James 3:1

Translations

Modern

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.

Traditional

My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

Literal

Let not many become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive greater judgment.

Latin

Nolite plures magistri fieri fratres mei, scientes quoniam majus judicium sumitis.

Original

Greek

English

Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.

Notes

James 3:1

In 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 up the church community or cause serious harm to it. This shows the power of human speech, which is a major theme in James's letter.

Theme notes and profiles

James, Brother of Jesus Faith and Good Deeds God's Rule and Power Over All Nations Speaking

Related verses

1 Timothy 1:7
They want to be teachers of the law, but they do not understand what they are saying or that which they so confidently assert.
Luke 12:47–48
That servant who knows his master’s will but does not get ready or follow his instructions will be beaten with many blows.
1 Peter 5:3
…not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock.
1 Corinthians 12:28
And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third teachers, then workers of miracles, and those with gifts of healing, helping, administration, and various tongues.
Matthew 23:13
Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You shut the kingdom of heaven in men’s faces. You yourselves do not enter, nor will you let in those who wish to enter.
Matthew 23:8–10
But you are not to be called ‘Rabbi,’ for you have one Teacher, and you are all brothers.
2 Corinthians 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad.
Romans 2:20–21
…an instructor of the foolish, a teacher of infants, because you have in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth—
1 Corinthians 11:29–32
For anyone who eats and drinks without recognizing the body eats and drinks judgment on himself.
Ezekiel 33:7–9
As for you, O son of man, I have made you a watchman for the house of Israel; so hear the word from My mouth and give them the warning from Me.
Ephesians 4:11
And it was He who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,
1 Timothy 2:7
For this reason I was appointed as a preacher, an apostle, and a faithful and true teacher of the Gentiles. I am telling the truth; I am not lying about anything.

James 3:1

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