Behold also the ships which though they be so great and driven of fierce winds yet are turned about with a very small helm whithersoever the governor listeth.
This verse is part of a larger passage in James 3 about the power of the tongue.
It uses the metaphor of a large ship being steered by a small rudder to illustrate how something seemingly small (like the tongue) can have great influence or control.
Language Notes
"Whithersoever" means "wherever".
"Listeth" means "wishes" or "desires".
"Governor" refers to the person steering the ship (the pilot or helmsman).
Modern Paraphrase
Look at ships: even though they are huge and driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder, going wherever the pilot wants.
Request a Quote
✓
Request sent
Thank you, our team will reply to you shortly.
Direct access to our team
Email American Plant & Equipment
Tell us what you want to buy, source, finance, or sell. A machinery specialist will follow up with you.
✓
Thank you. Your request is with the American Plant and Equipment team.
A machinery specialist will follow up with you.
Machinery updates
Subscribe to our email list
Tell us which industries you follow and we will send you the machines that match.
✓
You are on the list.
We will email you when machines that match your interests come in. Unsubscribe from any message.
