I’ve already discussed “the course of this world” (Ephesians 2:2). See https://unprecedentedfavor.com/course-of-this-world/.
Now, let’s consider “the course of nature,” which comes from a different underlying word.
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 3:6
Besides defiling ourselves, the tongue will lead to the utter destruction of our world (a.k.a, the course of nature)..
The Course of Nature
James gives us an important lecture on the importance and dangers of the tongue. Describing its danger, the Apostle says that the tongue sets on fire “the course of nature.” You and I have the power to affect nature itself!
Course
James uses a unique underlying word to describe “course,.” He calls it a wheel, or a “cyclical circuit of physical effects.” The word also invokes the notion of a race.
Vine’s Expository Dictionary gives us another perspective on this “course:”
“A wheel,” is translated “wheel” in Jam 3:6, RV, with metaphorical reference to the round of human activity (AV, “course”), as a glowing axle would set on fire the whole wooden wheel.
Vine’s
The cyclical nature of human history seems to validate the old axiom, “History repeats itself.” As we traverse the circuit of nature, we see that the tongue, the words we say and how we say them, can ignite a fire that leads to the ultimate destruction of nature itself.
Nature
James clarifies the word “nature” as that which encompasses a particular generation of humans. Essentially, the tongue sets on fire the course of one’s future generations. What you say can set ablaze your children, grandchildren, and so on.
Thayer – Nature
Look to Thayer to further understand the concept of nature as presented in James 3:6.
Of that which follows origin, viz. existence, life: ὁ τροχὸς τῆς γενέσεως the wheel [cf. English “machinery”] of life, James 3:6 (cf. Grimm on Sap. vii. 5); but others explain it the wheel of human origin which as soon as men are born begins to run, i. e. the course [cf. English “round”] of life.
Thayer’s Greek Lexicon
Vine
Vine’s explains the word this way:
Strong’s G1078 – genesis denotes “an origin, a lineage, or birth,” translated “generation” in Mat 1:1.
Vine’s Expository Dictionary
Kittel
Finally, consider Kittel’s TDNT (1:682) to get yet another perspective on “nature.”
The word emphasizes the distinction between death and eternal life.
Kittel also, more clearly states that, in James 3:6,
The expression had already lost its Orphic character and become a current saying for the ups and downs of life.
Kittel TDNT 1:683, Footnote 3
Concusion
Here’s a comprehensive explanation of what James says about the tongue and how it sets on fire the “course of nature” in James 3:6.
Personally, the tongue defiles you completely with hellfire. It corrupts you during the difficulties of life. Your tongue affects more than just you. The tongues of your ancestors determine your position in this world. Similarly, our words set the course of our progeny. Collectively, for humanity, the tongue can consume and dissolve the wheel of nature, inevitably leading to the end of the world.
Top
Blog
How to Look up Bible Verses
Recommended Reading
Home