Is the meaning, 'be not many teachers', or is it instead, 'become not great masters'?
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Many preachers have quoted James 3:1, and based different claims on it. Often, they
have twisted that verse in order to build or defend their religious hierarchies.
But, what was James talking about? In other words, what does James 3:1 mean? Is
the meaning, "be not many teachers", or is it instead, "become not great masters"?
This essay takes a closer look at that matter, from a biblical point of view. Also
the Greek text of the passage in question in James' letter will be considered, the
words mê polloi didaskaloi ginesthe adelphoi mou.
It will be shown that the context mentioned the matter of judging others. James was telling the people he wrote to, that they were not to condemn or judge others. They were not to be judgmental. Also, the act of condemning and judging others would lead to that one would be judged more strictly, oneself. And yes, there was more in the picture, other things.
The question is, was James saying, "be not many teachers", or was he perhaps saying, "become not great masters"?
First – here is the "traditional" translation:
James 3:1 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. (KJV-1769)
The Greek wording was (here, transcribed into the English alphabet):
mê polloi didaskaloi ginesthe adelphoi mou eidotes hoti meizon krima lêpsometha (BYZ)
Translated into English, in the same word order as in that Greek text:
not many masters become brothers mine having known that greater judgment we shall receive
Or, if we instead interpret the adjective polloi as "great":
not great masters become brothers mine having known that greater judgment we shall receive
A note: Whether the Greek word polus (polloi) in James 3:1 meant "much", "many" or "great", does not really change things this way or that. But, it can be noted that in old Greek, polus had even such meanings as (regarding size, degree and intensity) "much", "mighty", "strong", "great", and, (when used of persons), "great", "mighty", (of value or worth) "worth much" and "of great consequence". (See the "Greek-English Lexicon" or "Intermediate Greek-English Lexicon" by Liddell and Scott.)
Similarly, the Hebrew word rabbi meant something like "my great one", and came from rab which meant such things as "great", "many" and "much". And then, in James 3:1 we find also the word didaskaloi which was the plural form of the noun didaskalos which was used as a Greek translation of the Hebrew rabbi. (See the Greek text of John 1:38 and John 20:16.) This indicates that James' meaning may have been something like this:
Brothers! You must not become a bunch of "rabbis"!
Regarding masters, teachers, rabbis and related matters – consider what Jesus said to his disciples:
Matthew 23:8 "But do not be called Rabbi; for One is your Teacher, and you are all brothers. 9 "And do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. 10 "And do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. (NASB-77)
So yes, In James 3:1, the word polus may have been used in its meaning "great". Perhaps James was reminding those whom he wrote to, of the fact that they were to have only one Master and Teacher, Jesus, and that they all were brothers (equal). That is what Jesus had taught his disciples (see Matthew 23:8-10, quoted above).
But, in case James used polus (polloi) in the meaning "many" instead of "great", then one must remember how many Masters or Teachers Jesus' disciples (and obviously also the other saints) were to have, according to Jesus (see Matthew 23:8-10, as quoted above). In other words: The people James wrote to, were to have only one "Rabbi", "Teacher", "Doctor": Jesus.
The Latin noun doctor meant "a teacher"; doctrina meant "teaching".
The word rabbi (of Hebrew/Aramaic origin) meant something like "my great one" and was used of "religious teachers". Similarly, in our day, some preachers demand to be titled "Mister" which is a form of the word "master" which in its turn comes from the Latin word magister, from magnus, "great".
In other words: Literally, the English word "Mister" has the same meaning as "Rabbi". Jesus told his disciples that they were not to have any man as their "Rabbi" or "Master". (See Matthew 23:8-10 which helps one to understand James 3:1 also.) Indeed, the saints were to have only have one Rabbi, Master and Teacher: Jesus. This makes it clear that the translation "be not many masters" in James 3 must be erroneous, because that would demand that some men still would have been "masters".
The essay ea08b.htm has more on religious titles. The essay es08c.htm has more on the word and concept "doctrine".
James wrote:
James 3:1 [...] we will receive greater judgment. (ACV)
"Greater judgment"? Why? Considering the context: Was it wrong to help others to understand the things of the Lord? Was that why they would be judged harder? Obviously not. All saints were expected to help and guide other believers, as best they were able. Guiding others in the right ways is a good thing and will not lead to a greater judgment.
However, there is something that can bring a greater judgment on one. If one judges others (as to condemn), then one must be prepared to be judged (condemned), oneself. We read:
Luke 6:37 "Judge not, and you shall not be judged. Condemn not, and you shall not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. (NKJV, highlighting added)
Romans 2:1 Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. (NKJV, highlighting added)
Romans 14:4 Who are you to judge another's servant? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for God is able to make him stand. [...] 10 But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written: "As I live, says the LORD, Every knee shall bow to Me, And every tongue shall confess to God." 12 So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. (NKJV, highlighting added)
So, one must not be judgmental or judge others (as to condemn). Condemning others is not the thing to do, if one does not want to be condemned, oneself. And then, there is also the fact that if one judges others, by whatever criteria one has created or set up, but does not live up to those standards oneself, then that will not be a "plus" on one's account when the time of one's own judgment comes.
The Pharisees made a lot of rules for others, and judged others, but they did not live by their own rules and demands. The essay eo12c.htm has more on the Pharisees.
James wrote:
James 2:4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become judges with evil motives? (NASB-77, highlighting added)
A comment regarding the word "distinctions" in that translation: Obviously, some had made themselves judges over the others. It seems that James was trying to rectify that error.
More:
James 2:6 But you have dishonored the poor man. Is it not the rich who oppress you and personally drag you into court? [court = judgment] (NASB-77, comment added)
James 2:12 So speak and so act, as those who are to be judged by the law of liberty. 13 For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment. (NASB-77)
James 4:11 Do not speak against one another, brethren. He who speaks against a brother, or judges his brother, speaks against the law, and judges the law; but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge of it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor? (NASB-77)
James 5:9 Do not complain, brethren, against one another, that you yourselves may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing right at the door. (NASB-77)
These passages, and many others with them, show that those who judged others, would receive a harder judgment. Obviously, that must be what James referred to by his words which are recorded in James 3:1.
Also the apostle Paul said that the saints were not to judge others:
Romans 14:13 Therefore let us not judge one another anymore, but rather resolve this, not to put a stumbling block or a snare in our brother's way. (VW-2006)
"Judging others" means making oneself a "master" or a "judge" over them, making oneself an "authority" over others regarding what supposedly is right and wrong. The principle of not judging others applies even our day. Believers are not make themselves "judges" over others.
A note: This does not mean that one should not make any judgments. Of course, believers must make (hopefully wise) judgments, all the time. That is: Assessments, decisions, forming of opinions and views, followed by action of the kind that those assessments and decisions demand.
James wrote:
James 2:4 Is not that to make distinctions among yourselves, and show yourselves prejudiced judges? (20CNT)
A note: In the above-quoted NASB wording, the verb "become" is translated from the Greek word ginomai which appears in James 3:1 also.
"Evil motives" (NASB-77, as quoted above) – the Greek wording was dialogismôn ponêrôn. The LO and NASB-77 have:
James 2:4 are you not, then, partial among yourselves, and have become judges who reason wickedly? (LO)
James 2:4 have you not made distinctions among yourselves, and become [ginomai] judges with evil motives? (NASB-77, comment added)
Perhaps we should also consider the use of the adjective ponêrôs in Matthew 20:15, where KJV-1769 has "is your eye evil, because I am good" and NASB-95 "is your eye envious because I am generous".
Further:
James 4:12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the One who is able to save and to destroy; but who are you who judge your neighbor? (NASB-77)
Thus, regarding James 3:1 – those who made themselves "teachers" ("rabbis"), masters and "judges" over others, they would receive a greater judgment. By making themselves "judges" over others, they actually took a position which belonged to Jesus alone. Jesus has no "vicars" or proxies here on Earth.
Considering all things, it seems that James' meaning might have been something like this:
James 3:1 My brothers, do not become great "masters". [...] (Author's tr.)
Or, paraphrasing:
James 3:1 My brothers! You must not become a bunch of "rabbis"! [...] (Author's tr.)
(Many Jewish "rabbis" have made themselves judges over others, and formed an awful lot of rules and demands for others. That is wrong, just as is the manner of using the title rabbi because such a title belongs to Jesus alone.)
How the latter part of "verse 1" in "James 3" is to be understood, and how it eventually is related to the first part of that verse, is not fully clear. (A note: The verse- and chapter-division in the Bible are a work of men, and are often misleading.) What is clear is that those who judge others, may come under a greater, stricter judgment themselves. See James 4:12, Romans 2:1, Romans 14:4 and Romans 14:13. Especially Romans 14:10-13 ties in with James 3:1-2 in a very close way.
Preachers and churchmen have given themselves all kinds of titles, but the Bible specifically forbids the use of certain titles (and really, titles in general), in the religious connection. The essay ea08b.htm has more on that subject. Also, preachers talk about "ordination", but that concept occurs only in bible-translations created by churchmen and has no support in the Greek text of the New Testament. The essay ee02b.htm has more on this.
Then, many preachers have twisted certain words of Paul and claimed that Paul supposedly said that the saints were to follow men. That is not true. In the Greek text of the New Testament, that matter is clear: Paul did not call himself a "leader", and he did not tell people to "follow him as a leader". Instead, he told others to imitate a certain example that he and his companions had set. The essay em03c.htm shows what it really was that Paul told the saints to imitate.
Many other sayings of Paul have likewise been twisted by preachers. 1 Corinthians 1:10 is one such passage. The essay ea06c.htm has more on this.
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What does the word "righteous" really mean? What does the Bible say about righteousness? → eg08b.htm
Jesus warned his disciples about false prophets, teachers of falsehood, deceivers and deception. He said that many would be deceived. → eo09e.htm
Power among Jesus' disciples. What powers were given to the apostles, and to the saints in general? Also: Did the apostle Peter receive some special powers? → ea09b.htm
Whom should one listen to in biblical matters, and whom not? → es05c.htm
What does the Bible say about titles of men, in the religious context? A few comments regarding certain religious titles. → ea08b.htm
Check your bible knowledge. A basic self-test with 15 biblical questions (with answers and commentary). → es04b.htm
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The King James bible, the Authorised Version – is it somehow "the inspired Word of God", better than other translations, or a particularly "holy" bible-version, or the best or most exact or accurate one as some have claimed? Also: In what way or sense is it authoritative, or, who "authorised" it? This essay has some details of the story behind the King James translation or KJV, including the men who were involved in producing it. Two examples of pages in KJV-1611 are included as well; one is an image showing the page with Hebrews 1, the other is a PDF-file containing a facsimile, picture format copy of the book of Matthew in the year 1611 edition of the King James version. There are also some brief remarks on the so-called "Received Text" or Textus Receptus, the Greek NT text compilation produced by the Catholic priest Gerrit Gerritszoon ("Erasmus"). → es03c.htm
What does the Bible say about authority? Who has biblical, spiritual or religious authority on the mundane, human level? Who can speak for God? Knowing the answers to those questions is a vital key to understanding the Bible in a better and deeper way. → es06d.htm
What does the Bible say about ordaining and ordination? In other words: How did the saints appoint or choose their elders? And, were those elders "ordained", and did they function as "priests" of some kind? → ee02b.htm
Essays regarding various matters in connection with religious fellowships. → keyw-a4.htm (Look under the heading "Assembly".)
On the example the apostle Paul set, for others to imitate. Paul did not tell people to "follow him as a leader"; what he did was that he told the saints to imitate him, to copy his example. It is important for believers to know what kind of example Paul referred to and meant, and in what connection. → em03c.htm
1 Corinthians 1:10, "all speak the same thing" – what did the apostle Paul mean? → ea06c.htm
What does the English language word and concept "doctrine" literally mean? Likewise, the terms "dogma", "creed" and "tenet", what do they signify? Countless preachers and doctors of theology compile dogmas, creeds, tenets and doctrinal statements of beliefs, and claim them to be "the Truth". But, they do not agree with each other. Their opinions and teachings differ, depending on their denomination and its viewpoints, and there is much confusion. So, the pertinent question is, who has the "true doctrines" or "correct dogmas"? What should one think – do the Scriptures give any guidance regarding this matter? What does the Bible say about "doctrine"? → es08c.htm
What does the Bible say about the Pharisees? Also, why did Jesus call them vipers, snakes and actors? → eo12c.htm
Colossians 2:16-17, "Let no man therefore judge you". What was Paul really talking about? → eo07d.htm
Is Jesus "a cap-stone on top of a pyramid" as some have claimed, or is he, as the Bible says, the main corner-stone of the foundation of God's spiritual house or dwelling? → ea05c.htm
"Amateur bible students" versus "professional theologians". Some preachers have spitefully called people who actively study the Bible on their own, "amateur theologians". Indeed, many a clergyman seems to feel that a layman should not put his or her nose into theological studies but should rather leave those things to "experts". But, is that correct? This treatise sorts out that matter, and clarifies and explains in layman's terms the linguistic and historical background of the concepts "clergymen" and "laymen", and gives the definition and actual meaning of such words as "clergy", "laity", "scholar" and "scholarly". → es07c.htm
What the Bible says about excommunication, marking and avoiding. Additionally, some notes on the words and concepts "heresy" and "heretic". → ea10c.htm
The origin and meaning of the word "church". → eg06b.htm
Should believers vote? About things within their fellowships, or in political elections in the society around them? Does the Bible say anything about voting? → ea13b.htm
What does the Bible say about the antichrist or antichrists? The meaning of the Greek word antichristos. Also: The apostle John spoke about multiple antichristoi, plural, not a singular one only. → eo02d.htm
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