James 4:7
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Original Language Analysis
οὖν
therefore
G3767
οὖν
therefore
Strong's:
G3767
Word #:
2 of 11
(adverbially) certainly, or (conjunctionally) accordingly
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
to God
G2316
θεῷ
to God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
4 of 11
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
6 of 11
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
8 of 11
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
φεύξεται
he will flee
G5343
φεύξεται
he will flee
Strong's:
G5343
Word #:
9 of 11
to run away (literally or figuratively); by implication, to shun; by analogy, to vanish
Cross References
Ephesians 4:27Neither give place to the devil.1 Peter 5:6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:Hebrews 12:9Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?Romans 10:3For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God.Job 1:21And said, Naked came I out of my mother's womb, and naked shall I return thither: the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.2 Chronicles 30:8Now be ye not stiffnecked, as your fathers were, but yield yourselves unto the LORD, and enter into his sanctuary, which he hath sanctified for ever: and serve the LORD your God, that the fierceness of his wrath may turn away from you.Psalms 66:3Say unto God, How terrible art thou in thy works! through the greatness of thy power shall thine enemies submit themselves unto thee.Ephesians 5:21Submitting yourselves one to another in the fear of God.Matthew 11:29Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.1 Peter 2:13Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme;
Historical Context
Diaspora Christians faced demonic temptations via idolatry and persecution. James's commands parallel 1 Peter 5:8-9 and Paul's armor passage (Ephesians 6), showing shared apostolic strategy.
Questions for Reflection
- Where do you need to submit afresh to God's authority?
- What specific temptations require active resistance today?
- Who can stand with you in resisting the devil?
Related Resources
Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.
Analysis & Commentary
Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Submit yourselves (hypotagēte, ὑποτάγητε) to God. Resist (antistēte, ἀντίστητε) the devil, and he will flee. Spiritual warfare begins with surrender to God's authority and continues with active resistance.
Reformed teaching insists that victory over Satan flows from alignment with Christ's lordship and reliance on His strength.