‏ James 3:3

 If we put ( ε βαλλομεν ). Condition of the first class assumed as true.

 The horses' bridles ( των ιππων τους χαλινους ).  Hιππων (genitive plural of  ιππος, horse, old word, in N.T. only here except in the Apocalypse), put first because the first of the several illustrations of the power and the peril of the tongue. This is the only N.T. example of  χαλινος, old word for bridle (from  χαλαω to slacken, let down), except Re 14:20.

 That they may obey us ( εις το πειθεσθα αυτους ημιν ). Present middle infinitive of  πειθω with  εις το as a purpose clause with the dative  ημιν after  πειθεσθα and  αυτους the accusative of general reference.

 We turn about ( μεταγομεν ). Present active indicative of  μεταγω, late compound to change the direction ( μετα,  αγω ), to guide, in N.T. only here and verse 4. The body of the horse follows his mouth, guided by the bridle.

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