3:5a

In the same way: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as In the same way introduces the application of the ship illustration to the tongue. Some other ways to translate this word are:

Likewise (New International Version (2011 Revision))
-or-
So too (NET Bible)
-or-
So it is with (Good News Translation)

In some languages, it may be natural to make this word a separate sentence. For example:

It is the same with the tongue. (New Century Version)

the tongue: In some languages, it is difficult to say the tongue without saying whose tongue it is. In such cases, it may be better to say:

a person’s tongue
-or-
the tongue of people
-or-
our tongue(s)

In this passage, the tongue represents the words that a person says with his tongue. In some languages, “the lips” or “the mouth” represent the words that a person says.

a small part of the body: Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

is a very little part of our body
-or-
is very small

3:5b

but: There is a contrast between the tongue (a small part of the body) and the great boasts that it can make. Some versions do the same as the Berean Standard Bible and use the word but to indicate this contrast. It is also possible to show the contrast without a conjunction. For example:

So it is with the tongue: small as it is, it can boast about great things. (Good News Translation)

it boasts of great things: The phrase it boasts of great things here indicates that the person’s tongue boasts or brags about the great things that it has done.

Notice that this is a personification. The meaning is that people use their tongues to boast about the great things they have done. There are at least two ways to translate this phrase:

• Keep the personification. For example:

it can brag about doing important things (God’s Word)

• Translate the meaning. For example:

people use their tongue to boast about the great things that they have done.

Paragraph 3:5c–6

Many versions begin a new paragraph in the middle of 3:5.

This paragraph illustrates the power of the tongue by comparing it with a small fire.

3:5c

Consider: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as Consider is literally “behold!” or “look!” It is the same word as in 3:4a. This word introduces the next comparison and calls attention to it.

Some other ways to translate this word are:

Just think (Good News Translation)
-or-
Let us consider
-or-
Look

how small a spark sets a great forest ablaze: This sentence is more literally “Look how a small fire burns a great forest.”

James was probably referring to a small fire that a person may light in a wooded area. If he does not control the fire, it will set fire to a large area. This is something that can happen and does sometimes happen. James was not referring to any specific event.

a spark: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as how small a spark means “a small fire” (as in the Revised Standard Version).

sets a great forest ablaze: The Greek word that the Berean Standard Bible translates as sets…ablaze is an active verb meaning “kindle,” “cause to burn” or “ignite.” The small fire ignites or sets fire to the forest.

Translate this in the way that best emphasizes the contrast between the large size of the forest and the small size of the fire that starts burning it.

a great forest: The Greek phrase that the Berean Standard Bible translates as a great forest refers to a large area where there are lots of trees. Some other ways to translate this phrase are:

many trees
-or-
a large area full of trees
-or-
lots of brush/grass

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All Scripture quotations in this publication, unless otherwise indicated, are from The Holy Bible, Berean Standard Bible. BSB is produced in cooperation with Bible Hub, Discovery Bible, OpenBible.com, and the Berean Bible Translation Committee.