James 3:6

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis
#1
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#2
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#3
γλῶσσα
G1100
the tongue
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
#4
πῦρ·
G4442
is a fire
"fire" (literally or figuratively, specially, lightning)
#5
ὁ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#6
κόσμος
G2889
a world
orderly arrangement, i.e., decoration; by implication, the world (including its inhabitants, literally or figuratively (morally))
#7
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#8
ἀδικίας
G93
of iniquity
(legal) injustice (properly, the quality, by implication, the act); morally, wrongfulness (of character, life or act)
#9
οὕτως
G3779
so
in this way (referring to what precedes or follows)
#10
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#11
γλῶσσα
G1100
the tongue
the tongue; by implication, a language (specially, one naturally unacquired)
#12
καθίσταται
G2525
is
to place down (permanently), i.e., (figuratively) to designate, constitute, convoy
#13
ἐν
G1722
among
"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc
#14
τοῖς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#15
μέλεσιν
G3196
members
a limb or part of the body
#16
ἡμῶν
G2257
our
of (or from) us
#17
ἡ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#18
σπιλοῦσα
G4695
that it defileth
to stain or soil (literally or figuratively)
#19
ὅλον
G3650
the whole
"whole" or "all", i.e., complete (in extent, amount, time or degree), especially (neuter) as noun or adverb
#20
τὸ
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#21
σῶμα
G4983
body
the body (as a sound whole), used in a very wide application, literally or figuratively
#22
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#23
φλογιζομένη
G5394
it is set on fire
to cause a blaze, i.e., ignite (figuratively, to inflame with passion)
#24
τὸν
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#25
τροχὸν
G5164
the course
a wheel (as a runner), i.e., (figuratively) a circuit of physical effects
#26
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#27
γενέσεως
G1078
of nature
nativity; figuratively, nature
#28
καὶ
G2532
And
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
#29
φλογιζομένη
G5394
it is set on fire
to cause a blaze, i.e., ignite (figuratively, to inflame with passion)
#30
ὑπὸ
G5259
of
under, i.e., (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or means, through); (with the accusative case) of place (whither (
#31
τῆς
G3588
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
#32
γεέννης
G1067
hell
valley of (the son of) hinnom; ge-henna (or ge-hinnom), a valley of jerusalem, used (figuratively) as a name for the place (or state) of everlasting p

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to James. The concept of divine revelation reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The literary structure and word choice here contribute to biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness, advancing the author's theological argument. The original language emphasizes careful word choice that would have carried specific theological weight for the original audience, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

Historical Context

The historical context of the biblical period relevant to this book's composition provides crucial background for understanding this verse. The historical and cultural milieu of the biblical world informed the author's theological expression and the audience's understanding. The the cultural context of the biblical world would have shaped how the original audience understood divine revelation. Archaeological and historical evidence reveals Archaeological discoveries continue to illuminate the historical context of biblical texts.

Questions for Reflection

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