James 3:3 kjv — Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

King James Version

"Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body."

— James 3:3, King James Version

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James 3:3 in Other Translations

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James 3 — Context

1

My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

2

For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

3

Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.

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.

5

Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!

6

And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

James 3:3 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does James 3:3 say?
James 3:3 in the King James Version reads: “Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.”
Where is James 3:3 in the Bible?
James 3:3 is found in the New Testament, in the book of James, chapter 3, verse 3.
Who wrote James?
James is traditionally attributed to James, half-brother of Jesus, leader of the Jerusalem church. It was written c. AD 44–49.
What is the book of James about?
James is the New Testament's closest cousin to Old-Testament wisdom literature — pungent, practical, and uncompromising. Faith without works is dead. The tongue is a fire. The prayers of a righteous man avail much. It calls Christians to walk their talk.
What are the major themes of James?
James explores themes including Faith and Works, Wisdom, Speech, Suffering, Prayer. These themes shape the meaning and context of James 3:3.
What translation should I read James 3:3 in?
James 3:3 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize James 3:3?
James 3:3 reads (KJV): “Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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