James Chapter 4 · Verse 6

Authorized King James Version

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But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.

Original Language Analysis

μείζονα G3173
μείζονα
Strong's: G3173
Word #: 1 of 14
big (literally or figuratively, in a very wide application)
δὲ But G1161
δὲ But
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 2 of 14
but, and, etc
δίδωσιν giveth G1325
δίδωσιν giveth
Strong's: G1325
Word #: 3 of 14
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
χάριν grace G5485
χάριν grace
Strong's: G5485
Word #: 4 of 14
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart
διὸ Wherefore G1352
διὸ Wherefore
Strong's: G1352
Word #: 5 of 14
through which thing, i.e., consequently
λέγει he saith G3004
λέγει he saith
Strong's: G3004
Word #: 6 of 14
properly, to "lay" forth, i.e., (figuratively) relate (in words (usually of systematic or set discourse; whereas g2036 and g5346 generally refer to an
Ὁ G3588
Ὁ
Strong's: G3588
Word #: 7 of 14
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεὸς God G2316
θεὸς God
Strong's: G2316
Word #: 8 of 14
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
ὑπερηφάνοις the proud G5244
ὑπερηφάνοις the proud
Strong's: G5244
Word #: 9 of 14
appearing above others (conspicuous), i.e., (figuratively) haughty
ἀντιτάσσεται resisteth G498
ἀντιτάσσεται resisteth
Strong's: G498
Word #: 10 of 14
to range oneself against, i.e., oppose
ταπεινοῖς unto the humble G5011
ταπεινοῖς unto the humble
Strong's: G5011
Word #: 11 of 14
depressed, i.e., (figuratively) humiliated (in circumstances or disposition)
δὲ But G1161
δὲ But
Strong's: G1161
Word #: 12 of 14
but, and, etc
δίδωσιν giveth G1325
δίδωσιν giveth
Strong's: G1325
Word #: 13 of 14
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
χάριν grace G5485
χάριν grace
Strong's: G5485
Word #: 14 of 14
graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; especially the divine influence upon the heart

Analysis & Commentary

But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. He gives more grace (meizona charin, μείζονα χάριν). Therefore: God resists the proud but gives grace to the humble (Proverbs 3:34). Humility opens the floodgates of sanctifying grace.

Reformed believers rejoice that God's grace not only saves but supplies strength for repentance. Pride blocks that supply; humility receives it.

Historical Context

Persecuted saints might strive for status or self-defense. James assures them that God sides with the humble, a truth Peter later echoes (1 Peter 5:5).

Questions for Reflection