What Does James 4:6 Mean in the King James?
But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble.
The analysis reads the King James wording.
King James Version The King James Version, first published in 1611. Selah Verse shows the standard text.
THE KEY
God’s abundant favor meets the lowly as gift, while pride meets God as an active opponent.
THE MEANING
God gives more favor to the humble, while pride meets God’s opposition. The humble are not called worthless; they occupy the lowly posture where favor remains a gift, not a status they have earned.
WHAT THIS UNDOES
You have to rise above others or prove your worth before you can receive favor.
THE ROOT
χάριν
charin
GROWS FROM
χαρ-
char-
Favor and gracious regard, freely given
“grace” in this verse is charin. James uses this favor-word for what God gives the humble: it is a gift, not a wage paid for virtue. The word “more” makes the gift abundant, while the verse sets it beside active opposition to pride.
ALSO GROWS
charizomai: To grant or give freely
χαρίζομαι
This related verb shows favor as something bestowed.
charisma: A gracious gift
χάρισμα
The gift remains something received from favor, echoing that the humble are given rather than paid.
ἀντιτάσσεται
antitassetai
GROWS FROM
τάσσω
tassō
To arrange, place, or station
“resisteth” in this verse is antitassetai. The Greek verb pictures taking a position against, built on a word for placing or stationing. Pride does not simply go unnoticed; it meets an opposing stance, making the contrast with the humble concrete.
ALSO GROWS
tassō: To arrange, station, or appoint
τάσσω
Its sense of placing or stationing sharpens the force of “resisteth” as an opposing position.
diatassō: To arrange or direct
διατάσσω
This related verb also carries the idea of setting things in order, illuminating the positional force of the root.
ταπεινοῖς
tapeinois
GROWS FROM
ταπειν-
tapein-
Low, brought low, or not elevated
This word family spans low position and humble disposition. Here, “humble” names a posture that does not raise itself over others; it does not mean worthlessness.
ALSO GROWS
tapeinoō: To lower or humble
ταπεινόω
The verb makes the root’s movement toward a low position explicit.
tapeinophrosynē: Humility, a lowly disposition
ταπεινοφροσύνη
This related noun shows the root describing an inward posture as well as a low position.
THE PATTERN
Scripture repeatedly places God’s favor with the lowly and sets pride against that favor.
Surely he scorneth the scorners: but he giveth grace unto the lowly.Though the LORD be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off.He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.THE THREAD
Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder. Yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility: for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble.Peter repeats the same key terms for resisting the proud, giving favor, and the humble, showing this is a recurring pattern. The image of being “clothed with humility” places that lowly posture among people, where favor is received rather than claimed.
This reading is from Selah Verse.
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