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Yacob/(James) C1 C2 C3 C4 C5

Yac 3 V1 V2 V3 V4 V5 V6 V7 V8 V9 V10 V11 V12 V14 V15 V16 V17 V18

OET interlinear YAC (JAM) 3:13

◄ ← YAC (JAM) 3:13 ↓ → ► ║ ©

SR Greek word order

    1. Greek word
    2. Greek lemma
    3. OET-LV words
    4. OET-RV words
    5. Strongs
    6. Role/Morphology
    7. OET Gloss
    8. VLT Gloss
    9. CAPS codes
    10. Confidence
    11. OET tags
    12. OET word #
    1. Τίς
    2. tis
    3. Who is
    4. -
    5. 51010
    6. R····NMS
    7. who ‹is›
    8. who ‹is›
    9. PS
    10. Y60; F147646
    11. 147633
    1. σοφός
    2. sofos
    3. wise
    4. -
    5. 46800
    6. S····NMS
    7. wise
    8. wise
    9. -
    10. Y60
    11. 147634
    1. καί
    2. kai
    3. and
    4. -
    5. 25320
    6. C·······
    7. and
    8. and
    9. -
    10. Y60
    11. 147635
    1. ἐπιστημῶν
    2. epistēmōn
    3. understanding
    4. understanding
    5. 19900
    6. S····NMS
    7. understanding
    8. understanding
    9. -
    10. Y60
    11. 147636
    1. ἐν
    2. en
    3. among
    4. -
    5. 17220
    6. P·······
    7. among
    8. among
    9. -
    10. Y60
    11. 147637
    1. ὑμῖν
    2. su
    3. you all
    4. you
    5. 47710
    6. R···2D·P
    7. you_all
    8. you_all
    9. -
    10. Y60; R147614
    11. 147638
    1. Δειξάτω
    2. deiknuō
    3. Him let show
    4. should
    5. 11660
    6. VMAA3··S
    7. ˱him˲ ˓let˒ show
    8. ˱him˲ ˓let˒ show
    9. S
    10. Y60
    11. 147639
    1. ἐκ
    2. ek
    3. out of
    4. -
    5. 15370
    6. P·······
    7. out_of
    8. out_of
    9. -
    10. Y60
    11. 147640
    1. τῆς
    2. ho
    3. his
    4. -
    5. 35880
    6. E····GFS
    7. his
    8. his
    9. -
    10. Y60
    11. 147641
    1. καλῆς
    2. kalos
    3. good
    4. good
    5. 25700
    6. A····GFS
    7. good
    8. good
    9. -
    10. Y60
    11. 147642
    1. ἀναστροφῆς
    2. anastrofē
    3. conduct
    4. -
    5. 3910
    6. N····GFS
    7. conduct
    8. conduct
    9. -
    10. Y60
    11. 147643
    1. τά
    2. ho
    3. the
    4. -
    5. 35880
    6. E····ANP
    7. the
    8. the
    9. -
    10. Y60
    11. 147644
    1. ἔργα
    2. ergon
    3. works
    4. -
    5. 20410
    6. N····ANP
    7. works
    8. works
    9. -
    10. Y60
    11. 147645
    1. αὐτοῦ
    2. autos
    3. of him
    4. -
    5. 8460
    6. R···3GMS
    7. ˱of˲ him
    8. ˱of˲ him
    9. -
    10. Y60; R147633
    11. 147646
    1. ἐν
    2. en
    3. in
    4. -
    5. 17220
    6. P·······
    7. in
    8. in
    9. -
    10. Y60
    11. 147647
    1. πραΰτητι
    2. prautēs
    3. +the gentleness
    4. -
    5. 42400
    6. N····DFS
    7. ˓the˒ gentleness
    8. ˓the˒ gentleness
    9. -
    10. Y60
    11. 147648
    1. σοφίας
    2. sofia
    3. of wisdom
    4. wisdom
    5. 46780
    6. N····GFS
    7. ˱of˲ wisdom
    8. ˱of˲ wisdom
    9. -
    10. Y60
    11. 147649

OET (OET-LV) Who is wise and understanding among you_all?
Him_let_show out_of his good conduct the works of_him in the_gentleness of_wisdom.

OET (OET-RV) Any of you that are wise and understanding should demonstrate their good deeds and wisdom by their godly living.

SIL Open Translator’s Notes:

Section 3:13–18: The wisdom of God is quite different from the wisdom of the devil

This section has three paragraphs. First, in 3:13 James introduced the topic of wisdom. Then he continued with two paragraphs. In each paragraph he discussed one type of wisdom. The first type he discussed (in 3:14–16) is the false wisdom that does not come from God. The second type he discussed (in 3:17–18) is the true wisdom that does come from God.

Some other possible headings for this section are:

True Wisdom Comes from God (NLT)

Two Kinds of Wisdom (NIV)

Paragraph 3:13

This verse introduces the topic of spiritual wisdom by challenging people who claim to be wise. James said that their claim must be tested.

See the General Comment on 3:13a–c at the end of 3:13c for ways to reorder this verse.

3:13a

Who is wise and understanding among you?

Who is wise and understanding among you?: This is a rhetorical question. James used this rhetorical question to focus on a specific group of people and to address them. He addressed those who thought that they were wise and understanding. For example:

Who among you thinks/says that he is wise and understanding?

Some ways to translate this rhetorical question are:

Translate this rhetorical question in a way that is natural in your language.

is wise and understanding: The two Greek words that the BSB translates as wise and understanding are a doublet. This means that these two words mean almost the same thing. In some languages, both words can be translated by one emphatic word or phrase. For example:

truly wise

is wise: The Greek word that the BSB translates as wise here describes a person who lives in a way that agrees with what God wants. Wisdom in the Bible is concerned with choosing between right and wrong actions.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

has wisdom

thinking is good

makes good/godly choices

understanding: The Greek word that the BSB translates as understanding here describes a person who knows what is right and what is wrong.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

has insight

is perceptive

3:13b

Let him show it by his good conduct,

Let him show it: The clause Let him show it is a command. The pronoun him refers to the person in 3:13a who is wise and understanding. The verb show here means “prove to everyone” or “demonstrate.” The pronoun it refers to the claim to be wise in 3:13a. So this clause means:

He must show/prove to others that he is wise and understanding

Another way to translate this clause is:

He must do what is wise and understanding, then people will know/see it in him.

Your translation of this clause must correspond with the way you translated “Who is…” in 3:13a. For example:

13aDo any of you have wisdom…? 13bShow this… (GW)

13aIf you are wise…, 13bprove it… (NLT)

13aAre there those among you who are truly wise…? 13bThen they should show it (NCV)

13aA person who thinks that he is wise 13bmust prove that he has wisdom.

by his good conduct: The phrase by his good conduct is the means by which a person shows that he is wise. The phrase good conduct refers to the person’s good behavior or good conduct.The KJV says “out of a good conversation.” When the KJV was translated, the word “conversation” meant “behavior.”

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

by his good life (NIV)

by living right (NCV)

with/through his good behavior

in his good works

3:13c

by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.

by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom: There are several ways to connect this phrase to the rest of the verse:

  1. Make it a more specific restatement of the phrase “by his good conduct” (in 3:13b). For example:

    13bYou are to prove it by your good life, 13cby your good deeds performed with humility and wisdom. (GNT)

  2. Make it the second clause that is parallel to “by his good conduct.” For example:

    13bThen show it by living right 13cand by being humble and wise in everything you do. (CEV)

  3. Make it the object of the verb “show.” For example:

    13bhe should show 13chis works done in the gentleness that wisdom brings. (NET)The NET accurately follows the Greek grammar here by translating “his works” as the object of the verb “show.” However, this solution makes it difficult to naturally connect the phrase “by his good conduct” (3:13b) to the rest of the sentence.

deeds done in…humility: The clause deeds done in…humility means “good deeds that are done with a humble attitude.” In other words, the deeds are done modestly and not proudly.It is not clear from the Greek text whether the phrase in the humility that comes from wisdom is to be connected to the word “show” or whether it is to be connected to the word “deeds.” In other words, does it mean that when the man shows the deeds he has done, he is to do it humbly, not proudly? Or does it mean that the deeds he has done must be deeds that are done humbly, not selfishly? The second interpretation makes better sense in the context and is accepted by BSB, GNT, NIV, and many commentators.

deeds: The Greek word that the BSB translates as deeds is more literally “works” (as in the RSV). This word refers to “good deeds.” It refers to good activities that people do out of love for God or for other people. This same word occurs in 2:14c.

the humility that comes from wisdom: The Greek phrase that the BSB translates as the humility that comes from wisdom is literally “the humility/meekness of wisdom.” This probably means the humility that comes from wisdom (as the BSB translates it). In other words, wisdom is the source from which humility comes.

Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

the gentleness that wisdom brings (NET)

humility. This humility comes from wisdom

When someone has humility that comes from wisdom, he has both humility and wisdom. So another way to translate this phrase is:

humility and wisdom (GNT)The Translator’s Handbook (page 122) and Exegetical Summary (page 136) both treat “humility and wisdom” (GNT) as a separate interpretation from “humility that comes from wisdom.” However it is not certain whether the GNT (and similar CEV) really interpret the meaning of the genitive differently or have simply chosen to translate it differently.

humility: The Greek word that the BSB translates as humility refers to a submissive and teachable attitude. This attitude is expressed by a person being gentle or mild rather than being harsh or ready to fight.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

meekness (ESV)

gentleness (NCV)

being mild

See the note on 1:21c “humbly” which translates the same phrase in Greek.

wisdom: The Greek word that the BSB translates as wisdom here refers to the ability to know and choose what is right. Use an expression that corresponds to the one you have chosen for “wise" in 3:13a.

General Comment on 3:13a–c

In some languages, it may be more natural to change the order of some of the clauses in 3:13a–c. For example:

13aYou who claim to be wise and to perceive things well 13bneed to prove it. In order to prove it, you should behave well. 13cThat is, you should do good without boasting about it. This is the attitude that wise people have.

13aSome of you think that you are wise and understand what is right and wrong. 13bSo then, behave well. 13cDo good deeds in a gentle/humble way. 13bThis will show/prove that you are wise, 13csince truly wise people are humble.

General Comment on 3:13c

In some languages, it may be necessary to divide this complex clause into several sentences. For example:

13c He must also show his wisdom by his good deeds. He does these good deeds with a humble attitude. This humility comes from wisdom.

13cHe must do good and not think he is great or important. That way he will show people that he is wise.

uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: figures-of-speech / rquestion

τίς σοφὸς καὶ ἐπιστήμων ἐν ὑμῖν? δειξάτω

(Some words not found in SR-GNT: Τίς σοφός καί ἐπιστημῶν ἐν ὑμῖν Δειξάτω ἐκ τῆς καλῆς ἀναστροφῆς τά ἔργα αὐτοῦ ἐν πραΰτητι σοφίας)

James is not looking for information. He is using the question form to express a condition. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this question by translating this as a conditional statement. Alternate translation: [If anyone is wise and understanding among you, let him show]

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / doublet

σοφὸς καὶ ἐπιστήμων

(Some words not found in SR-GNT: Τίς σοφός καί ἐπιστημῶν ἐν ὑμῖν Δειξάτω ἐκ τῆς καλῆς ἀναστροφῆς τά ἔργα αὐτοῦ ἐν πραΰτητι σοφίας)

The words wise and understanding mean similar things. James is using them together for emphasis. If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this connection by translating them with a single expression. Alternate translation: [truly wise]

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / abstractnouns

δειξάτω ἐκ τῆς καλῆς ἀναστροφῆς τὰ ἔργα αὐτοῦ ἐν πραΰτητι σοφίας

(Some words not found in SR-GNT: Τίς σοφός καί ἐπιστημῶν ἐν ὑμῖν Δειξάτω ἐκ τῆς καλῆς ἀναστροφῆς τά ἔργα αὐτοῦ ἐν πραΰτητι σοφίας)

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the abstract nouns works, conduct, humility, and wisdom by stating the ideas behind them with equivalent expressions. Alternate translation: [Let him show by conducting himself well, and by being humble as a wise person should be, that he does what God wants him to do]

Note 4 topic: figures-of-speech / possession

ἐν πραΰτητι σοφίας

among in ˓the˒_gentleness ˱of˲_wisdom

James is using the possessive form to describe humility that comes from wisdom. Alternate translation: [in the humility that comes from wisdom] or [with the humble attitude that comes from being wise]

OET-LV English word order (‘Reverse’ interlinear)

    1. OET-LV words
    2. OET-RV words
    3. Strongs
    4. Greek word
    5. Greek lemma
    6. Role/Morphology
    7. OET Gloss
    8. VLT Gloss
    9. CAPS codes
    10. Confidence
    11. OET tags
    12. OET word #
    1. Who is
    2. -
    3. 51010
    4. PS
    5. tis
    6. R-····NMS
    7. who ‹is›
    8. who ‹is›
    9. PS
    10. Y60; F147646
    11. 147633
    1. wise
    2. -
    3. 46800
    5. sofos
    6. S-····NMS
    7. wise
    8. wise
    9. -
    10. Y60
    11. 147634
    1. and
    2. -
    3. 25320
    5. kai
    6. C-·······
    7. and
    8. and
    9. -
    10. Y60
    11. 147635
    1. understanding
    2. understanding
    3. 19900
    5. epistēmōn
    6. S-····NMS
    7. understanding
    8. understanding
    9. -
    10. Y60
    11. 147636
    1. among
    2. -
    3. 17220
    5. en
    6. P-·······
    7. among
    8. among
    9. -
    10. Y60
    11. 147637
    1. you all
    2. you
    3. 47710
    5. su
    6. R-···2D·P
    7. you_all
    8. you_all
    9. -
    10. Y60; R147614
    11. 147638
    1. Him let show
    2. should
    3. 11660
    4. S
    5. deiknuō
    6. V-MAA3··S
    7. ˱him˲ ˓let˒ show
    8. ˱him˲ ˓let˒ show
    9. S
    10. Y60
    11. 147639
    1. out of
    2. -
    3. 15370
    5. ek
    6. P-·······
    7. out_of
    8. out_of
    9. -
    10. Y60
    11. 147640
    1. his
    2. -
    3. 35880
    5. ho
    6. E-····GFS
    7. his
    8. his
    9. -
    10. Y60
    11. 147641
    1. good
    2. good
    3. 25700
    5. kalos
    6. A-····GFS
    7. good
    8. good
    9. -
    10. Y60
    11. 147642
    1. conduct
    2. -
    3. 3910
    5. anastrofē
    6. N-····GFS
    7. conduct
    8. conduct
    9. -
    10. Y60
    11. 147643
    1. the
    2. -
    3. 35880
    5. ho
    6. E-····ANP
    7. the
    8. the
    9. -
    10. Y60
    11. 147644
    1. works
    2. -
    3. 20410
    5. ergon
    6. N-····ANP
    7. works
    8. works
    9. -
    10. Y60
    11. 147645
    1. of him
    2. -
    3. 8460
    5. autos
    6. R-···3GMS
    7. ˱of˲ him
    8. ˱of˲ him
    9. -
    10. Y60; R147633
    11. 147646
    1. in
    2. -
    3. 17220
    5. en
    6. P-·······
    7. in
    8. in
    9. -
    10. Y60
    11. 147647
    1. +the gentleness
    2. -
    3. 42400
    5. prautēs
    6. N-····DFS
    7. ˓the˒ gentleness
    8. ˓the˒ gentleness
    9. -
    10. Y60
    11. 147648
    1. of wisdom
    2. wisdom
    3. 46780
    5. sofia
    6. N-····GFS
    7. ˱of˲ wisdom
    8. ˱of˲ wisdom
    9. -
    10. Y60
    11. 147649

OET (OET-LV) Who is wise and understanding among you_all?
Him_let_show out_of his good conduct the works of_him in the_gentleness of_wisdom.

OET (OET-RV) Any of you that are wise and understanding should demonstrate their good deeds and wisdom by their godly living.

Note: The OET-RV is still only a first draft, and so far only a few words have been (mostly automatically) matched to the Hebrew or Greek words that they’re translated from.

Acknowledgements: The SR Greek text, lemmas, morphology, and VLT gloss are all thanks to the CNTR.

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◄ ← YAC (JAM) 3:13 ↑ → ► ║ ©