James 4:7

KJV

Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

KJV (with Strong's)

Submit yourselves {G5293} therefore {G3767} to God {G2316}. Resist {G436} the devil {G1228}, and {G2532} he will flee {G5343} from {G575} you {G5216}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, submit to God. Moreover, take a stand against the Adversary, and he will flee from you.

Berean Standard Bible

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

American Standard Version

Be subject therefore unto God; but resist the devil, and he will flee from you.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
James 4:7 is a foundational call to spiritual discipline, offering a clear pathway to victory over spiritual opposition. It presents a dual command: first, to humbly align oneself with God's will and authority, and second, to actively stand against the forces of evil. This two-fold instruction is accompanied by a powerful promise that when believers adopt this posture of submission and resistance, the devil, who constantly seeks to devour, will be compelled to retreat. The verse underscores that true spiritual strength and triumph are found not in human might, but in a steadfast reliance on divine grace and a firm rejection of worldly and demonic influences.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** James 4:7 stands as a pivotal turning point within James's broader discussion on the root causes of conflict and worldliness among believers. Immediately preceding this verse, James has sharply rebuked the community for their covetousness, quarrels, and spiritual adultery, declaring that "friendship with the world is enmity with God" [James 4:4](/james/4-4 "James 4:4 - Friendship with the World"). He then asserts God's jealous desire for His Spirit within believers and, crucially, states, "God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble" [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud"). The "therefore" (G3767, _oûn_) in verse 7 directly links the call to "submit yourselves to God" to this preceding principle of humility and divine grace, establishing submission as the necessary prerequisite for receiving God's grace and effectively resisting evil.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian communities, including those to whom James wrote, faced significant internal and external pressures. Internally, there was a struggle with worldly desires, pride, and disunity, evident in the conflicts James addresses. Externally, believers lived in a pagan society rife with various forms of idolatry, moral corruption, and spiritual forces that sought to undermine their faith. The concept of "the devil" (G1228, _diábolos_) as an active, malevolent spiritual entity was deeply ingrained in both Jewish and early Christian thought, drawing from Old Testament narratives and intertestamental literature. The call to "resist" (G436, _anthístēmi_) would have resonated with their understanding of spiritual warfare, where believers were not passive victims but active participants, empowered by God.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes prevalent in the Epistle of James. It highlights the theme of **Humility and Dependence on God**, echoing [James 4:6](/james/4-6 "James 4:6 - God Resists the Proud") and emphasizing that true spiritual power flows from a humble posture before God rather than self-reliance. It also develops the theme of **Spiritual Warfare**, acknowledging the reality of a personal adversary, the devil, and providing a clear strategy for engaging with him. Furthermore, it reinforces the theme of **Practical Faith**, demonstrating that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but actively manifests in submission to God and courageous resistance to evil, leading to tangible spiritual victory, as promised by the phrase "he will flee from you."

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Submit (Greek, _hypotássō'_):** From G5293, meaning "to subordinate; reflexively, to obey." This is a military term, implying a voluntary act of placing oneself under the authority of another, like soldiers under a commander. It denotes a conscious, active choice to align one's will, desires, and actions with God's, reflecting humility, trust, and discipline. It is not passive resignation but an active yielding to divine order.
* **Resist (Greek, _anthístēmi'_):** From G436, meaning "to stand against, i.e. oppose." This word conveys a firm, active, and unwavering opposition. It's not about merely enduring temptation but about taking a proactive, confrontational stance against the devil's schemes and influences. It implies a refusal to yield, compromise, or be swayed by evil.
* **Devil (Greek, _diábolos'_):** From G1228, meaning "a traducer; specially, Satan." This term identifies the specific adversary believers are to resist. It literally means "slanderer" or "accuser," highlighting his primary tactics of deception, accusation, and division. Recognizing him as "the devil" underscores the personal, malevolent nature of the spiritual enemy.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Submit yourselves therefore to God."**: This is the foundational command, presented as an imperative. The "therefore" (G3767, _oûn_) links it directly to the preceding truth that God gives grace to the humble. It calls for a deliberate, active, and comprehensive yielding of one's entire being—will, thoughts, desires, and actions—to the supreme authority, wisdom, and loving purposes of God. This submission is the prerequisite for spiritual strength and victory.
* **"Resist the devil,"**: Following submission to God, this is the second imperative command. It implies that once one is aligned with God, they are empowered to actively oppose the devil. This resistance is not a passive endurance but a firm, unyielding stand against his temptations, lies, and destructive influences. It acknowledges the reality of spiritual warfare and the need for vigilance and a proactive stance against evil.
* **"and he will flee from you."**: This is the divine promise, the assured outcome of obeying the preceding two commands. The phrase "he will flee" (G5343, _pheúgō_) signifies a rapid and decisive retreat. It assures believers that the devil's power is limited and that he cannot withstand the combined force of a believer submitted to God and actively resisting his schemes. This promise underscores God's sovereignty and the effectiveness of spiritual discipline when pursued in faith.

#### Literary Devices
James 4:7 masterfully employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The verse is structured as a **Chiasm** or **Parallelism** (A-B-B'-A'): "Submit yourselves to God" (A), "Resist the devil" (B), "and he will flee" (B'), "from you" (A'). While not a perfect chiasm, the structure emphasizes the cause-and-effect relationship, where an action towards God (A) enables an action against the devil (B), leading to a promised outcome (B') that benefits the believer (A'). The primary verbs "submit" and "resist" are in the **Imperative Mood**, highlighting them as direct commands requiring immediate and decisive action from the reader. The phrase "he will flee from you" serves as a powerful **Promise**, offering assurance and motivation for obedience. Finally, the devil is presented as a personal, active entity, almost with **Personification**, capable of fleeing, which underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the tangible impact of the believer's actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
James 4:7 encapsulates a profound theological truth: our posture towards God directly determines our effectiveness against evil. It teaches that spiritual victory is not achieved through self-effort or human strength, but through a humble, active surrender to God's authority, which then empowers us to successfully repel the forces of darkness. This verse underscores the reality of a personal spiritual adversary and provides a divinely ordained strategy for overcoming his influence, emphasizing that God's power is the ultimate source of our triumph. It highlights the interconnectedness of humility, obedience, and spiritual authority, demonstrating that true freedom from the enemy's grasp is found in aligning oneself completely with God's will.

* [1 Peter 5:8-9](/1_peter/5-8-9 "1 Peter 5:8-9 - Resist the Devil")
* [Ephesians 6:11-13](/ephesians/6-11-13 "Ephesians 6:11-13 - Put on the Full Armor of God")
* [Romans 6:13](/romans/6-13 "Romans 6:13 - Present Yourselves to God")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
James 4:7 provides a timeless and practical blueprint for spiritual victory in the daily lives of believers. It challenges us to examine the true locus of our allegiance: are we truly submitted to God, or are we subtly, perhaps even unconsciously, yielding to worldly desires or the subtle whispers of the enemy? The call to "submit" is an invitation to radical trust and obedience, recognizing God's perfect wisdom and loving sovereignty over every aspect of our lives. This active surrender then becomes the wellspring of strength from which we can "resist" the devil. Resistance is not passive; it means actively choosing righteousness, rejecting temptation, standing firm on God's Word, and refusing to give the enemy a foothold. The glorious promise that "he will flee from you" is a powerful encouragement, reminding us that our victory is assured, not by our own might, but by the omnipotence of God working through our humble obedience. This verse calls us to a life of conscious, moment-by-moment alignment with God, knowing that in Him, we are more than conquerors.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you find it most challenging to fully submit to God's will?**
* **What are some practical ways you can actively "resist the devil" in your daily walk, especially when faced with temptation or negative influences?**
* **How does the promise that the devil "will flee from you" encourage you in your spiritual battles, and how does it shape your approach to spiritual warfare?**

### FAQ

**What does "submit yourselves therefore to God" truly mean in a practical sense?**

Answer: Practically, "submit yourselves therefore to God" means consciously and continually yielding your will, desires, plans, and actions to God's authority and purposes. It involves choosing obedience to His Word, seeking His guidance through prayer, trusting His sovereignty even when circumstances are difficult, and aligning your life with His character and commands. It's an active, ongoing process of humility and dependence, recognizing that God's way is always best. For example, [Romans 12:1-2](/romans/12-1-2 "Romans 12:1-2 - Living Sacrifice and Transformed Mind") encourages believers to "present your bodies a living sacrifice... and be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind."

**How does one "resist the devil" effectively, and what does it look like in everyday life?**

Answer: To effectively "resist the devil" means to actively oppose his temptations, lies, and schemes by standing firm in your faith and relying on God's power. In everyday life, this looks like: recognizing and rejecting sinful thoughts or desires, speaking truth against lies, refusing to entertain doubt or fear, choosing to forgive instead of holding grudges, fleeing from situations that lead to temptation, and engaging in spiritual disciplines like prayer and Bible study. It's about not giving the enemy a "foothold," as [Ephesians 4:27](/ephesians/4-27 "Ephesians 4:27 - Give No Place to the Devil") warns, and instead, putting on the "whole armour of God" as described in [Ephesians 6:11-18](/ephesians/6-11-18 "Ephesians 6:11-18 - The Full Armor of God").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
James 4:7 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the supreme example of perfect submission to God, declaring, "I seek not mine own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent me" [John 5:30](/john/5-30 "John 5:30 - Jesus Seeks the Father's Will"). From His baptism to the cross, Jesus lived a life of unwavering obedience, even to the point of death, demonstrating what it truly means to "submit yourselves... to God." Furthermore, Jesus perfectly "resisted the devil" in every encounter. In the wilderness temptations, He countered every lie with the authoritative Word of God, causing Satan to "depart from him for a season" [Luke 4:13](/luke/4-13 "Luke 4:13 - Satan Departs from Jesus"). His entire ministry was a triumph over the powers of darkness, culminating in His victory on the cross, where He "spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it" [Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers"). Because Christ perfectly submitted and perfectly resisted, He secured our victory. Now, as believers united with Him, we are empowered by His Spirit to participate in His victory. When we submit to God in Christ and resist the devil in Christ's name, the enemy flees because he has already been decisively defeated by our Lord and Savior, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God").

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Peter 5:8

¶ Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour:

1 Peter 5:9

Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world.

Ephesians 4:27

Neither give place to the devil.

Ephesians 6:11

Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

Ephesians 6:12

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high [places].

1 Peter 5:6

Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:

Luke 4:2

Being forty days tempted of the devil. And in those days he did eat nothing: and when they were ended, he afterward hungered.