James 3:1

James 3:1 in other versions

• King James Version (KJV)My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.
• English Standard Version (ESV)Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness.
• New King James Version (NKJV)My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.
• New Living Translation (NLT)Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly.

Context of James 3:1

Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2We all stumble in many ways. Anyone who is never at fault in what they say is perfect, able to keep their whole body in check. 3When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal.

James 3:1 word by word

Μὴ πολλοὶ διδάσκαλοι γίνεσθε, ἀδελφοί μου, εἰδότες ὅτι μεῖζον κρίμα λημψόμεθα.Read the interlinear

Words taken from the KJV.

• Myἐγώegō · I/weG1473
• brethrenἀδελφόςadelphos · brotherG80
• beγίνομαιginomai · to beG1096
• notμήmē · notG3361
• manyπολύςpolus polos · muchG4183
• mastersδιδάσκαλοςdidaskalos · teacherG1320
• knowingεἴδωeidō · to perceive: understandG1492
• thatὅτιhoti · that/since: thatG3754
• we shall receiveλαμβάνωlambanō · to takeG2983
• the greaterμέγαςmegas · greatG3173
• condemnationκρίμαkrima · judgmentG2917

Cross-references for James 3:1

• Malachi 2:12As for the man who does this, whoever he may be, may the Lord remove him from the tents of Jacob—even though he brings an offering to the Lord Almighty.
• Matthew 9:11When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?”
• Matthew 10:24“The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master.
• Matthew 23:8“But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.
• John 3:10“You are Israel’s teacher,” said Jesus, “and do you not understand these things?
• Acts 13:1Now in the church at Antioch there were prophets and teachers: Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lucius of Cyrene, Manaen (who had been brought up with Herod the tetrarch) and Saul.
• Romans 2:20an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of little children, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—
• 1 Corinthians 12:28And God has placed in the church first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then miracles, then gifts of healing, of helping, of guidance, and of different kinds of tongues.
• Ephesians 4:11So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers,
• 1 Timothy 2:7And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles.
• 2 Timothy 1:11And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher.
• 1 Peter 5:3not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
• Leviticus 10:3Moses then said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord spoke of when he said: “ ‘Among those who approach me I will be proved holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored.’ ” Aaron remained silent.
• Ezekiel 3:17“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.
• Ezekiel 33:7“Son of man, I have made you a watchman for the people of Israel; so hear the word I speak and give them warning from me.
• Luke 6:37“Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.

Commentaries on James 3:1

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 1Be not many masters - Do not affect the teacher's office, for many wish to be teachers who have more need to learn. There were many teachers or rabbins among the Jews, each affecting to have The truth, and to draw disciples after him. We find a caution against such persons, and of the same nature with that of St. James, in Pirkey Aboth, c. i. 10: Love labor, and hate the rabbin's office. This caution is still necessary; there are multitudes, whom God has…Read the comment
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 1My brethren, be not many masters - “Be not many of you teachers.” The evil referred to is that where many desired to be teachers, though but few could be qualified for the office, and though, in fact, comparatively few were required. A small number, well qualified, would better discharge the duties of the office, and do more good, than many would; and there would be great evil in having many crowding themselves unqualified into the office. The word here…Read the comment
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 1Chapter Outline Cautions against proud behaviour, and the mischief of an unruly tongue. (1-12) The excellence of heavenly wisdom, in opposition to that which is worldly. (13-18) Verses 1-12 We are taught to dread an unruly tongue, as one of the greatest evils. The affairs of mankind are thrown into confusion by the tongues of men. Every age of the world, and every condition of life, private or public, affords examples of this. Hell has more to do in…Read the comment
• Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 1In the early church, becoming a teacher was one way to improve social status (1 Corinthians 12:28; Ephesians 4:11; 1 Timothy 5:17; compare Acts 5:34). This honor was especially valuable for Christians who were often treated poorly as outsiders in their society (James 2:6–7). However, James warns about rushing to become a teacher without understanding the responsibility. Teachers have great influence through their words. Their speech can either help build…Read the comment
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1-18True Wisdom Shown by Uncontentious Meekness. 1. be not--literally, "become not": taking the office too hastily, and of your own accord. many--The office is a noble one; but few are fit for it. Few govern the tongue well (Jas 3:2), and only such as can govern it are fit for the office; therefore, "teachers" ought not to be many. masters--rather, "teachers." The Jews were especially prone to this presumption. The idea that faith (so called) without works…Read the comment

Topics related to James 3:1

• Commandments
• Humility
• Minister, Christian
• Pride

In the dictionaries

• Course
• Governor
• Obey
• Offend
• Ought
• Tame
• Master
• Papyrus

Commentaries on James 3

• Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
• Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
• Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
• Tyndale Open Study Notes
• Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
• Calvin’s Commentaries
• John Wesley’s Notes
• Illustrated New Testament
• Burkitt’s Expository Notes
• Darby Translation Notes
• Family Bible Notes
• Geneva Bible Translation Notes
• Kingcomments
• Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
• Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
• The People’s New Testament
• Robertson’s Word Pictures
• Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
• Original Douay–Rheims Annotations
• Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
• EGW Writings