James 3:4 - An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

⁴ Look, even though ships are huge and are driven by strong winds, still their direction can be governed by a very small rudder, wherever the pilot desires to sail.

More versions

King James Version (Oxford) 1769

⁴ Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

⁴ Likewise, look at the ships: though they are so great and are driven by rough winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the impulse of the helmsman determines.

American Standard Version (1901)

⁴ Behold, the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by rough winds, are yet turned about by a very small rudder, whither the impulse of the steersman willeth.

Common English Bible

⁴ Consider ships: They are so large that strong winds are needed to drive them. But pilots direct their ships wherever they want with a little rudder.

Catholic Public Domain Version

⁴ Consider also the ships, which, though they are great and may be driven by strong winds, yet they are turned around with a small rudder, to be directed to wherever the strength of the pilot might will.

Douay-Rheims version of The Bible - 1752 version

⁴ Behold also ships, whereas they are great, and are driven by strong winds, yet are they turned about with a small helm, whithersoever the force of the governor willeth.

James 3:4 Cross References

Matthew 11:27

“All things have been entrusted to me by my Father and no one [truly] knows the Son except the Father. And neither does anyone [truly] know the Father except the Son and that person to whom the Son wants to reveal Him.

Matthew 8:24

Suddenly a violent storm came up over the lake, so that [huge] waves began to overwhelm the boat. But Jesus was sleeping [through it all].

Acts 27:11

But the military officer paid more attention to the captain and to the owner of the ship than to what Paul was saying.

James 3:3

Now if we put bits in the mouths of horses so that they will obey us, we can govern the direction of their entire bodies as well.

James 3:5

So, the tongue is a small part [of the body], yet it boasts of great accomplishments. Look at how large a forest is burned up by even a tiny spark.