James Chapter 4 · Verse 8
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
Original Language Analysis
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
2 of 13
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεῷ
to God
G2316
θεῷ
to God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
3 of 13
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
χεῖρας
your hands
G5495
χεῖρας
your hands
Strong's:
G5495
Word #:
8 of 13
the hand (literally or figuratively (power); especially (by hebraism) a means or instrument)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
10 of 13
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἁγνίσατε
purify
G48
ἁγνίσατε
purify
Strong's:
G48
Word #:
11 of 13
to make clean, i.e., (figuratively) sanctify (ceremonially or morally)
Cross References
Psalms 145:18The LORD is nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.Hebrews 10:22Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.Malachi 3:7Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?Zechariah 1:3Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.2 Chronicles 15:2And he went out to meet Asa, and said unto him, Hear ye me, Asa, and all Judah and Benjamin; The LORD is with you, while ye be with him; and if ye seek him, he will be found of you; but if ye forsake him, he will forsake you.1 John 3:3And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure.Jeremiah 4:14O Jerusalem, wash thine heart from wickedness, that thou mayest be saved. How long shall thy vain thoughts lodge within thee?Psalms 51:10Create in me a clean heart, O God; and renew a right spirit within me.Hebrews 7:19For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God.Ezekiel 18:31Cast away from you all your transgressions, whereby ye have transgressed; and make you a new heart and a new spirit: for why will ye die, O house of Israel?
Historical Context
Jewish readers recalled ceremonial washings; James applies them spiritually. Double-mindedness (cf. 1:8) plagued believers trying to court both God and the world. He calls for decisive repentance.
Questions for Reflection
- What sins require cleansing as you draw near to God?
- How can you move from double-mindedness to single-hearted devotion?
- What spiritual disciplines help you experience God's nearness?
Analysis & Commentary
Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. Draw near (engisate, ἐγγίσατε) to God, and He will draw near to you. Cleanse hands, you sinners, and purify hearts, you double-minded. Repentance involves external actions and internal motives.
Reformed spirituality blends priestly imagery with gospel access: through Christ we approach God, yet must cleanse through confession and obedience.