YAC 3:6 Interlinear View

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. Καί
2. kai
3. And
4. but
5. 25320
6. C·······
7. and
8. and
9. S
10. Y60
11. 147491
1. ἡ
2. ho
3. the
4. -
5. 35880
6. E····NFS
7. the
8. the
9. -
10. Y60
11. 147492
1. γλῶσσα
2. glōssa
3. tongue is
4. -
5. 11000
6. N····NFS
7. tongue ‹is›
8. tongue ‹is›
9. -
10. Y60
11. 147493
1. πῦρ
2. pur
3. +a fire
4. -
5. 44420
6. N····NNS
7. ˓a˒ fire
8. ˓a˒ fire
9. -
10. Y60
11. 147494
1. ὁ
2. ho
3. the
4. -
5. 35880
6. E····NMS
7. the
8. the
9. -
10. Y60
11. 147495
1. κόσμος
2. kosmos
3. world
4. worlds
5. 28890
6. N····NMS
7. world
8. world
9. -
10. Y60
11. 147496
1. τῆς
2. ho
3. the
4. -
5. 35880
6. E····GFS
7. ¬the
8. ¬the
9. -
10. Y60
11. 147497
1. ἀδικίας
2. adikia
3. of unrighteousness
4. -
5. 930
6. N····GFS
7. ˱of˲ unrighteousness
8. ˱of˲ unrighteousness
9. -
10. Y60
11. 147498
1. οὕτως
2. houtōs
3. -
4. -
5. 37790
6. D·······
7. thus
8. thus
9. -
10. -
11. 147499
1. ἡ
2. ho
3. the
4. -
5. 35880
6. E····NFS
7. the
8. the
9. -
10. Y60
11. 147500
1. γλῶσσα
2. glōssa
3. tongue
4. -
5. 11000
6. N····NFS
7. tongue
8. tongue
9. -
10. Y60; F147510; F147515; F147522
11. 147501
1. καθίσταται
2. kathistēmi
3. is being set down
4. -
5. 25250
6. VIPP3··S
7. ˓is_being˒ set_down
8. ˓is_being˒ set_down
9. -
10. Y60
11. 147502
1. καθίσται
2. kathistaō
3. -
4. -
5. 25250
6. VIPA3··S
7. ˓is˒ setting_down
8. ˓is˒ setting_down
9. -
10. -
11. 147503
1. ἐν
2. en
3. among
4. -
5. 17220
6. P·······
7. among
8. among
9. -
10. Y60
11. 147504
1. τοῖς
2. ho
3. the
4. -
5. 35880
6. E····DNP
7. the
8. the
9. -
10. Y60
11. 147505
1. μέλεσιν
2. melos
3. members
4. -
5. 31960
6. N····DNP
7. members
8. members
9. -
10. Y60
11. 147506
1. ἡμῶν
2. egō
3. of us
4. -
5. 14730
6. R···1G·P
7. ˱of˲ us
8. ˱of˲ us
9. -
10. Y60; R146458; R147391; R147389
11. 147507
1. καί
2. kai
3. -
4. -
5. 25320
6. C·······
7. and
8. and
9. -
10. -
11. 147508
1. ἡ
2. ho
3. which
4. -
5. 35880
6. R····NFS
7. ¬which
8. ¬which
9. -
10. Y60
11. 147509
1. σπιλοῦσα
2. spiloō
3. staining
4. staining
5. 46950
6. VPPA·NFS
7. staining
8. staining
9. -
10. Y60; R147501
11. 147510
1. ὅλον
2. holos
3. all
4. -
5. 36500
6. E····ANS
7. all
8. all
9. -
10. Y60
11. 147511
1. τό
2. ho
3. the
4. -
5. 35880
6. E····ANS
7. the
8. the
9. -
10. Y60
11. 147512
1. σῶμα
2. sōma
3. body
4. body
5. 49830
6. N····ANS
7. body
8. body
9. -
10. Y60
11. 147513
1. καί
2. kai
3. and
4. -
5. 25320
6. C·······
7. and
8. and
9. -
10. Y60
11. 147514
1. φλογίζουσα
2. flogizō
3. setting on fire
4. setting
5. 53940
6. VPPA·NFS
7. setting_on_fire
8. setting_on_fire
9. -
10. Y60; R147501
11. 147515
1. τόν
2. ho
3. the
4. -
5. 35880
6. E····AMS
7. the
8. the
9. -
10. Y60
11. 147516
1. τροχόν
2. troχos
3. course
4. -
5. 51640
6. N····AMS
7. course
8. course
9. -
10. Y60
11. 147517
1. τῆς
2. ho
3. the
4. -
5. 35880
6. E····GFS
7. ¬the
8. ¬the
9. -
10. Y60
11. 147518
1. γενέσεως
2. genesis
3. of existence
4. -
5. 10780
6. N····GFS
7. ˱of˲ existence
8. ˱of˲ existence
9. -
10. Y60
11. 147519
1. ἡμῶν
2. egō
3. -
4. -
5. 14730
6. R···1G·P
7. ˱of˲ us
8. ˱of˲ us
9. -
10. -
11. 147520
1. καί
2. kai
3. and
4. -
5. 25320
6. C·······
7. and
8. and
9. -
10. Y60
11. 147521
1. φλογιζομένη
2. flogizō
3. being set on fire
4. -
5. 53940
6. VPPP·NFS
7. ˓being˒ set_on_fire
8. ˓being˒ set_on_fire
9. -
10. Y60; R147501
11. 147522
1. ὑπό
2. hupo
3. by
4. -
5. 52590
6. P·······
7. by
8. by
9. -
10. Y60
11. 147523
1. τῆς
2. ho
3. the
4. -
5. 35880
6. E····GFS
7. ¬the
8. ¬the
9. -
10. Y60
11. 147524
1. Γεέννης
2. geenna
3. geenna
4. -
5. 10670
6. N····GFS
7. geenna
8. Gehenna
9. U
10. Y60
11. 147525

SIL Open Translator’s Notes:

Section 3:1–12: Believers must be careful what they say

In this section, James warned believers to be careful with their speech. When believers do not control what they say, it can have a devastating, evil impact. This was an especially serious danger for those who taught others in the church. James reinforced his warning with a series of comparisons or illustrations to show how important it is that Christians control their speech.

Introduction

3:1–2a: Becoming a teacher in the church is a serious thing to do

The tongue is compared to small things which have large effects

3:2b–3	A small bit can turn a horse
3:4–5c	A small rudder can turn a sailing ship
3:5d–6	A small fire can destroy much
3:7–8	Animals can be tamed but not our tongues

Each of us should be consistent in using our tongue for good

3:9–10	The tongue should not be used for both blessing and cursing
3:11	Springs produce one kind of water
3:12	Trees produce one kind of fruit

Some other possible headings for this section are:

We must control our speechTranslator’s Handbook on James, page 100.

Controlling the things we say (NCV)

Paragraph 3:5c–6

Many versions begin a new paragraph in the middle of 3:5.

This paragraph illustrates the power of the tongue by comparing it with a small fire.

3:6

In 3:6, James applied the illustration of 3:5c–d to the tongue. Like a fire, the tongue can be destructive.

In this verse, James made a general statement that applies to everyone. Some languages make general statements in other ways. For example:

A person’s tongue

Your tongues

Our tongues

3:6a

The tongue also is a fire,

A person’s tongue is like a fire.
Similarly, the words that we^(incl) say with our tongues/mouths are as dangerous/harmful as a fire.
A fire destroys things, and the mouth is also like that.

The tongue also is a fire: The clause The tongue also is a fire is a metaphor. In this metaphor, the tongue is compared to a fire. Some ways that they are similar are that both can destroy things and cannot be controlled.

In some languages, a literal translation of this metaphor may be difficult to understand. Some other ways to translate it are:

Change the metaphor to a simile. For example:
the tongue is like a fire (GNT)
Change the metaphor to a simile and make explicit the way that they are similar. For example:
the tongue can destroy like a fire
the words that the tongue says are like a fire because they can destroy
The words that we say with our tongue/mouth can cause much harm just like a fire can cause much harm

also: The word also indicates that, in addition to ordinary fires, there is another thing that has characteristics similar to a fire. It is the tongue.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

too

as well

similarly

3:6b

a world of wickedness among the parts of the body.

It is the part of the body that is very evil.
Among the parts of the body, the tongue/mouth has great, evil power.

Some versions begin a new sentence here. For example:

It is a world… (GNT)

a world of wickedness: The phrase that the BSB translates as a world of wickedness means that the tongue can do much evil.Differences of interpretation regarding the meaning of “world of evil” are reflected in English versions and discussed at length in commentaries. The two main views are:(1) “world” is used in the common biblical sense of the evil world-system that includes all that opposes God and his ways, and(2) “world” is used as sort of a metaphor for something huge that contains all sorts of things.According to interpretation (1), James was saying that the tongue is the part of our body that has the greatest tendency to serve the evil world-system that is opposed to God. According to interpretation (2), James was highlighting the tongue’s great capacity for all sorts of evil. The majority of English versions (which translate in a way similar to “the tongue … is a world of evil”) will be understood to follow interpretation (2). The majority of commentators (including Davids, page 142; Johnson, page 259; Laws, pages 149–150; Moo (2000), page 157; McCartney, page 187; Mitton, pages 126–127; Mayor, pages 114–115, Martin, page 114; SSA, pages 96–97; Translator’s Handbook, page 109) favor interpretation (1). They argue that this sense of “world” is common to the Bible and particularly to James, while the meaning of “world” according to interpretation (2) is extremely rare. The definite article “the” preceding “world,” they say, also supports understanding “world” in its common and specific sense as the evil world system.In the notes, we have chosen not to present this as an interpretation issue for the following reasons:a) the difference between the two interpretations is slight when one considers the meaning of the metaphor: the tongue has great capacity for evil.b) Many languages do not use the word “world” in a figurative sense to mean what is suggested for either interpretation (1) or (2). So giving translation models for each that do not use the word “world” is quite difficult.c) The idea that the tongue “represents” the evil world (as some would translate interpretation (1), see REB, for example) and the idea that the tongue is a huge sphere/realm where evil takes place are both quite abstract. We preferred to present a more concrete and simple model for translation. Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

it is very, very evil

It is an evil power (CEV)

it is against God

among the parts of the body: James was comparing the tongue with the other parts of the body, like the nose, fingers, and legs. He said that it was the tongue that was causing the trouble.

Some languages do not have a general word or expression for “part of the body.” Another way to translate this word is:

in our bodies

3:6c

It pollutes the whole person,

It contaminates/dirties a person’s whole body/being.
The tongue/mouth can spread evil throughout our^(incl) entire soul/heart.

It pollutes: The Greek word that the BSB translates as pollutes literally means “stains.” Here it is used in a figurative sense to refer to the tongue’s negative, evil effects on a person’s inner character.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

it corrupts (NIV)

it completely contaminates (GW)

It stains (NRSV)

It can poison (JBP)

and spreading evil (GNT)

it makes dirty

A related Greek word that the BSB translates as “polluted” occurs in 1:27c.

the whole person: The Greek phrase that the BSB translates as the whole person is literally “all the body.” In this context, it is referring to the inner, moral being of the person, including his thoughts and emotions.

Some other ways to translate this are:

the whole body

all the parts of your being

the whole inner being

3:6d

sets the course of his life on fire,

It causes his whole life to burn up
It can destroy our^(incl) whole life.

sets the course of his life on fire: This clause is another description of the destructive power of the tongue. Here, James again used the metaphor of fire.

There are two main ways to interpret this clause:

It refers to a person’s entire existence from birth to death. According to this interpretation, the evils of a person’s tongue have a destructive effect on every part of his life.Huther, page 157; Mayor, page 113; Mitton, page 128; Hiebert, pages 217–218; Laws, page 150; Davids (1982), page 143; Moo (1985), page 125; Martin, page 115. For example, the CEV says:
sets a person’s entire life on fire (BSB, NIV, GNT, NET, REB, NASB, NLT, CEV, NCV, GW, ESV)
It refers to the events of nature, for example, from one season to the next. According to this interpretation, the evils of a person’s tongue have a destructive effect on the whole created world.Alford, page 306; Ropes, page 235. For example, the RSV says:
the cycle of nature (KJV, RSV, NJB)

From the general context of James’ letter, it seems that he is concerned with relationships between human beings, not the rest of the created world. This is the view of the majority of commentators. Therefore it is recommended that you follow interpretation (1).

There are at least two ways to translate this clause:

Keep the metaphor. For example:
sets a person’s entire life on fire (CEV)
burns every aspect of his life
turns his whole life to ashes
Translate the meaning without keeping the figure of speech. For example:
ruins the whole life of a person
is able to destroy his entire life

3:6e

and is itself set on fire by hell.

with fire that comes from hell.
It is like the fire of hell is in/on it.
Hell has given it this power.

and is itself set on fire by hell: The pronoun itself refers to the tongue. The tongue gets its fire from hell. Hell is the source of the tongue’s destructive fire/power. This implies that hell has given to the tongue the power to ruin lives.

This clause does not mean that the tongue itself is burned or destroyed.

Some other ways to translate this clause are:

and it is as if the fire of hell is in it

with flames that come from hell itself (CEV)

and it gets its power to destroy from hell itself

by hell: The Greek word that the BSB translates as hell refers to the place where Satan, his demons, and ungodly people will be punished after the final Day of Judgment.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

eternal fire

the place of unending fire

Satan

uW Translation Notes:

Note 1 topic: figures-of-speech / metonymy

καὶ ἡ γλῶσσα πῦρ

(Some words not found in SR-GNT: Καί ἡ γλῶσσα πῦρ ὁ κόσμος τῆς ἀδικίας ἡ γλῶσσα καθίσταται ἐν τοῖς μέλεσιν ἡμῶν ἡ σπιλοῦσα ὅλον τό σῶμα καί φλογίζουσα τόν τροχόν τῆς γενέσεως καί φλογιζομένη ὑπό τῆς Γεέννης)

James is using the tongue to represent what people say, by association with the way the tongue is used for speech. Alternate translation: [What we say is also a fire]

Note 2 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

καὶ ἡ γλῶσσα πῦρ

James is using fire as an analogy for the destructive effects of what people say. Alternate translation: [What we say can also be very destructive]

Note 3 topic: figures-of-speech / idiom

ὁ κόσμος τῆς ἀδικίας

the world ¬the ˱of˲_unrighteousness

This is an idiom. The sense is that all the unrighteousness in the world could be expressed in what someone said. Alternate translation: [a vast source of unrighteousness]

Note 4 topic: figures-of-speech / abstractnouns

τῆς ἀδικίας

¬the ˱of˲_unrighteousness

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express the idea behind the abstract noun unrighteousness with an equivalent expression. In this context, the term refers to wrong things that people say. Alternate translation: [of sinful sayings]

Note 5 topic: figures-of-speech / activepassive

καθίσταται ἐν

˓is_being˒_set_down among

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this with an active verbal form. Alternate translation: [is in the middle of]

τοῖς μέλεσιν ἡμῶν

the members ˱of˲_us

Alternate translation: [the other parts of our body]

Note 6 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

σπιλοῦσα ὅλον τὸ σῶμα

staining all (Some words not found in SR-GNT: Καί ἡ γλῶσσα πῦρ ὁ κόσμος τῆς ἀδικίας ἡ γλῶσσα καθίσταται ἐν τοῖς μέλεσιν ἡμῶν ἡ σπιλοῦσα ὅλον τό σῶμα καί φλογίζουσα τόν τροχόν τῆς γενέσεως καί φλογιζομένη ὑπό τῆς Γεέννης)

James speaks of the effects of speech as if a person’s tongue were staining his body. Alternate translation: [making the whole body impure]

Note 7 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

σπιλοῦσα ὅλον τὸ σῶμα

James is using the body to represent the entire person, since he is saying in this verse that bad speech has morally corrupting effects. Alternate translation: [making the whole person morally corrupt]

Note 8 topic: figures-of-speech / idiom

φλογίζουσα τὸν τροχὸν τῆς γενέσεως

setting_on_fire (Some words not found in SR-GNT: Καί ἡ γλῶσσα πῦρ ὁ κόσμος τῆς ἀδικίας ἡ γλῶσσα καθίσταται ἐν τοῖς μέλεσιν ἡμῶν ἡ σπιλοῦσα ὅλον τό σῶμα καί φλογίζουσα τόν τροχόν τῆς γενέσεως καί φλογιζομένη ὑπό τῆς Γεέννης)

The course of existence is an idiom that could refer to: (1) a person’s entire life, from birth to death. Alternate translation: [setting a person’s entire life on fire] (2) succeeding generations. Alternate translation: [setting on fire one generation of people after another]

Note 9 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

φλογίζουσα τὸν τροχὸν τῆς γενέσεως

James is speaking of the destructive effects of bad speech as if they were setting a person’s life on fire. Alternate translation: [causing destruction throughout a person’s entire life]

Note 10 topic: figures-of-speech / activepassive

φλογιζομένη ὑπὸ τῆς Γεέννης

˓being˒_set_on_fire (Some words not found in SR-GNT: Καί ἡ γλῶσσα πῦρ ὁ κόσμος τῆς ἀδικίας ἡ γλῶσσα καθίσταται ἐν τοῖς μέλεσιν ἡμῶν ἡ σπιλοῦσα ὅλον τό σῶμα καί φλογίζουσα τόν τροχόν τῆς γενέσεως καί φλογιζομένη ὑπό τῆς Γεέννης)

If it would be helpful in your language, you could express this with an active verbal form. Alternate translation: [Gehenna sets it on fire]

Note 11 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

φλογιζομένη ὑπὸ τῆς Γεέννης

James continues to speak of the destructive effects of bad speech as if they were fire. Alternate translation: [its destructive effects come from Gehenna]

Note 12 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

τῆς Γεέννης

¬the ¬the ¬the Gehenna

James is using Gehenna, where refuse was thrown and fires burned continually, to mean hell. Alternate translation: [hell]

Note 13 topic: figures-of-speech / metaphor

τῆς Γεέννης

¬the ¬the ¬the Gehenna

Since hell, as a location, would not be able to influence people’s speech and conduct, James is likely using the name Gehenna to mean the devil by association. Alternate translation: [the devil]

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

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.

OET interlinear YAC (JAM) 3:6

SR Greek word order (including unused variant words in grey)

Section 3:1–12: Believers must be careful what they say

Paragraph 3:5c–6

3:6

3:6a

3:6b

3:6c

3:6d

3:6e

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