Jam 3:1 | RWP | e4.org | Be not many teachers ( μη πολλο διδασκαλο γινεσθε ). Prohibition with μη and present middle imperative of γινομα . "Stop becoming many teachers" (so many of you). There is thus a clear complaint that too many of the Jewish Christians were attempting to teach what they did not clearly comprehend. There was a call for wise teachers (verses .), not for foolish ones. This soon became an acute question, as one can see in I Cor. 12 to 14. They were not all teachers ( .; ). The teacher is here treated as the wise man ( ) as he ought to be. The rabbi was the teacher ( .; ; ; ). Teachers occupied an honourable position among the Christians ( ; ). James counts himself a teacher (we shall receive, ) and this discussion is linked on with . Teachers are necessary, but incompetent and unworthy ones do much harm. Heavier judgment ( μειζον κριμα ). "Greater sentence." See ; for περρισοτερον κριμα (the sentence from the judge, ). The reason is obvious. The pretence of knowledge adds to the teacher's responsibility and condemnation.

‏ James 3:1

Be not many teachers ( μη πολλο διδασκαλο γινεσθε ). Prohibition with μη and present middle imperative of γινομα. "Stop becoming many teachers" (so many of you). There is thus a clear complaint that too many of the Jewish Christians were attempting to teach what they did not clearly comprehend. There was a call for wise teachers (verses 13f.), not for foolish ones. This soon became an acute question, as one can see in I Cor. 12 to 14. They were not all teachers (1Co 12:28f.; 14:26). The teacher is here treated as the wise man (3:13-18) as he ought to be. The rabbi was the teacher (Mt 23:7f.; Joh 1:38; 3:10; 20:16). Teachers occupied an honourable position among the Christians (Eph 4:11; Ac 13:1). James counts himself a teacher (we shall receive, 3:1) and this discussion is linked on with 1:19-27. Teachers are necessary, but incompetent and unworthy ones do much harm.

Heavier judgment ( μειζον κριμα ). "Greater sentence." See Mr 12:40; Lu 20:47 for περρισοτερον κριμα (the sentence from the judge, Ro 13:2). The reason is obvious. The pretence of knowledge adds to the teacher's responsibility and condemnation.