James 4:7
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Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Submit to . . . God--so ye shall be among "the humble," Jam 4:6; also Jam 4:10; Pe1 5:6. Resist . . . devil--Under his banner pride and envy are enlisted in the world; resist his temptations to these. Faith, humble prayers, and heavenly wisdom, are the weapons of resistance. The language is taken from warfare. "Submit" as a good soldier puts himself in complete subjection to his captain. "Resist," stand bravely against. he will flee--Translate, "he shall flee." For it is a promise of God, not a mere assurance from man to man [ALFORD]. He shall flee worsted as he did from Christ.
Open source ↗In this chapter we are directed to consider, I. Some causes of contention, besides those mentioned in the foregoing chapter, and to watch against them (Jam 4:1-5). II. We are taught to abandon the friendship of this world, so as to submit and subject ourselves entirely to God (Jam 4:4-10). III. All detraction and rash judgment of others are to be carefully avoided (Jam 4:11, Jam 4:12). IV. We must preserve a constant regard, and pay the utmost deference to the disposals of divine Providence (Jam 4:13 to the end).
Open source ↗4:7 Resist the devil: See also Eph 6:11; 1 Pet 5:8.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
and do not give the devil a foothold.
Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, so that in due time He may exalt you.
Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them. Should we not much more submit to the Father of our spirits and live?
Because they were ignorant of God’s righteousness and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness.
Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me; for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Now do not stiffen your necks as your fathers did. Submit to the LORD and come to His sanctuary, which He has consecrated forever. Serve the LORD your God, so that His fierce anger will turn away from you.
Say to God, “How awesome are Your deeds! So great is Your power that Your enemies cower before You.
Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ.
saying: “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.”
Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human institution, whether to the king as the supreme authority,