James 4:7 (KJV)

What does James 4:7 mean?

James tells his readers to place themselves under God’s authority and stand against the devil. The promise “he will flee from you” describes the devil’s withdrawal when they resist him.

The key connection is “therefore,” Greek οὖν (oun). James has just said that God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble (James 4:6). Submission to God follows from that statement. James is addressing believers whose quarrels and divided loyalties he has exposed earlier in the chapter.

The Greek behind James 4:7

• “Submit yourselves” — ὑποτάσσω (hypotassō): This word means to place under authority or to subject. The tag attached to “yourselves” covers the whole expression “Submit yourselves”; there is no separate Greek word for “yourselves” here. The command calls for accepting God’s authority.

• “Resist” — ἀνθίστημι (anthistēmi): This means to oppose or stand against. James pairs two commands: submit to God and oppose the devil. The same readers are to take opposite positions toward these two parties.

• “Devil” — διάβολος (diabolos): The word can mean “slanderer” or “accuser.” Here, “the devil” names the personal adversary whom James commands his readers to oppose.

• “Flee” — φεύγω (pheugō): This means to flee or escape. In this sentence, the verb is a future statement: “he will flee.” James presents withdrawal as the result of resistance, rather than adding another command.

Why James 4:7 matters

• Submission and resistance belong together. The verse joins “Submit yourselves therefore to God” with “Resist the devil.” Resistance is part of the passage’s call to abandon divided loyalty.

• The commands address the community. Both commands and the final “you” are plural. James speaks to his readers together, in the setting of the conflicts among them.

• The promised movement is away from the readers. “He will flee from you” makes the devil the one who withdraws; the readers’ stated action is to stand against him.