James 3:1
My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
Original Language Analysis
Μὴ
not
G3361
Μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
1 of 11
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
πολλοὶ
many
G4183
πολλοὶ
many
Strong's:
G4183
Word #:
2 of 11
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
γίνεσθε
be
G1096
γίνεσθε
be
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
4 of 11
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
5 of 11
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
εἰδότες
knowing
G1492
εἰδότες
knowing
Strong's:
G1492
Word #:
7 of 11
used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent g3700 and g3708; properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by impl
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
8 of 11
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
μεῖζον
G3173
Cross References
1 Timothy 1:7Desiring to be teachers of the law; understanding neither what they say, nor whereof they affirm.1 Peter 5:3Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.1 Corinthians 12:28And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues.Matthew 23:13But woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye shut up the kingdom of heaven against men: for ye neither go in yourselves, neither suffer ye them that are entering to go in.1 Timothy 2:7Whereunto I am ordained a preacher, and an apostle, (I speak the truth in Christ, and lie not;) a teacher of the Gentiles in faith and verity.2 Corinthians 5:10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.Ephesians 4:11And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers;Leviticus 10:3Then Moses said unto Aaron, This is it that the LORD spake, saying, I will be sanctified in them that come nigh me, and before all the people I will be glorified. And Aaron held his peace.Hebrews 13:17Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.Matthew 10:24The disciple is not above his master, nor the servant above his lord.
Historical Context
In synagogue-style gatherings, many desired to teach, especially Jewish men trained in Torah. Some may have leveraged teaching for status. James, overseeing doctrine in Jerusalem, cautions against untested teachers, echoing Paul's requirements in 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1.
Persecution also made teachers targets; James ensures only the mature step into that role.",
Questions for Reflection
- Why do you desire or avoid teaching, and are your motives pure?
- How can you support teachers to maintain integrity of speech?
- What practices keep you mindful of stricter judgment for influencers?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. James warns: be not many teachers (didaskaloi, διδάσκαλοι), knowing we shall receive greater judgment (krima meizon, κρίμα μεῖζον). Teaching carries weight because words shape souls. The warning underscores accountability for speech.
Reformed churches value teaching offices, yet James tempers ambition with sobriety. The gospel sweetly invites ministry but warns against careless tongues in pulpits.