Humble yourselves before the Lord
The call to humility is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing the importance of recognizing one's own limitations and dependence on God. In the biblical context, humility is not merely an attitude but an action, a deliberate choice to submit to God's authority. This phrase echoes the teachings of Jesus, who exemplified humility in His life and ministry (Philippians 2:5-8). The cultural context of the early church, to which James was writing, was one where honor and status were highly valued. By urging believers to humble themselves, James is countering the societal norms and encouraging a countercultural approach that aligns with God's kingdom values. This humility is also a prerequisite for receiving God's grace, as stated earlier in James 4:6, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."

and He will exalt you
The promise of exaltation is a divine assurance that those who humble themselves will be lifted up by God. This exaltation is not necessarily in worldly terms of power or status but in spiritual terms, aligning with God's purposes and receiving His favor. The concept of God exalting the humble is consistent with the teachings of Jesus, such as in Matthew 23:12, "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." This principle is also seen in the lives of biblical figures like Joseph, who, despite his trials, was eventually elevated to a position of great influence in Egypt (Genesis 41:41-44). Theologically, this exaltation points to the ultimate glorification of believers in the eschatological future, where they will share in Christ's glory (Romans 8:17). The promise serves as an encouragement to believers to remain steadfast in humility, trusting in God's timing and sovereignty.

1. James
The author of the epistle, traditionally identified as James, the brother of Jesus and a leader in the early Jerusalem church. He writes with authority and pastoral concern for the spiritual well-being of his readers.

2. The Lord
Refers to God, emphasizing His sovereignty and the proper attitude of humility that believers should have before Him.

3. The Recipients
Early Christians, likely Jewish believers scattered among the nations, facing trials and temptations, and in need of guidance on living out their faith.The Call to Humility
Humility is a deliberate act of submission to God, recognizing His authority and our dependence on Him. It involves a heart posture that acknowledges our limitations and God's greatness.

The Promise of Exaltation
God's promise to exalt those who humble themselves is a reminder that true honor and elevation come from Him, not from self-promotion or worldly achievements.

The Example of Christ
Jesus Christ is the perfect model of humility. By following His example, believers can understand the depth of humility required and the glory that follows.

The Role of Grace
Humility opens the door to receiving God's grace. It is through grace that believers are empowered to live righteously and are ultimately exalted by God.

Practical Humility in Daily Life
Practicing humility involves serving others, prioritizing God's will over personal desires, and seeking His guidance in all aspects of life.(10) Humble yourselves . . .--Read, Humble yourselves therefore before the Lord, and He shall lift you up. "For thus saith the high and lofty One" (Isaiah 57:15), "I dwell in the high and holy place, with him also that is of a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, and to revive the heart of the contrite." (Comp. 1Peter 5:6.) "God," says Thomas a Kempis, "protects the humble and delivers him; He loves and consoles him; He inclines Himself towards the humble man, He bestows on him exceeding grace, and after his humiliation He lifts him up to glory; He reveals his secrets to the humble, and sweetly draws and leads him to Himself."

Verse 10. - Humble yourselves, etc. A further parallel with our Lord's teaching, St. James's words being perhaps suggested by the saying recorded in Matthew 23:12, "Whosoever shall humble himself shall be exalted" (ὑψωθήσεται, as here, "He shall lift you up," ὑψώσει). In the sight of the Lord (ἐνώπιον). The article (τοῦ) in the Received Text is certainly wrong. It is wanting in a, A, B, K. The anarthrous Κύριος is used by St. James here and in James 5:4, 10 (with which contrast ver. 14), and 1 l, as equivalent to the "Jehovah" of the Old Testament, which is represented in the LXX. by Κύριος without the article.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Humble yourselves
ταπεινώθητε (tapeinōthēte)
Verb - Aorist Imperative Passive - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 5013: To make or bring low, humble, humiliate; pass: To be humbled. From tapeinos; to depress; figuratively, to humiliate.

before
ἐνώπιον (enōpion)
Preposition
Strong's 1799: Neuter of a compound of en and a derivative of optanomai; in the face of.

[the] Lord,
Κυρίου (Kyriou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2962: Lord, master, sir; the Lord. From kuros; supreme in authority, i.e. controller; by implication, Master.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

He will exalt
ὑψώσει (hypsōsei)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 5312: (a) I raise on high, lift up, (b) I exalt, set on high. From hupsos; to elevate.

you.
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.


James 4:10 NIV
James 4:10 NLT
James 4:10 ESV
James 4:10 NASB
James 4:10 KJV

James 4:10 BibleApps.com
James 4:10 Biblia Paralela
James 4:10 Chinese Bible
James 4:10 French Bible
James 4:10 Catholic Bible

NT Letters: James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the sight (Ja Jas. Jam)