James 4 6

James 4:6 kjv

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

James 4:6 nkjv

But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble."

James 4:6 niv

But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble."

James 4:6 esv

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

James 4:6 nlt

And he gives grace generously. As the Scriptures say, "God opposes the proud
but gives grace to the humble."

James 4 verses

James 4 6 Meaning

James 4:6 declares God's character and the conditions for receiving His divine favor. It affirms that God actively opposes the proud, those who elevate themselves in self-sufficiency or arrogance, but consistently extends unmerited favor and divine power to the humble, who recognize their dependence on Him and are willing to submit. The verse highlights God's continuous and abundant provision of grace as the solution to the worldly desires and spiritual pride addressed in the preceding verses.

James 4 6 Context

James 4:6 serves as the pivotal point in a discourse that begins with a sharp critique of conflict and unfulfilled desires within the Christian community (vv. 1-3). James identifies the root cause of their quarrels as "passions that wage war within your members." He then diagnoses their inability to receive from God due to selfish motives in prayer. Moving deeper, James declares a harsh truth: "You adulteresses!" (v. 4a), asserting that friendship with the world is spiritual enmity with God (v. 4b), leading to an inability to serve both God and worldly desires. He questions whether they believe God's Spirit yearns jealously for them (v. 5). Verse 6 provides the solution and contrast to these issues. Instead of the world's enmity and the Spirit's jealousy due to divided loyalties, God offers "more grace." This greater grace is specifically for the humble, directly counteracting the pride and self-centeredness that fuel the conflicts and worldly affections discussed previously. The historical context reflects a community facing internal divisions and perhaps tempted by the surrounding culture's emphasis on status and self-assertion, making humility a crucial counter-cultural virtue.

James 4 6 Word analysis

• But: (δὲ - de) Introduces a strong contrast or continuation. Here, it signifies a shift from the diagnosis of spiritual disease (conflict, worldliness, pride) to God's generous provision of healing.

• He gives: (δίδωσι - didōsi) Present tense, active voice, indicating a continuous, ongoing action of God. It's not a one-time event, but God's steady outpouring.

• More: (μείζονα - meizona) From megas (great), in the comparative form "greater." This "greater grace" is contrasted with the "strong desire" (jealousy/envy) mentioned in verse 5, implying grace is the abundant counter to human failings and worldliness. It signifies a limitless supply, exceeding what is merited or expected, precisely what is needed to overcome sin and self.

• Grace: (χάριν - charin) Unmerited divine favor, the benevolent disposition and active operation of God in believers, imparting spiritual strength and empowerment. It's the divine enablement to live righteously.

• Therefore: (διὸ - dio) A conclusive conjunction, meaning "on account of which." It connects the preceding statement (God gives more grace) to the subsequent scripture, providing scriptural authority and explanation for why God gives more grace and how it is accessed.

• It says: (λέγει - legei) Refers to Scripture as speaking authoritatively, a common New Testament way of introducing an Old Testament quote (Prov 3:34 in the Septuagint version).

• God: (Ὁ θεὸς - Ho Theos) The supreme, unique, and true God, emphasizing His divine nature and sovereign authority.

• Resists: (ἀντιτάσσεται - antitassetai) A powerful Greek term. It is a military word, meaning "to arrange oneself against," "to oppose," "to take up a stand in battle against." It implies active, resolute, and purposeful opposition, not passive disfavor.

• The proud: (ὑπερηφάνοις - hyperephanois) From hyper (over/above) and phaino (to shine/appear), meaning "one who shows himself above." This refers to the arrogant, those who have an exaggerated sense of their own importance, who trust in their own abilities, and defy God's authority or do not acknowledge their dependence on Him. This is the antithesis of the humility required for grace.

• But: (δὲ - de) Introduces a clear contrast.

• Gives: (δίδωσιν - didōsin) Again, the present tense, continuous action, emphasizing God's constant outpouring.

• Grace: (χάριν - charin) As defined above, divine favor and enabling power.

• To the humble: (ταπεινοῖς - tapeinois) Referring to those who are lowly in mind, modest, unpretentious, submissive to God's will. It denotes a realistic view of oneself in light of God's greatness and a willing dependence on Him. This posture is a prerequisite for receiving God's grace.

• Words-group Analysis:

  • "But He gives more grace.": This phrase establishes God's boundless benevolence and the overwhelming sufficiency of His divine aid, directly countering the destructive tendencies of self-reliance and worldly desires discussed previously. It underscores the active nature of God's provision.
  • "Therefore it says": Acts as a divine seal of approval, signifying that the following statement is an eternal truth rooted in God's revealed Word, bridging Old Testament wisdom with New Testament application.
  • "God resists the proud": This is an active, formidable confrontation. God positions Himself as an adversary against any who elevate themselves above Him or others. It indicates that pride inherently opposes God's character and plan, drawing His divine opposition.
  • "but gives grace to the humble.": This stark contrast presents God's magnanimity to those who recognize their need. Humility is not self-abasement, but rightly apprehending one's place before a holy God, which then opens the channel for divine favor and empowering grace.

James 4 6 Bonus section

The "more grace" in James 4:6 can be understood as "greater grace" (μεῖζον χάριν) specifically intended to overcome the "strong desire [for envy]" (πρὸς φθόνον ἐπιποθεῖ) mentioned at the end of James 4:5 (depending on the textual reading and interpretation). This means that God provides grace that is superior to and more powerful than the sinful human tendencies that lead to conflict and worldliness.

The contrast between God's "resistance" (antitassetai) and His "giving grace" (didōsin charin) is crucial. God is not merely disapproving of the proud; He sets Himself in active, unwavering opposition to them. Conversely, His giving of grace to the humble is also active and constant. This highlights the intensely personal and dynamic nature of humanity's relationship with God, determined by one's disposition: either a proud stance that invites divine opposition or a humble heart that welcomes divine favor and empowerment.

James 4 6 Commentary

James 4:6 serves as a powerful theological cornerstone within James' epistle, summarizing God's response to the human condition described in the preceding verses: internal conflict, prayerlessness due to wrong motives, and the spiritual adultery of friendship with the world, all stemming from a root of pride. James asserts that God's solution to this deep-seated rebellion is an abundant supply of "greater grace." This grace is not merely forgiveness but the active, divine enabling power that counters sin and self-will, making true reconciliation and righteous living possible.

The verse's core message is elucidated by the Old Testament quotation, sourced from Proverbs 3:34, which is also echoed in 1 Peter 5:5. This reiteration highlights a consistent truth throughout biblical revelation: God's fundamental opposition to pride and His overflowing generosity towards humility. "God resists the proud" implies a direct and active confrontation. Those who are proud set themselves up against God's sovereignty and wisdom, making them His direct adversaries. This is a severe warning; no one can successfully stand against God. In contrast, "He gives grace to the humble." Humility is the recognition of one's utter dependence on God, acknowledging one's finite nature and His infinite power and goodness. This posture of submission and reliance on God opens the heart to receive God's unmerited favor and empowering strength, which is sufficient to overcome worldly desires, personal conflicts, and any temptation to pride. Thus, humility is not weakness, but the channel through which divine strength flows, making it the essential key to living a life reconciled to God and marked by true spiritual prosperity.