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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - James 3:2 - 3:2
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
In many things (polla). Accusative neuter plural either cognate with ptaiomen or accusative of general reference. On ptaiomen (stumble) see note on Jam 2:10. James includes himself in this list of stumblers.
If not (ei̇ou). Condition of first class with ou (not mē) negativing the verb ptaiei.
In word (en logōi). In speech. The teacher uses his tongue constantly and so is in particular peril on this score.
The same (houtos). “This one” (not ho autos the same).
A perfect man (teleios anēr). “A perfect husband” also, for anēr is husband as well as man in distinction from woman (gunē). The wife is at liberty to test her husband by this rule of the tongue.
To bridle the whole body also (chalinagōgēsai kai holon to sōma). See note on Jam 1:26 for this rare verb applied to the tongue (glōssan). Here the same metaphor is used and shown to apply to the whole body as horses are led by the mouth. The man follows his own mouth whether he controls the bridle therein (Jam 1:26) or someone else holds the reins. James apparently means that the man who bridles his tongue does not stumble in speech and is able also to control his whole body with all its passions. See Tit 1:11 about stopping people’s mouths (epistomizō).