Jam 3:5 | RWP | e4.org | A little member ( μικρον μελος ). Μελος is old and common word for members of the human body ( , , etc.). Boasteth great things ( μεγαλα αυχε ). Present active indicative of αυχεω , old verb, here only in N.T. The best MSS. here separate μεγαλα from αυχεω , though μεγαλαυχεω does occur in Aeschylus, Plato, etc. Μεγαλα is in contrast with μικρον . How much--how small ( ηλικον--ηλικην ). The same relative form for two indirect questions together, "What-sized fire kindles what-sized forest?" For double interrogatives see . The verb αναπτε is present active indicative of αναπτω , to set fire to, to kindle ( , only other N.T. example except some MSS. in ). Hυλην is accusative case, object of αναπτε , and occurs here only in N.T., though old word for forest, wood. Forest fires were common in ancient times as now, and were usually caused by small sparks carelessly thrown.

‏ James 3:5

A little member ( μικρον μελος ). Μελος is old and common word for members of the human body (1Co 12:12, etc.; Ro 6:13, etc.).

Boasteth great things ( μεγαλα αυχε ). Present active indicative of αυχεω, old verb, here only in N.T. The best MSS. here separate μεγαλα from αυχεω, though μεγαλαυχεω does occur in Aeschylus, Plato, etc. Μεγαλα is in contrast with μικρον.

How much--how small ( ηλικον--ηλικην ). The same relative form for two indirect questions together, "What-sized fire kindles what-sized forest?" For double interrogatives see Mr 15:24. The verb αναπτε is present active indicative of αναπτω, to set fire to, to kindle (Lu 12:49, only other N.T. example except some MSS. in Ac 28:2). Hυλην is accusative case, object of αναπτε, and occurs here only in N.T., though old word for forest, wood. Forest fires were common in ancient times as now, and were usually caused by small sparks carelessly thrown.