Devine Scripture

James 3:2

What does James 3:2 mean?

A plain-English look at James 3:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What James 3:2 means

All people stumble in many ways, James admits, but words are a chief area of failure. If someone does not stumble in speech, that person shows mature self-mastery—what James calls being a “perfect” (complete) man—because controlling the tongue implies a disciplined life overall. Speech reveals the heart and directs conduct; thus, mastery here signals broader control. This is not sinless perfection but spiritual maturity. James moves from the high bar for teachers to the universality of stumbling, building a case for vigilance in speech. If our words are kept in check, much else in our behavior will follow, since the same self-control that governs the tongue can guide the rest of the body.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For in many things we all stumble. If any stumbleth not in word, the same is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For in many things we all stumble. If any stumbleth not in word, the same is a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body also.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For we all go wrong in a number of things. If a man never makes a slip in his talk, then he is a complete man and able to keep all his body in control.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for we all make many stumbles; if any one in word doth not stumble, this one <FI>is<Fi> a perfect man, able to bridle also the whole body;

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For in many things we all offend. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man. He is able also with a bridle to lead about the whole body.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For we all often offend. If any one offend not in word, he [is] a perfect man, able to bridle the whole body too.

Context

Following the warning to teachers, James levels the field: everyone stumbles. This honest confession prevents pride and sets up the need for the analogies that follow. Verses 3–5a will illustrate how small controls can direct large bodies, preparing readers to see the tongue’s disproportionate influence. Verses 5b–6 will then sharpen the point by showing the tongue’s destructive potential. By framing maturity as connected to speech, James makes his later call to true wisdom (verses 13–18) concrete: wisdom will show up in controlled, peaceable words.

v.1Be not manyof youteachers, my brethren, knowing that we shall receive heavier judgment.

v.2This passage

v.3Now if we put the horses’ bridles into their mouths that they may obey us, we turn about their whole body also.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Galatians 5:17

    For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are contrary the one to the other; that ye may not do the things that ye would.

  • 2 Chronicles 6:36

    If they sin against thee (for there is no man that sinneth not), and thou be angry with them, and deliver them to the enemy, so that they carry them away captive unto a land far off or near;

  • Hebrews 13:21

    make you perfect in every good thing to do his will, working in us that which is well-pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be the glory for ever and ever. Amen.

  • Ecclesiastes 7:20

    Surely there is not a righteous man upon earth, that doeth good, and sinneth not.

  • 1 Corinthians 9:27

    but I buffet my body, and bring it into bondage: lest by any means, after that I have preached to others, I myself should be rejected.

  • Galatians 3:22

    But the scripture shut up all things under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.

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