# Where is “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you” in the Bible?

> “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you” is James 4:8.

Source: https://www.lumin.faith/is-it-in-the-bible/draw-near-to-god-and-he-will-draw-near-to-you
By Andrew Kittridge · November 10, 2026

James writes it in his letter to Jewish believers scattered abroad.

## The verse

> Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.
>
> — [James 4:8](https://www.lumin.faith/read/james/4#8) (Lumin Translation)

English Bibles word this verse in different ways. The Lumin Translation, a modern English Bible, is quoted here.

## What it means there

James is calling divided people to come back. The verse goes on to tell them to wash their hands and purify their hearts, so coming near includes turning from sin.

## Common questions

### Where is “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you” in the Bible?

“Draw near to God and he will draw near to you” is James 4:8. English Bibles word this verse in different ways. The Lumin Translation, a modern English Bible, is quoted here. James writes it in his letter to Jewish believers scattered abroad.

### Is “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you” in the Bible?

Yes. It is James 4:8. In the Lumin Translation, James 4:8 reads: “Come near to God, and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

### Who said “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you”?

James writes it in his letter to Jewish believers scattered abroad.

### What does “Draw near to God and he will draw near to you” mean in the Bible?

James is calling divided people to come back. The verse goes on to tell them to wash their hands and purify their hearts, so coming near includes turning from sin.

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