δαμάζω

From the study of James 3:7

Range of meaning

To tame, break in (horses, oxen), subdue, overpower, bring under control. In older Greek it is also used for conquering enemies and for 'taming' in a forceful sense. In the NT it appears only in Mark 5:4 (no one was strong enough to subdue the possessed man) and in James 3:7–8.

Against the English

"Tame" (KJV, BSB, WEB, ESV, NASB) is accurate. YLT's "subdued" brings out the forceful side of mastery. Modern readers tend to hear "tame" in a gentler way: pets, circus animals.

How it drifted

Modern English "tame" has narrowed toward keeping animals as gentle companions. The Greek word has more of the sense of overpowering and controlling.

Used elsewhere in the period

It is used of breaking horses and yoking oxen in Greek literature from Homer on. The theme of humans mastering animals is a common literary set piece, as in Sophocles' 'Ode to Man' (Antigone 332–375): man snares birds, wild beasts and the creatures of the sea, and yokes horse and mountain bull. The LXX (the Greek Old Testament) uses it in Dan 2:40 for iron that subdues everything.

From the study of James 3:8

Range of meaning

To tame or break in (animals, especially horses and wild beasts), to subdue or bring under control (people, enemies, passions).

Against the English

'Tame' (BSB, KJV, WEB, NIV, ESV) is accurate. YLT's 'subdue' captures the wider sense of bringing something under control by force. Both fit.

Used elsewhere in the period

Classical Greek uses it for breaking horses and subduing enemies. In the New Testament its only other use is Mark 5:4, of the man with demons: 'no one was strong enough to subdue (damasai) him', the same sort of statement made about the tongue here. James 3:7 uses it twice of the animal kingdom.