James 3:4
King James Version
10 Jun 2026
“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.”
ἐλάχιστος
Least, smallest, very small. Elachistos. Whatever you did for the least of these you did for me. Jesus identifies with the overlooked. Serving the least is serving the Lord.
βούλομαι
decides.
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βούλομαι
To be willing. God is not willing that any should perish. His will is always toward life and salvation.
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τηλικοῦτος
so great
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τηλικοῦτος
such as this, i.e. (in (figurative) magnitude) so vast
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σκληρός
strong
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σκληρός
dry, i.e. hard or tough (figuratively, harsh, severe)
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πηδάλιον
rudder
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πηδάλιον
from the same as G3976 (πέδη)); a "pedal", i.e. helm
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εὐθύνω
is steering
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εὐθύνω
to straighten (level); technically, to steer
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ἐλαύνω
being driven,
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ἐλαύνω
to push (as wind, oars or dæmonical power)
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μετάγω
are turned about
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μετάγω
to lead over, i.e. transfer (direct)
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εἰμί
being
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εἰμί
I exist (used only when emphatic)
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ὁρμή
impulse
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ὁρμή
a violent impulse, i.e. onset
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ἰδού
Behold
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ἰδού
used as imperative lo!;
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πλοῖον
ships,
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πλοῖον
a sailer, i.e. vessel
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