James 3:2

Authorized King James Version

PDF

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.

Original Language Analysis

πολλὰ in many things G4183
πολλὰ in many things
Strong's: G4183
Word #: 1 of 19
(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely
γὰρ For G1063
γὰρ For
Strong's: G1063
Word #: 2 of 19
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
πταίει offend G4417
πταίει offend
Strong's: G4417
Word #: 3 of 19
to trip, i.e., (figuratively) to err, sin, fail (of salvation)
ἅπαντες all G537
ἅπαντες all
Strong's: G537
Word #: 4 of 19
absolutely all or (singular) every one
εἴ G1487
εἴ
Strong's: G1487
Word #: 5 of 19
if, whether, that, etc
τις G5100
τις
Strong's: G5100
Word #: 6 of 19
some or any person or object
ἐν in G1722
ἐν in
Strong's: G1722
Word #: 7 of 19
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
λόγῳ word G3056
λόγῳ word
Strong's: G3056
Word #: 8 of 19
something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse), also reasoning (the mental faculty) or motive; by extension, a
οὐ not G3756
οὐ not
Strong's: G3756
Word #: 9 of 19
the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not
πταίει offend G4417
πταίει offend
Strong's: G4417
Word #: 10 of 19
to trip, i.e., (figuratively) to err, sin, fail (of salvation)
οὗτος the same G3778
οὗτος the same
Strong's: G3778
Word #: 11 of 19
the he (she or it), i.e., this or that (often with article repeated)
τέλειος is a perfect G5046
τέλειος is a perfect
Strong's: G5046
Word #: 12 of 19
complete (in various applications of labor, growth, mental and moral character, etc.); neuter (as noun, with g3588) completeness
ἀνήρ man G435
ἀνήρ man
Strong's: G435
Word #: 13 of 19
a man (properly as an individual male)
δυνατὸς and able G1415
δυνατὸς and able
Strong's: G1415
Word #: 14 of 19
powerful or capable (literally or figuratively); neuter possible
χαλιναγωγῆσαι to bridle G5468
χαλιναγωγῆσαι to bridle
Strong's: G5468
Word #: 15 of 19
to be a bit-leader, i.e., to curb (figuratively)
καὶ also G2532
καὶ also
Strong's: G2532
Word #: 16 of 19
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὅλον the whole G3650
ὅλον the whole
Strong's: G3650
Word #: 17 of 19
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
τὸ G3588
τὸ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 18 of 19
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
σῶμα body G4983
σῶμα body
Strong's: G4983
Word #: 19 of 19
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively

Analysis & Commentary

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. We all stumble (ptaio, πταίω) in many ways. If someone does not stumble in word, he is perfect (teleios, τέλειος), able to bridle the whole body. Speech control indicates mature self-mastery because the tongue directs life.

Reformed sanctification views speech as barometer of heart health. James ties tongue-control to holistic holiness, linking this section to earlier admonitions.

Historical Context

Church conflicts, doctrinal disputes, and persecution-related anxieties made speech volatile. James pastoral experience taught him that bridging divides began with speech discipline. Paul's exhortation in Ephesians 4:29 similarly calls for edifying words.",

Questions for Reflection

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.

Topics