Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY

James 3:1

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures
- 3 Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive heavier* judgment.+

James 3:1

The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures
- 3 Μὴ Not πολλοὶ many διδάσκαλοι teachers γίνεσθε, be YOU becoming, ἀδελφοί brothers μου, of me, εἰδότες having known ὅτι that μεῖζον greater κρίμα judgment λημψόμεθα· we shall receive;

James 3:1

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures—With References
- 3 Not many of YOU should become teachers,+ my brothers, knowing that we shall receive heavier judgment.+

James 3:1

The Bible in Living English
- 3 Do not many of you be teachers, my brothers, knowing that we shall come under greater responsibility.

James 3:1

American Standard Version
- 3 Be not many of you teachers, my brethren, knowing that we shall receive heavier judgment.

James 3:1

The Emphasized Bible
- 3 Not many teachers become ye, my brethren, Knowing that a severer sentence shall ye receive;

James 3:1

King James Version
- 3 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation.

James Study Notes—Chapter 3

New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)
- 3:1
  
  Not many of you should become teachers: Here James addresses men who were reaching out for a divinely appointed role—that of being a teacher in the congregation. (1Co 12:28, 29; Eph 4:11) However, some may ambitiously have sought this role, viewing it as a position of prominence. (Compare 1Ti 1:7 and study note.) It seems that some even set themselves up as teachers, although not being appointed or qualified to be such. Thus, James warns against becoming a teacher for the wrong reasons. He goes on to emphasize the seriousness of the assignment; it should not be taken lightly. (Lu 12:48) But James was not discouraging brothers from “reaching out to be an overseer, . . . qualified to teach” in the congregation—as long as they did so with the proper motive.—1Ti 3:1 and study note, 2.
  
  my brothers: See study note on Jas 1:16.
  
  heavier judgment: Or “stricter judgment.” All Christians will render an account to God, but here James points out that teachers in the congregation, himself included, will be judged more strictly. (Ro 14:12) God holds teachers to a higher standard because their speech and conduct can greatly influence others in the congregation—for better or for worse.—Lu 12:48; Heb 13:17.