James 3:4

The ships. See Introduction, on James' local allusions. Dean Howson observes that "there is more imagery drawn from mere natural phenomena in the one short epistle of James than in all St. Paul's epistles put together."

So great. As the ship which conveyed Paul to Malta, which contained two hundred and seventy - six persons (Acts 27:37).

Fierce [σ κ λ η ρ ω ν]. More literally, and better, as Rev., rough. The word primarily means hard, harsh.

Helm [π η δ α λ ι ο υ]. Better, rudder, as Rev. The rudder was an oar worked by a handle. Helm and rudder were thus one. The word occurs only here and Acts 27:40.

The governor listeth [η ο ρ μ η τ ο υ ε υ θ υ ν ο ν τ ο ς β ο υ λ ε τ α ι]. Lit., the impulse or desire of the steersman wisheth. 'Ormh, impulse, only here and Acts 14:5, of an assault, onset.

The governor [τ ο υ ε υ θ υ ν ο ν τ ο ς]. Rev., steersman. Lit., of him who is guiding. Only here and John 1:23. From 'Ormh, straight.