King James Version
What Does James 3:4 Mean?
“Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth .”
Context
2
For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3
Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4
Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth .
5
Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! a matter: or, wood
6
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. course: Gr. wheel
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(4) **The governor**—*i.e.*, the “helmsman,” from the Latin *gubernator.* The Venerable Bede, our earliest English translator, refers the ships here to an image of ourselves, and the winds to the impulses of our own minds, by which we are driven hither and thither.
St. James, remembering the storms of the Galilean lake, could well rejoice in a simile like this, although he himself may only have known the craft of an inland sea, and never have beheld “broad rivers and streams” wherein went “galley with oars and gallant ship” (Isaiah 33:21). And none knew better than the brother of the Lord who was the true
“Helm of the ships that keep
Pathway along the deep.”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of James. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
James 3:4 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to James 3:4
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge