Jam 3:13 | RWP | e4.org | Who ( Τις ). Rhetorical interrogative like . Common in Paul and characteristic of the diatribe. James here returns to the standpoint of verse about many teachers. Speech and wisdom are both liable to abuse ( , ; ). Wise and understanding ( σοφος κα επιστημων ). Σοφος is used for the practical teacher (verse ), επιστημων (old word from επισταμα , here only in N.T.) for an expert, a skilled and scientific person with a tone of superiority. In , ; , the two terms are practically synonyms. Let him shew ( δειξατω ). First aorist active imperative of δεικνυμ , old verb to show. As about faith in . Emphatic position of this verb. By his good life ( εκ της καλης αναστροφης ). For this literary Koine word from αναστρεφομα (walk, conduct) see . Actions speak louder than words even in the case of the professional wise man. Cf. . In meekness of wisdom ( εν πραυτητ σοφιας ). As in of the listener, so here of the teacher. Cf. ; and Zac 9:9 of King Messiah quoted in . Startling combination.

‏ James 3:13

Who ( Τις ). Rhetorical interrogative like Lu 11:11. Common in Paul and characteristic of the diatribe. James here returns to the standpoint of verse 1 about many teachers. Speech and wisdom are both liable to abuse (1Co 1:5, 17; 2:1-3:20).

Wise and understanding ( σοφος κα επιστημων ). Σοφος is used for the practical teacher (verse 1), επιστημων (old word from επισταμα, here only in N.T.) for an expert, a skilled and scientific person with a tone of superiority. In De 1:13, 15; 4:6, the two terms are practically synonyms.

Let him shew ( δειξατω ). First aorist active imperative of δεικνυμ, old verb to show. As about faith in 2:18. Emphatic position of this verb.

By his good life ( εκ της καλης αναστροφης ). For this literary Koine word from αναστρεφομα (walk, conduct) see Ga 1:13. Actions speak louder than words even in the case of the professional wise man. Cf. 1Pe 1:15.

In meekness of wisdom ( εν πραυτητ σοφιας ). As in 1:21 of the listener, so here of the teacher. Cf. Mt 5:5; 11:29 and Zac 9:9 of King Messiah quoted in Mt 21:5. Startling combination.