### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hýlē**, represented by `{{G5208}}`, is translated as **matter**. It is defined as a forest, or by implication, fuel. This term appears only **1 time** in the Bible, in a single verse, where it serves as a powerful illustration of the destructive potential of small things.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole use of `{{G5208}}` is found in a warning about the power of the tongue. The passage compares the tongue to a small spark that can ignite a great blaze, stating, "Behold{G2400}, how great{G2245} a **matter**{G5208} a little{G3641} fire{G4442} kindleth{G381}!" [[James 3:5]]. In this context, **matter** refers to a large amount of fuel, like a forest, which can be set alight by a seemingly insignificant source.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words in the same verse illuminate the meaning of `{{G5208}}`:
* `{{G4442}}` **pŷr** (fire): This is the agent of ignition. The verse contrasts a "little" fire with the "great" matter it can consume, highlighting the disproportionate power of the tongue [[James 3:5]].
* `{{G381}}` **anáptō** (to enkindle): This verb describes the action that links the small fire to the large matter, meaning to kindle or light. It is used to describe how fire is set to the earth and how the people of Malta kindled a fire for Paul ([[Luke 12:49]], [[Acts 28:2]]).
* `{{G1100}}` **glōssa** (tongue): This is the subject of the metaphor. Just as fire kindles the matter, the tongue is described as a fire that can set the course of nature ablaze [[James 3:6]].
* `{{G2245}}` **hēlíkos** (how great): This word directly modifies **matter**, emphasizing the vast scale of destruction that can arise from a small cause [[James 3:5]].
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{G5208}}` is centered on its use as a powerful metaphor for the consequences of sin.
* **The Power of Words:** The term **matter** is used to represent the immense damage that can be caused by the tongue `{{G1100}}`. Though the tongue is a "little member" (`{{G3398}}`, `{{G3196}}`), it "boasteth great things" `{{G3166}}` and can ignite a destructive fire [[James 3:5]].
* **Fuel for Destruction:** In this analogy, **matter** serves as the fuel for the fire of the tongue. The subsequent verse expands on this, calling the tongue "a world of iniquity" that is "set on fire of hell" [[James 3:6]], implying that human nature provides ample fuel for sin when ignited by careless words.
* **Disproportionate Consequence:** The use of **matter** illustrates the principle that small, seemingly insignificant actions or words can have vast and devastating outcomes. The verse explicitly contrasts the "little fire" `{{G3641}}` with "how great a matter" `{{G2245}}` it kindles.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5208}}` is a singular but impactful word in the New Testament. Its sole appearance as **matter** in [[James 3:5]] provides a vivid and memorable image of a forest ready to be burned. It functions exclusively within a metaphor to warn believers about the immense destructive capability of the tongue, demonstrating how a small and uncontrolled source can ignite great and disastrous consequences.
TRV