-assertion or malicious intent.
  • Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindles!: This serves as a powerful, illustrative metaphor for the tongue's destructive potential. A minuscule spark can trigger a devastating conflagration, mirroring how a seemingly insignificant word or conversation can unleash chaos, division, and immense suffering, illustrating the immense consequences that can flow from unchecked speech.

James 3 5 Bonus section

The word megalaucheō (boasts great things) also appears in the Septuagint, notably in Psalm 12:3 and Daniel 11:36, where it often describes wicked or oppressive rulers and their arrogant, godless speech. This Old Testament background deepens the negative connotation, connecting the tongue's "boasting" to actions against God or His people, and the pride that often precedes a fall. The imagery of fire is prevalent in scripture, often symbolizing judgment (Isa 66:15-16), cleansing (Mal 3:2), or destructive force (Psa 21:9). Here, it distinctly represents destructive power initiated by something small, foreshadowing the explicit statement in James 3:6 that "the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity." The context within James, especially following the discourse on works and faith, subtly suggests that just as true faith is demonstrated by works, genuine spiritual maturity is revealed in the control of one's tongue, illustrating the inner disposition of the heart.

James 3 5 Commentary

James 3:5 acts as a pivotal warning, setting the stage for a profound discussion on the nature of speech. By describing the tongue as a "little member" that "boasts great things" and linking it to a "little fire" that "kindles a great matter," James brilliantly illustrates the disproportionate and dangerous power of words. The boasting aspect refers not necessarily to literal arrogance by the tongue, but to the reality of the immense capacity it holds – a power that, when misused, inevitably manifests as prideful, divisive, or destructive communication. The analogy of fire is particularly potent, resonating with a destructive force that consumes and leaves ruin, much like how a few thoughtless or malicious words can destroy relationships, reputations, and communities. It's a call to profound humility and awareness regarding our speech, recognizing that seemingly small utterances can initiate widespread devastation, much like a tiny ember igniting a forest fire, ultimately impacting the entire course of life. This verse serves as a crucial reminder that true faith involves discipline over every aspect of one's being, including the most common and often overlooked—the spoken word.