King James Version
What Does James 4:7 Mean?
“Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Context
5
Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy? to envy: or, enviously? to envy: or, enviously
6
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
8
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
9
Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness.
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(7) **Submit yourselves therefore to God.** (*But*) **resist the devil.**—The hardest advice of all, to a man reliant on himself, is submission to any, more especially to the Unknown. But, as a correlative to this, the Apostle shows where pride may become a stimulant for good, viz., in contest with the Evil One.
**He will flee.**—Or, *he shall flee. *“The Devil,” says the strange old book called *The Shepherd of Hermas, *“can tight, but he cannot conquer; if, therefore, thou dost withstand him, he will flee from thee, beaten and ashamed.”
The text is another proof of the personality of Satan; no amount of figures of speech could otherwise interpret it.
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of James. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
James 4:7 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to James 4:7
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge