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.
• New International Version (NIV)Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.
• 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.

Context of James 3:1

Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2Indeed, we all make many mistakes. For if we could control our tongues, we would be perfect and could also control ourselves in every other way. 3We can make a large horse go wherever we want by means of a small bit in its mouth.

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 2:12May the Lord cut off from the nation of Israel every last man who has done this and yet brings an offering to the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
• Matthew 9:11But when the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with such scum?”
• Matthew 10:24“Students are not greater than their teacher, and slaves are not greater than their master.
• Matthew 23:8“Don’t let anyone call you ‘Rabbi,’ for you have only one teacher, and all of you are equal as brothers and sisters.
• John 3:10Jesus replied, “You are a respected Jewish teacher, and yet you don’t understand these things?
• Acts 13:1Among the prophets and teachers of the church at Antioch of Syria were Barnabas, Simeon (called “the black man”), Lucius (from Cyrene), Manaen (the childhood companion of King Herod Antipas), and Saul.
• Romans 2:20You think you can instruct the ignorant and teach children the ways of God. For you are certain that God’s law gives you complete knowledge and truth.
• 1 Corinthians 12:28Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages.
• Ephesians 4:11Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers.
• 1 Timothy 2:7And I have been chosen as a preacher and apostle to teach the Gentiles this message about faith and truth. I’m not exaggerating—just telling the truth.
• 2 Timothy 1:11And God chose me to be a preacher, an apostle, and a teacher of this Good News.
• 1 Peter 5:3Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example.
• Leviticus 10:3Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord meant when he said, ‘I will display my holiness through those who come near me. I will display my glory before all the people.’” And Aaron was silent.
• Ezekiel 3:17“Son of man, I have appointed you as a watchman for Israel. Whenever you receive a message from me, warn people immediately.
• Ezekiel 33:7“Now, son of man, I am making you a watchman for the people of Israel. Therefore, listen to what I say and warn them for me.
• Luke 6:37“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, 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