James 5:20

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James 5:20 in Multiple Translations

Berean Standard Bible BSB

consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

King James Version KJV

Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

American Standard Version ASV

let him know, that he who converteth a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins.

Bible in Basic English BBE

Be certain that he through whom a sinner has been turned from the error of his way, keeps a soul from death and is the cause of forgiveness for sins without number.

Free Bible Version FBV

let them know that whoever rescues a sinner from the error of their ways will save them from death, and will gain forgiveness for many sins.

Geneva Bible 1599 GNV

Let him know that he which hath conuerted the sinner from going astray out of his way, shall saue a soule from death, and shall hide a multitude of sinnes.

Young's Literal Translation YLT

let him know that he who did turn back a sinner from the straying of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins.

World English Bible WEB

let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

Noah Webster Bible WBS

Let him know, that he who converteth a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death, and will hide a multitude of sins.

Douay-Rheims 1899 DRV

He must know that he who causeth a sinner to be converted from the error of his way, shall save his soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins.

Translation for Translators T4T

the one who persuaded him should realize that because he has enabled the person who was sinning to stop doing what is wrong, God will save that person from ◄spiritual death/being separated from him forever►, and will forgive his many sins.

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Berean Amplified Bible — James 5:20

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Word Study

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James 5:20 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB

GRK γινωσκετω οτι ο επιστρεψας αμαρτωλον εκ πλανης οδου αυτου σωσει ψυχην εκ θανατου και καλυψει πληθος αμαρτιων

γινωσκετω ginōskō G1097 to know Verb-PAM-3S

οτι hoti G3754 that/since: that Conj

ο ho G3588 the/this/who Art-NSM

επιστρεψας epistrephō G1994 to turn Verb-AAP-NSM

αμαρτωλον hamartōlos G268 sinful Adj-ASM

εκ ek G1537 out from Prep

πλανης planē G4106 error Noun-GSF

οδου hodos G3598 road Noun-GSF

αυτου autos G846 it/s/he Pron-GSM

σωσει sōzō G4982 to save Verb-FAI-3S

ψυχην psuchē G5590 soul Noun-ASF

εκ ek G1537 out from Prep

θανατου thanatos G2288 death Noun-GSM

και kai G2532 and Conj

καλυψει kaluptō G2572 to cover Verb-FAI-3S

πληθος plēthos G4128 multitude Noun-ASN

αμαρτιων hamartia G266 sin Noun-GPF

Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — James 5:20

γινωσκετω ginōskō G1097 "to know" Verb-PAM-3S

To know or understand something, as in Matthew 22:18 and Mark 5:43, where it means to recognize or perceive.

Definition: γινώσκω (= γιγν-: see previous word. So also vulgar Attic, in Inscr., see Thumb, MGV, 207), [in LXX chiefly for ידע ;] to be taking in knowledge, come to know, recognize, perceive, understand; in past tenses to know, realize; pass., to become known: with accusative, Mat.22:18, Mrk.5:43, Col.4:8, 1Th.3:5, al. Pass., Mat.10:26, Php.4:5, al.; before ὅτι, Mat.21:45, Jhn.4:1, al.; τί, Mat.6:3; ἀπό, Mrk.15:45; ὅ, Rom.7:15; τ. λεγόμενα, Luk.18:34; τ. θέλημα, Luk.12:47; τ. καρδίας, Luk.16:15; with accusative of person(s), of recognition by God, 1Co.8:3, Gal.4:9; by Christ, neg., Mat.7:23; frequently of the knowledge of divine things, of God and Christ; τ. θεόν, Rom.1:21 Gal.4:9; τ. πατέρα, Jhn.8:55; τ. κύριον, Heb.8:1 (LXX); νοῦν κυρίου, Rom.11:34; Χριστόν, Jhn.17:3, 1Jn.3:6; τὰ τοῦ πνεύματος, 1Co.2:14; τ. πνεύμα, 1Jn.4:6; τ. ἀλήθειαν, Jhn.8:32; of Christ's knowledge of the Father (ἐπιγ.), Mat.11:27 (Dalman, Words, 282ff.). In Hellenistic writers [LXX for Heb. ידע, Gal.4:1, al.], of sexual intercourse, to know carnally: Mat.1:25, Luk.1:34 (Cremer, 153). SYN.: γ., to know by observation and experience is thus prop. disting. from οἶδα, to know by reflection (a mental process, based on intuition or information); cf. also ἐφίστημι, συνίημι. (Cf. ἀνα-, δια-, ἐπι-, κατα-, προ-γινώσκω.) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 207 NT verses. KJV: allow, be aware (of), feel, (have) know(-ledge), perceived, be resolved, can speak, be sure, understand See also: 1 Corinthians 1:21; John 8:55; Hebrews 3:10.

οτι hoti G3754 "that/since: that" Conj

This Greek word means 'that' or 'because', used to introduce a reason or explanation. It appears in the New Testament, such as in Matthew 3:9 and Romans 8:38. It helps to show cause and effect in sentences.

Definition: ὅτι, conjc. (prop. neut. of ὅστις). __I. As conjc, introducing an objective clause, that; __1. after verbs of seeing, knowing, thinking, saying, feeling: Mat.3:9 6:32 11:25, Mrk.3:28, Luk.2:49, Jhn.2:22, Act.4:13, Rom.1:13 8:38 10:9, Php.4:15, Jas.2:24, al.; elliptically, Jhn.6:46, Php.3:12, al. __2. After εἶναι (γίνεσθαι): defining a demonstr. or of person(s) pron., Jhn.3:19 16:19, Rom.9:6, 1Jn.3:16 al.; with pron. interrog., Mat.8:27, Mrk.4:41, Luk.4:36, Jhn.4:22 al.; id. elliptically, Luk.2:49, Act.5:4, 9, al.; __3. Untranslatable, before direct discourse (ὅτι recitantis): Mat.7:23, Mrk.2:16, Luk.1:61, Jhn.1:20, Act.15:1, Heb.11:18, al. (on the pleonastic ὡς ὅτι, see: ὡς). __II. As causal particle, for that, because: Mat.5:4-12, Luk.6:20, 21, J0 1:30 5:27, Act.1:5, 1Jn.4:18, Rev.3:10, al. mult.; διὰ τοῦτο ὅτι, Jhn.8:47 10:17, al.; answering a question (διὰ τί), Rom.9:32, al.; οὐκ ὅτι . . . ἀλλ᾽ ὅτι, Jhn.6:26 12:6. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 1185 NT verses. KJV: as concerning that, as though, because (that), for (that), how (that), (in) that, though, why See also: 1 Corinthians 1:5; 1 John 5:2; 1 Peter 1:12.

ο ho G3588 "the/this/who" Art-NSM

The Greek word for 'the' or 'this', used to point out a specific person or thing, like in Acts 17:28. It can also mean 'he', 'she', or 'it'.

Definition: ὁ, ἡ, τό, the prepositive article (ἄρθρον προτακτικόν), originally a demonstr. pron. (so usually in Hom.), in general corresponding to the Eng. definite article. __I. As demonstr. pron. __1. As frequently in Hom., absol., he (she, it), his (etc.): Act.17:28 (quoted from the poet Aratus). __2. Distributive, ὁ μὲν . . . ὁ δέ, the one . . . the other: 1Co.7:7, Gal.4:22; pl., Act.14:4, 17:32, Php.1:16, al.; οἱ μὲν . . . ἄλλοι δέ, Mat.16:14, Jhn.7:12; οἱ μεν̀ . . . ὁδέ, Heb.7:21, 23. __3. In narration (without ὁ μὲν preceding), ὁ δέ, but he: Mat.2:14, Mrk.1:45, Luk.8:21, Jhn.9:38, al. mult. __II. As prepositive article, the, prefixed, __1. to nouns unmodified: ὁ θεός, τὸ φῶς, etc.; to abstract nouns, ἡ σοφία, etc., to pl. nouns which indicate a class, οἱ ἀλώπεκες, foxes, Mat.8:20, al.; to an individual as representing a class, ὁ ἐργάτης, Luk.10:7; with nom. = voc. in addresses, Mat.11:26, Jhn.19:3, Jas.5:1, al.; to things which pertain to one, ἡ χεῖρ, his hand, Mrk.3:1; to names of persons well known or already mentioned; usually to names of countries (originally adjectives), ἡ Ἰουδαία, etc. __2. To modified nouns: with of person(s) pron. genitive, μοῦ, σοῦ, etc.; with poss. pron., ἐμός, σός, etc.; with adj. between the art. and the noun, ὁ ἀγαθὸς ἄνθρωπος, Mat.12:35; the noun foll, by adj., both with art., ὁ ποιμὴν ὁ καλός, Jhn.10:11 (on ὁ ὄχλος πολύς, Jhn.12:9, see M, Pr., 84); before adjectival phrases, ἡ κατ᾽ ἐκλογὴν πρόθεσις, Rom.9:11. __3. To Other parts of speech used as substantives; __(a) neuter adjectives: τ. ἀγαθόν, etc.; __(b) cardinal numerals: ὁ εἶς, οἷ δύο, etc.; __(with) participles: ὁ βαπτίζων (= ὁ Βαπτιστής, Mat.14:2), Mrk.6:14; πᾶς ὁ, with ptcp., every one who, etc.; __(d) adverbs: τὸ πέραν, τὰ νῦν, ὁ ἔσω ἄνθρωπος; __(e) infinitives: nom., τὸ θέλειν, Rom.7:18, al.; genitive, τοῦ, after adjectives, ἄξιον τοῦ πορεύεσθαι, 1Co.16:4; verbs, ἐλαχεν τοῦ θυμιᾶσαι, Luk.1:9; and frequently in a final sense, ἐξῆλθεν ὁ σπείρειν, Mat.13:3 (on the artic. inf., see Bl., §71). __4. In the neut. to sentences, phrases or single words treated as a quotation: τὸ Ἐι δύνῃ, Mrk.9:23; τὸ ἔτι ἅπαξ, Heb.12:27; τὸ ἀνέβη, Eph.4:9, al. __5. To prepositional phrases: οἱ ἀπὸ Ἰταλίας, Heb.13:24; οἱ ἐκ νόμου, Rom.4:14; neut. accusative absol., in adverbial phrases, τὸ καθ᾽ ἡμέραν, daily, Luk.11:3; τὸ κατὰ σάρκα, as regards the flesh, Rom.9:5. __6. To nouns in the genitive, denoting kinship, association, etc.: ὁ τοῦ, the son of (unless context indicates a different relationship), Mat.10:2, al.; τὰ τοῦ θεοῦ, the things that pertain to God, Mat.16:23; τὰ τῆς εἰρήνης, Rom.14:19 (cf. M, Pr., 81ff.; Bl, §§46, 47). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7033 NT verses. KJV: the, this, that, one, he, she, it, etc See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 7:16; 1 Corinthians 11:24.

επιστρεψας epistrephō G1994 "to turn" Verb-AAP-NSM

To turn or revert, either physically or morally, as in Luke 1:16-17 where it means to turn back to God. This verb is used to describe a change in direction or behavior. It can also mean to cause someone to return to a virtuous path.

Definition: ἐπι-στρέφω [very frequently in LXX, chiefly for שׁוּב, in its various senses, also for פָּנָה, etc. ;] __1. trans., to turn about, round or towards, hence metaphorically, to turn, cause to return (to God, virtue, etc.): Luk.1:16-17 (cf. Mal.3:24), Jas.5:19-20. __2. Intrans., __(a) to turn, turn oneself around: Act.16:18; with inf., Rev.1:12; before πρός, Act.9:40; so also pass. (cl.), Mrk.5:30 8:33, Jhn.21:20; metaphorically, of turning to God (see Field, Notes, 246 ff.), ἐπὶ τ. κύριον (θεόν), Act.9:35 11:21 14:15 15:19 26:20; πρὸς τ. θεόν, 1Th.1:9, 2Co.3:16; ἀπὸ σκότους εἰς φῶς, Act.26:18; pass., 1Pe.2:25; __(b) to return (as in MGr.): Luk.8:55, Act.15:36; before ὀπίσω, with inf., Mat.24:18; before εἰς, Mat.12:44, Mrk.13:16, Luk.2:39 17:31; ἐπί, 2Pe.2:22; metaphorically, before ἐπί, Gal.4:9; πρός, Luk.17:4; of moral reform, Mat.13:15, Mrk.4:12, Luk.22:32, Act.3:19 28:27; pass., Mat.10:13 (Cremer, 531, 881).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 36 NT verses. KJV: come (go) again, convert, (re-)turn (about, again) See also: 1 Peter 2:25; John 12:40; James 5:19.

αμαρτωλον hamartōlos G268 "sinful" Adj-ASM

A sinful person, or someone who does wrong, like the sinners Jesus ate with in Matthew 9:10-13. This word describes people who are wicked or sinful.

Definition: ἁμαρτωλός, -όν (ἁμαρτάνω), [in LXX chiefly for רָשָׁע ;] sinful, a sinner: of all men, 1Ti.1:15; of those especially wicked, 1Ti.1:9, 1Pe.4:18; p1., Mat.9:10-13 11:19 26:45, al. (see MM, VGT, see word; Cremer, 102, 634) (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 46 NT verses. KJV: sinful, sinner See also: 1 Peter 4:18; Luke 13:2; Hebrews 7:26.

εκ ek G1537 "out from" Prep

The preposition 'out from' shows movement or origin, like in John 6:31 and Acts 9:3. It helps us understand where people or things come from or are going.

Definition: ἐκ (ἐξ), prep. with genitive, from out of, from (see Addendum, p. 492).This entry is included here, but in the print version the entry is found on p. 492. ἐκ, before a vowel ἐξ, prep. with genitive, of motion outwards, separation from (opposite to εἰς; = Lat. e, ex), from out of, from among, from. __I. Of Place, __1. of motion, out of, forth from, off from: Jhn.6:31, Act.9:3, Gal.1:8, al.; esp. after verbs of motion, Mat.8:28 17:9, Mrk.1:25 7:28, Jhn.1:33 20:1, Act.12:7, 17 27:30, al.; constr. praeg., σώζειν (διας) ἐκ, Ju 5, Act.28:4. Metaphorical, Mat.7:4, 5, 1Pe.2:9; ἐκ τ. χειρός (-ῶν), before genitive of person(s), Luk.1:74, Jhn.10:28, 29, 39, Act.12:4 24:7, Rev.19:2; πίνειν (which see) ἐκ; of the place from which an action proceeds, Luk.5:3 (cf. 12:36, Jhn.13:4, 2Co.2:4). __2. Of change from one place or condition to another: Jhn.8:42, Rom.6:13 13:11, Rev.7:14, al.; with ellips. of verb of motion, 2Ti.2:26, 2Pe.2:21, Rev.2:21, al. __3. Of separation or distinction from a number, before collective or pl. nouns: Mat.13:47, 49, Jhn.12:1, Act.3:15, 1Pe.1:3, al.; after εἷς, Mat.10:29 Luk.17:15, al.; οὐδείς, Jhn.7:19, al.; πολλοί, Jhn.11:19, al.; τις, Luk.11:15, al.; τίς, Mat.6:27, al.; in partitive phrase as subject of sentence, Jhn.16:17; Hebraistically, ἐκ μέσου before genitive, = ἐκ (Heb. מִתּוֹךְ), Mat.13:49, al. __4. Of position or direction (so in cl. = ἔξω): ἐκ δεξιῶν (see: δεξιός); ἐξ ἐναντίας, Mrk.15:39 (metaphorically, Tit.2:8); ἐκ ῥιζῶν (i.e., utterly), Mat.11:20. __II. Of Time, __1. of the point of time from which, from, since: ἐκ γενετῆς, Jhn.9:1, cf. Mrk.10:20, Luk.23:8, Act.24:10, al. __2. Of succession in time: ἐκ δευτέρου, a second time, Mrk.14:72, al., cf. Mat.26:44; ἡμέραν ἐξ ἡμέρας, from day to day, 2Pe.2:8. __III. Of Origin, __1. of nativity, lineage, race: κοίτην (ἐν γαστρί) ἔχειν, Rom.9:10, Mat.1:18; γεννᾶν ἐκ, Mat.1:3ff.; γεννᾶσθαι (γίνεσθαι) ἐκ, Jhn.3:6 8:41, Gal.4:4; ἐκ πνεύματος (θεοῦ), Jhn.1:13 3:5ff., al. ἔρχεσθαι, εἶναι, etc., ἐκ τ. πολέως, Jhn.1:44; φυλῆς, Luk.2:36, al.; τ. ἐξουσίας Ἡρῴδου, Luk.23:7; ὁ ὢν ἐκ τ. γῆς, Jhn.3:31. __2. Of the author, occasion or source: Mat.5:37, Jhn.2:16, Rom.2:29, 1Co.8:6, Gal.5:8, al.; ἐκ (τ. θεοῦ, 1Co.7:7, 2Co.5:1, 1Jn.4:7; ἐκ τ. πατρός, Jhn.6:65, al.; ἐκ τ. γῆς ἐστιν, λαλεῖ, Jhn.3:31; εκ καρδίας, Rom.6:17, cf. Mrk.12:30, 1Ti.1:5; ἐκ ψυχῆς, Eph.6:6, Col.3:23; ἐκ πίστεως, Rom.14:23; κρίνειν ἐκ, Luk.19:22, Rev.20:12. __3. Of the agent, after passive verbs: Mat.15:5, Mrk.7:11, 2Co.2:2, al.; frequently in Re after αδικεῖσθαι (2:11), etc. __4. Of cause, dependence, source of supply: τ. πόνου (των), Rev.16:10, 11; τ. φωνῶν, Rev.8:13; ἐκ τούτου, Jhn.6:66 19:12 (but see Meyer, in ll.); ἐκ θεοῦ λαλεῖν, 2Co.2:17; ἐκ τ. ἀληθείας, Jhn.18:37, 1Jn.3:19; ὁ ἐκ πίστεως, Rom.3:26 4:16; οἱ (ὄντες) ἐκ περιτομῆς, Act.11:2, Rom.4:12, Gal.2:12, Col.4:11; πίνειν ἐκ, Mat.26:29, Mrk.14:25, Jhn.4:13, al.; θερίζειν, Gal.6:8; μετέχειν ἐκ (= partit. genitive), 1Co.10:13; with inf., ἐκ τοῦ ἔχειν, 2Co.8:11. __5. Of material: Mat.27:29, Jhn.2:15 19:2, Rom.9:21, 1Co.11:12, Rev.18:12, al.; allied to which is its use of price (= cl. genitive): Mat.27:7, cf. ib. 20:2, Act.1:18. __IV. By attraction = ἐν (cl.): τὰ ἐκ τ. οἰκιας, Mat.24:17; τ. ἐξ αὐτοῦ δύναμιν, Mrk.5:30 (see Field, in l.); ὁ πατὴρ ὁ ἐξ οὐρανοῦ, Luk.11:13. __V. Adverbial phrases: ἐξ ἀνάγκης, 2Co.9:7, Heb.7:12; ἐξ ἰσότητος, 2Co.8:13; ἐκ μέρους, 1Co.12:27 13:9-12; ἐκ μέτρου, Jhn.3:34; ἐκ συμφώνου, 1Co.7:5. __VI. in composition, ἐκ signifies, __1. procession, removal: ἐκβαίνω, ἐκβάλλω. __2. Opening out, unfolding: ἐκτείνω; metaphorically, ἐξαγγάλλω. __3. Origin: ἔκγονος. __4. Completeness: ἐξαπορέω (see M, Pr., 237), ἐκπληρόω, ἐκτελέω. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 753 NT verses. KJV: after, among, X are, at, betwixt(-yond), by (the means of), exceedingly, (+ abundantly above), for(- th), from (among, forth, up), + grudgingly, + heartily, X heavenly, X hereby, + very highly, in, …ly, (because, by reason) of, off (from), on, out among (from, of), over, since, X thenceforth, through, X unto, X vehemently, with(-out) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:30; 3 John 1:11; 1 Peter 1:3.

πλανης planē G4106 "error" Noun-GSF

Error or deceit, as in Matthew 27:64 where the Pharisees were worried about Jesus' disciples stealing his body. This word refers to straying from what is right or true.

Definition: πλάνη, -ης, ἡ [in LXX: Pro.14:8 (מִרְמָה), Wis.1:12, al ;] a wandering. Metaphorical, a going astray, an error (in NT always with respect to morals or religion): Mat.27:64, Rom.1:27, Eph.4:14, 1Th.2:3, 2Th.2:11, Jas.5:20, 2Pe.2:18 3:17 3:1-18; 1Jn.4:6, Ju 11.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 10 NT verses. KJV: deceit, to deceive, delusion, error See also: 1 John 4:6; Ephesians 4:14; James 5:20.

οδου hodos G3598 "road" Noun-GSF

This word for road or path is used in Matthew 2:12 and Mark 10:46 to describe a physical route or way. It can also mean a mode or means of doing something.

Definition: ὁδός, -οῦ, ἡ, [in LXX chiefly (very freq.) for דֶּרֶךְ ;] __1. a way, path, road: Mat.2:12, Mrk.10:46, Luk.3:5 al.; κατὰ τὴν ὁ., Luk.10:4, al.; παρὰ τὴν ὁ., Mat.13:4, al.; with genitive of person(s), (subj.), τὴν ὁ. ἑτοιμάζειν (fig.), Mat.3:3, Mrk.1:3, al.; with genitive term. (obj.), ἐθνῶν, Mat.10:5; τ. ἁγίων (figuratively), Heb.9:8; accusative, ὁδόν, with force of prep. (like Heb. דֶּרֶךְ; Bl., §34, 8; 35, 5), ὁ. θαλάσσης, Mat.4:15 (LXX). __2. A traveller's way, journey: ἐν τ. ὁ., Mat.5:25, Mrk.8:27, al.; ἐξ ὁ., Luk.11:6; εἰς ὁ., Mat.10:10; τ. ὁδὸν πορεύεσθαι, Act.8:39; ὁ. ἡμέρας, Luk.2:44; ὁδὸν ποιεῖν (= cl., ὁ. ποιεῖσθαι; V. Field, Notes, 25), to make one's way, i.e. proceed on one's journey, Mrk.2:23. __3. Metaphorical (cl.; but esp. frequently in Heb.; see Cremer, 442ff.), of a course of conduct, a way of thinking or acting: Act.14:16, 1Co.4:17 12:31, Jas.1:8 5:20; τοῦ Κάϊν, Ju 11; τ. Βαλαάμ, 2Pe.2:15; εἰρήνης, Rom.3:17; ζωῆς, Act.2:28; ἡ ὁ. ἡ ἀπάγουσα εἰς τ. ζωήν (Dalman, Words, 160), Mat.7:14; τ. δικαιοσύνης, Mat.21:32; σωτηρίας, Act.16:17; αἱ ὁ. τ. θεοῦ (κυρίου), Act.13:10, Rom.11:33, Rev.15:3 (cf. Hos.14:9 Psa.94 (95):10, Sir.39:24, al.); ἡ ὁ. τ. θεοῦ (the way approved by God), Mat.22:16, Mrk.12:14, Luk.20:21; id., of the Christian religion, Act.18:26; so, absol., ἡ ὁ., Act.9:2 19:9, 23 24:22; of Christ as the means of approach to God, Jhn.14:6. __4. Ellipsis of ὁ.: ποίας (sc. ὁδοῦ), Luk.5:19; ἐκείνης, ib. 19:4 (see Bl., §36, 13; 44, 1). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 99 NT verses. KJV: journey, (high-)way See also: 1 Corinthians 4:17; Luke 11:6; Hebrews 3:10.

αυτου autos G846 "it/s/he" Pron-GSM

This pronoun refers to a person or thing, like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. It is used in the Bible to emphasize a person or thing, like in John 2:25 where it says 'he himself knew'.

Definition: αὐτός, -ή, -ό, determinative pron., in late Gk. much more frequently than in cl. (WM, 178f.; Jannaris, HGG, §1399). __1. Emphatic (so always in nom. exc. when preceded by the art., see infr., iii); __(1) self (ipse), expressing opposition, distinction, exclusion, etc., αὐ. ἐκχυθήσεται, Luk.5:37; αὐ. ἐγινώσκεν, Jhn.2:25; αὐ.ὑμεῖς, Jhn.3:28; καὶ αὐ. ἐγώ, Rom.15:14; αὐ. Ἰησοῦς, Jhn.2:24; αὐ. καὶ οἱ μετ᾽ αὐτοῦ, Mrk.2:25; ὑμεῖς αὐ., Mrk.6:31; esp. (as freq in cl.) αὐ. ὁ, Mat.3:4, Mrk.6:17, Jhn.16:27, 1Th.3:11, al.; in late Gk., sometimes weakened, ἐν αὐτῇ τ. ὥρᾳ, in that hour, Luk.10:21 (M, Pr., 91; MM, see word); __(2) emphatic, he, she, it (M, Pr., 86; Bl., §48, 1, 2, 7), Mat.1:21, 12:50, Luk.6:35, al.; pointing to some one as master (cl.), Mat.8:24, Mrk.4:38, al.; αὐ., καὶ αὐ. = οὗτος, ὁ δε (BL, §48, 1), Mat.14:2, Mrk.14:15, 44, Luk.1:22, 2:28, al. __2. In oblique cases (cl.), for the simple pron. of 3rd of person(s), he, she, it, Mat.7:9, 10:12, 26:44, al.; with ptcp. in genitive absol., Mat.9:18, Mrk.13:1, al. (for irreg. constructions, V. Bl., §74, 5); pleonastically after the relative (cf. Heb. אֲשֶׁר לוֹ; WM, 184ff.; Bl., §50, 4; MM, see word), Mrk.7:25, Rev.3:8, 7:2, al.; in constr. ad sensum, without proper subject expressly indicated, Mat.4:23, Act.8:5, 2Co.2:13, al.; genitive αὐτοῦ = ἐκείνου, Rom.11:11, 1Th.2:19, Tit.3:5, Heb.2:4. __3. ὁ, ἡ, τὸ αὐ., the same: Heb.1:12, 13:8; τὸ αὐ., ποιεῖν, Mat.5:46, 47, al.; φρονεῖν, Rom.12:16, 15:5, Php.2:2, al.; τὰ αὐ., Act.15:27, Rom.2:1, al.; κατὰ τὸ (τὰ) αὐ. (MM, see word), Act.14:1, Luk.6:23, al.; ἐπὶ τὸ αὐ., together (MM, see word), Mat.22:34, Act.1:15, al.; ἓν κ. τὸ αὐ., 1Co.11:5, 12:11; with dative (cl.), 1Co.11:5; with a noun, λόγος, Mrk.14:39; μέτρος, Php.1:30; πνεῦμα, 1Co.12:4. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 3773 NT verses. KJV: her, it(-self), one, the other, (mine) own, said, (self-), the) same, ((him-, my-, thy- )self, (your-)selves, she, that, their(-s), them(-selves), there(-at, - by, -in, -into, -of, -on, -with), they, (these) things, this (man), those, together, very, which See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 John 3:10; 1 Peter 1:3.

σωσει sōzō G4982 "to save" Verb-FAI-3S

To save or deliver someone from harm, like Jesus saving people from sin. It can also mean to heal or protect, as in Matthew 8:25 and Mark 13:20.

Definition: σώζω (on the more accurate σῴζω, see WH, Intr., §410; Bl., §3, 1-3), [in LXX chiefly for ישׁע hi., also for מלט ni., נצל ni., etc. ;] to save from peril, injury or suffering: Mat.8:25, Mrk.13:20, Luk.23:35, al.; τ. ψυχήν, Mat.16:25, al.; before ἐκ, Jhn.12:27, Heb.5:7, Ju 5; of healing, restoring to health: Mat.9:22, Mrk.5:34, al. In NT, esp. of salvation from spiritual disease and death, in which sense it is "spoken of in Scripture as either (1) past, (2) present, or (3) future, according as redemption, grace, or glory is the point in view. Thus (1) Rom.8:24, Eph.2:5, 8 2Ti.1:9, Tit.3:5; (2) Act.2:47, 1Co.1:18, 15:2, 2Co.2:15; (3) Mat.10:22, Rom.13:11, Php.2:12, Heb.9:28" (Vau. on Rom.5:9). Seq. ἀπό, Mat.1:21, Act.2:40, Rom.5:9; ἐκ, Jas.5:20, Ju 23 (cf. Cremer, 532ff.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 102 NT verses. KJV: heal, preserve, save (self), do well, be (make) whole See also: 1 Corinthians 1:18; Luke 8:12; 1 Peter 3:21.

ψυχην psuchē G5590 "soul" Noun-ASF

The Greek word for soul refers to the breath of life or the seat of emotions and desires, as seen in Matthew 6:25 and John 10:11. It is the essence of a person, encompassing their will and affections. This concept is central to understanding human nature in the Bible.

Definition: ψυχή, -ῆς, ἡ, [in LXX very frequently for נֶפֶשׁ, sometimes for לֵבַב ,לֵב, etc. ;] __1. breath (Lat. anima), breath of life, life (Hom., al.; in Arist., of the vital principle): Mat.6:25, Mrk.3:4 10:45, Luk.12:22, Jhn.10:11, Act.20:10, 24 2Co.1:23, Php.2:30, 1Th.2:8, al. __2. the soul, __(a) as the seat of the will, desires and affections: Mat.26:38, Mrk.12:30" (LXX) 14:34, Luk.1:46, Jhn.10:24, Act.14:2, Php.1:27, al.; ἐκ ψυχῆς, from the heart, heartily: Eph.6:6, Col.3:23; __(b) as a periphrasis for person or self (frequently in translation from Semitic originals, see M, Pr., 87; Robinson, Gospels, 113ff.; but also frequently in cl., see LS, see word II, 2; Edwards, Lex., App. A.): Mat.11:29, Mrk.8:36, Act.2:41, Rom.2:9, 1Pe.3:20, al.; πᾶσα ψ., Act.2:43 3:23" (LXX), Rom.13:1; ψ. ζῶσα (ζωῆς), 1Co.15:45, Rev.16:3; __(with) as the object of divine grace and eternal salvation: Heb.13:17, Jas.1:21 5:20, 1Pe.1:9, 22 2:11 4:19, 3Jo.2. SYN.: see: νοῦς, πνεῦμα, ψυχικός, and cf. ICC on 1Th.5:23, Lft., Notes, 88f. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 95 NT verses. KJV: heart (+ -ily), life, mind, soul, + us, + you See also: 1 Corinthians 15:45; John 13:37; 1 Peter 1:9.

εκ ek G1537 "out from" Prep

The preposition 'out from' shows movement or origin, like in John 6:31 and Acts 9:3. It helps us understand where people or things come from or are going.

θανατου thanatos G2288 "death" Noun-GSM

This word means death, whether it's physical or spiritual. It's used in many places, like John 11:13 and Romans 8:38, to describe the end of life or separation from God. It's the opposite of life.

Definition: θάνατος, -ου, ὁ (θνήσκω), [in LXX chiefly for מָוֶת ,מוּת, sometimes דֶּבֶר ;] death; __1. of the death of the body, whether natural or violent: Jhn.11:13, Php.2:27, Heb.7:23, al; opposite to ζωή, Rom.8:38, Php.1:20; of the death of Christ, Rom.5:10, Php.3:10, Heb.2:9; ῥυέσθαι (σώζειν) ἐκ θ., 2Co.1:10, Heb.5:7; περίλυπος ἕως θανάτου, Mat.26:38, Mrk.14:34; μέχρι (ἄχρι), Php.2:8, Rev.2:10; πληγὴ θανάτου, a deadly wound. Rev.13:3; ἰδεῖν θάνατον, Luk.2:26, Heb.11:5; γεύεσθαι θανάτου, Mrk.9:1; ἔνοχος θανάτου, Mrk.14:64; θανάτῳ τελευτᾶν ( Exo.21:17, מוּת יוּמָת), Mrk.7:10; death personified, Rom.6:9, 1Co.15:26, Rev.21:4; pl., of deadly perils, 2Co.11:23. __2. Of spiritual death: Jhn.5:24 8:51, Rom.7:10, Jas.1:15, 5:20, 1Jn.3:14 5:16, al.; of eternal death, Rom.1:32 7:5, al.; ὁ θ. ὁ δεύτερος, Rev.2:11 21:8 (cf. Cremer, 283ff.; DB, iii, 114ff.; DCG, i, 791f.). (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 106 NT verses. KJV: X deadly, (be…) death See also: 1 Corinthians 3:22; Mark 7:10; Hebrews 2:9.

και kai G2532 "and" Conj

And or also, a connecting word used to join ideas or words, like in Matthew 2:18 and Hebrews 1:1.

Definition: καί, conj., and __I. Copulative. __1. Connecting single words; __(a) in general: Mat.2:18, 16:1, Mrk.2:15, Luk.8:15, Heb.1:1, al. mult.; repeated before each of the terms in a series, Mat.23:23, Luk.14:21, Rom.7:12, 9:4, al. __(b) connecting numerals (WM, §37, 4): Jhn.2:20, Act.13:20; __(with) joining terms which are not mutually exclusive, as the part with the whole: Mat.8:33, 26:59, Mrk.16:17, Act.5:29, al. __2. Connecting clauses and sentences: Mat.3:12, Act.5:21, al. mult.; esp. __(a) where, after the simplicity of the popular language, sentences are paratactically joined (WM, §60, 3; M, Pr., 12; Deiss., LAE, 128ff.): Mat.1:21, 7:25, Mrk.9:5, Jhn.10:3, al.; __(b) joining affirmative to negative sentences: Luk.3:14, Jhn.4:11, IIIJhn.10; __(with) consecutive, and so: Mat.5:1, 23:32, Heb.3:19, al.; after imperatives, Mat.4:19, Luk.7:7, al.; __(d) = καίτοι, and yet: Mat.3:14, 6:26, Mrk.12:12, Luk.18:7 (Field, Notes, 72), 1Co.5:2, al.; __(e) beginning an apodosis (= Heb. וְ; so sometimes δέ in cl.), then: Luk.2:21, 7:12, Act.1:10; beginning a question (WM, §53, 3a): Mrk.10:26, Luk.10:29, Jhn.9:36. __3. Epexegetic, and, and indeed, namely (WM, §53, 3c): Luk.3:18, Jhn.1:16, Act.23:6, Rom.1:5, 1Co.3:5, al. __4. In transition: Mat.4:23, Mrk.5:1, 21, Jhn.1:19, al.; so, Hebraistically, καὶ ἐγένετο (וַי:הִי; also ἐγένετο δέ), Mrk.1:9 (cf. Luk.5:1; V. Burton, §§357-60; M, Pr., 14, 16). __5. καὶ . . . καί, both . . . and (for τε . . . καί, see: τε); __(a) connecting single words: Mat.10:28, Mrk.4:41, Rom.11:33, al.; __(b) clauses and sentences: Mrk.9:13, Jhn.7:28, 1Co.1:22, al. __II. Adjunctive, also, even, still: Mat.5:39, 40; Mrk.2:28, al. mult.; esp. with pron., adv., etc., Mat.20:4, Jhn.7:47, al; ὡς κ., Act.11:17; καθὼς κ., Rom.15:7; οὑτω κ., Rom.6:11; διὸ κ., Luk.1:35; ὁ κ. (Deiss., BS, 313ff.), Act.13:9; pleonastically, μετὰ κ.. (Bl., §77, 7; Deiss., BS, 265f,), Php.4:3; τί κ., 1 Co 15:29; ἀλλὰ κ., Luk.14:22, Jhn.5:18, al.; καίγε (M, Pr., 230; Burton, §437), Act.17:27; καίπερ, Heb.5:8; κ. ἐάν, see: ἐάν. ἐάν, contr. fr. εἰ ἄν, conditional particle, representing something as "under certain circumstances actual or liable to happen," but not so definitely expected as in the case of εἰ with ind. (Bl., §65, 4; cf. Jhn.13:17, 1Co.7:36), if haply, if; __1. with subjc. (cl.); __(a) pres.: Mat.6:22, Luk.10:6, Jhn.7:17, Rom.2:25, 26 al.; { __(b) aor. (= Lat. fut. pf.): Mat.4:9 16:26 (cf. ptcp. in Luk.9:25; M, Pr., 230), Mrk.3:24, Luk.14:34, Jhn.5:43, Rom.7:2, al.; = cl. εἰ, with opt., Jhn.9:22 11:57, Act.9:2; as Heb. אִם = ὅταν, Jhn.12:32 14:3, I Jhn.2:28 3:2, Heb.3:7" (LXX) . __2. C. indic, (as in late writers, fr. Arist. on; see WH, App., 171; VD, MGr. 2, App., §77; Deiss., BS, 201f., LAE, 155, 254; M, Pr., 168, 187; Bl., §65, 4); __(a) fut.: Mat.18:19 T, Luk.19:40, Act.7:7; __(b) pres.: 1Th.3:8 (see Milligan, in l.). __3. With other particles: ἐ. καί (Bl., §65, 6), Gal.6:1; ἐ. μή (M, Pr., 185, 187; Bl., l.with), with subjc. pres., Mat.10:13, 1Co.8:8, Jas.2:17, 1Jn.3:21; aor., Mat.6:15, Mrk.3:27, Jhn.3:3, Rom.10:15, Gal.1:8 2:16 (see Lft., Ellic., in ll.); ἐ. τε . . . ἐ. τε, [in LXX for אִם . . . אִם, Est.19:13, al.,] Rom.14:8. __4. = cl. ἄν (which see) after relat. pronouns and adverbs (Tdf., Pr., 96; WH, App., 173; M, Pr., 42f.; Bl., §26, 4; Mayser, 152f.; Deiss., BS, 202ff.): ὃς ἐ., Mat.5:19, Mrk.6:22, 23 Luk.17:32, 1Co.6:18, al.; ὅπου ἐ., Mat.8:19; ὁσάκις ἐ., Rev.11:6; οὗ ἐ., 1Co.16:6; καθὸ ἐ., 2Co.8:12; ὅστις ἐ., Gal.5:10. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 5212 NT verses. KJV: and, also, both, but, even, for, if, or, so, that, then, therefore, when, yet See also: 1 Corinthians 1:1; 1 Corinthians 10:4; 1 Corinthians 16:1.

καλυψει kaluptō G2572 "to cover" Verb-FAI-3S

To kalyppto means to cover something up, like hiding a truth, as seen in Luke 23:30 and Matthew 10:26.

Definition: καλύπτω [in LXX almost always for כָּסָה pi. ;] in cl., rare in prose, to cover: with accusative of person(s), Luk.23:30; with accusative of thing(s) and dative, Luk.8:16; pass., Mat.8:24; metaphorically, to veil, conceal: pf. ptcp. pass., Mat.10:26, 2Co.4:3; of the forgiveness of sins (cf. Psa.32:5 85:2; DB, ii, 56b): 1Pe.4:8, Jas.5:20; (seel. for καιομένη, WH, mg., Luk.24:32).† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 7 NT verses. KJV: cover, hide See also: 1 Peter 4:8; Luke 8:16; James 5:20.

πληθος plēthos G4128 "multitude" Noun-ASN

This word refers to a large group of people or things, like a crowd or multitude, as seen in Luke 2:13 and Acts 21:22. It can also describe a great number of something.

Definition: πλῆθος, -ους, τό [in LXX chiefly for רֹב, also for הָמוֹן, etc. ;] __1. a great number, a multitude; __(a) of things : ἰχθύων, Luk.5:6, Jhn.21:6; φρυγάνων, Act.28:3; ἁμαρτιίῶν, Jas.5:20, 1Pe.4:8; τ. πλήθει, in multitude, Heb.11:12; __(b) of persons: Act.21:22 (WH, R, om.); with genitive, Luk.2:13, Jhn.5:3, Act.5:14; π. πολύ (πολὺ π.), Mrk.3:7-8; id. with genitive, Luk.6:17 23:27, Act.14:1 17:4 __2. Of persons, with art., the whole number, the multitude (in Plat., Thuc., Xen., al., = δῆμος, the commons, or-opposite to δῆμος-the populace) : Act.2:6 15:30 19:9 23:7; τ. λαοῦ, Act.21:36; τ. πόλεως, Act.14:4; πᾶν τὸ π., Act.15:12; with genitive, Luk.1:10 8:37 19:37 23:1, Act.4:32 5:16 6:2, 5 25:24.† (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 32 NT verses. KJV: bundle, company, multitude See also: 1 Peter 4:8; Acts 25:24; Hebrews 11:12.

αμαρτιων hamartia G266 "sin" Noun-GPF

In the Bible, sin refers to missing the mark or falling short of God's standards, as seen in Romans. It's a principle of action that leads to guilt and fault. Jesus teaches about sin in various parables.

Definition: ἁμαρτία, -ας, ἡ (ἁμαρτάνω, which see), [in LXX chiefly for חַטָּאת and cogn. forms, also for פֶּשַׁע ,עָוֹן, etc. ;] prop. a missing the mark; in cl. (see reff. to CR in MM, VGT, see word); __(a) guilt, sin (Plat., Arist., al.); __(b) more freq., from Æsch. down, a fault, failure. In NT (as LXX) always in ethical sense; __1. as a principle and quality of action, = τὸ ἁμαρτάνειν, a sinning, sin: Rom.5:12, 13 20; ὑφ᾽ ἁμαρτίαν εἶναι, Rom.3:9; ἐπιμένειν, Rom.6:1; ἀποθνήσκειν, νεκρὸν εἶναι τῇ ἁ., Rom.6:2, 11; τὴν ἀ. γινώσκειν, Rom.7:7; σῶμα τῆς ἁ., Rom.6:6; ἀπάτη τῆς ἁ., Heb.3:13; personified as a ruling principle, ἁ. βασιλεύει, κυριεύει, etc., Rom.5:21 6:12, 14 7:17, 20; δουλεύειν, Rom.6:6; δοῦλος τῆς ἁ., ib. 17; νόμος τῆς ἁ., Rom.7:23 8:2; δύναμις τῆς ἁ., 1Co.15:56 (cf. Gen.4:7). __2. As a generic term (disting. fr. the specific terms ἁμάρτημα, which see, etc.) for concrete wrongdoing, violation of the divine law, sin: Jhn.8:46, Jas.1:15, al.; ποιεῖν (τὴν) ἁ., Jhn.8:34, 2Co.11:7, 1Jn.3:8; εἴχειν ἁ., Jhn.9:41 15:22, 24 19:11, 1Jn.1:8; in pl. ἁμαρτίαι, sin in the aggregate, 1Th.2:16 (see Milligan, in l.); ποιεῖν ἁμαρτίας, Jas.5:15; πλῆθος ἁμαρτιῶν, Jas.5:20, 1Pe.4:8; ἄφεσις ἁμαρτιῶν, Mat.26:28, Mrk.1:4, al.; ἐν ἁμαρτίαις εἶναι, 1Co.15:17; collectively, αἴρειν τὴν ἁ. τ. κόσμου, Jhn.1:29; ἀποθνήσκειν ἐν τῇ ἁ., Jhn.8:21. __3. = ἁμάρτημα, a sinful deed, a sin: Mat.12:31, Act.7:60, 1Jn.5:16. SYN.: see: ἁμάρτημα. (AS)

Usage: Occurs in 151 NT verses. KJV: offence, sin(-ful) See also: 1 Corinthians 15:3; John 8:34; 1 Peter 2:22.

Study Notes — James 5:20

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Context
Cross References
James 5:20 Summary
Frequently Asked Questions
Reflection Questions
Gill's Exposition on James 5:20
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on James 5:20
Matthew Poole's Commentary on James 5:20
Trapp's Commentary on James 5:20
Ellicott's Commentary on James 5:20
Adam Clarke's Commentary on James 5:20
Cambridge Bible on James 5:20
Barnes' Notes on James 5:20
Whedon's Commentary on James 5:20
Sermons on James 5:20

Context — Restoring a Sinner

18Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth yielded its crops. 19My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back,

20consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

Cross References

	Reference	Text (BSB)
1	1 Peter 4:8	Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
2	Proverbs 10:12	Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.
3	1 Timothy 4:16	Pay close attention to your life and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by so doing you will save both yourself and those who hear you.
4	Proverbs 11:30	The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.
5	Romans 11:14	in the hope that I may provoke my own people to jealousy and save some of them.
6	James 5:19	My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back,
7	1 Corinthians 9:22	To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.
8	Psalms 32:1	Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
9	Proverbs 11:4	Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness brings deliverance from death.
10	James 1:15	Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

James 5:20 Summary

[James 5:20 teaches us that when we help someone to turn away from sin and follow God, we are helping to save their soul from spiritual death. This is a powerful reminder of the impact that we can have on others when we love and care for them, as seen in Proverbs 27:17 and 1 Thessalonians 5:11. By loving and serving others, we can help them to experience the forgiveness and love of God, and to turn from their sins. This is a key part of living out our faith and following Jesus' command to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31).]

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'turn a sinner from the error of his way' in James 5:20?

This phrase means to help someone who is living in sin to change their ways and follow God, as seen in James 5:19, where it talks about bringing a wanderer back to the truth, similar to what Jesus taught in Matthew 18:15 and Luke 17:3-4.

How can one person 'save his soul from death' as mentioned in James 5:20?

This refers to the spiritual salvation that comes from repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, as described in Romans 10:9-10 and Acts 4:12, where it is clear that only through Jesus can we be saved from spiritual death.

What does it mean to 'cover over a multitude of sins' in James 5:20?

This phrase means that when we help someone to turn from sin, God forgives and covers their past sins, much like what is described in Psalm 32:1-2 and 1 Peter 4:8, where love and forgiveness are emphasized as key to covering sins.

Is this verse suggesting that we can earn salvation by turning others from sin?

No, this verse is not suggesting that we can earn salvation by our works, but rather that our obedience to God and our love for others can have a profound impact on their spiritual lives, as seen in Ephesians 2:8-10, where it is clear that salvation is a gift from God, not a result of our works.

Reflection Questions

What are some ways that I can help turn sinners from the error of their way, as described in James 5:20?
How can I balance the command to love and forgive others with the need to also speak truth and correct wrongdoing, as seen in Matthew 18:15-17?
What are some sins in my own life that I need to turn from, and how can I seek help and accountability from others to do so?
How can I trust that God will 'cover over a multitude of sins' when I help others to turn from sin, and what does this mean for my own life and relationships?

Gill's Exposition on James 5:20

Let him know,.... And observe it for his encouragement: that he which converteth a sinner from the error of his way; who is the instrument of restoring a backsliding professor, for such an one is

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on James 5:20

Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way Let him (the converter) know - for his encouragement. Shall save - future. The salvation of the converted shall be manifested hereafter.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on James 5:20

Of his way; of his life and actions, which is contrary to the way which God hath prescribed. Shall save; men are said to save in the same way as to convert, viz. instrumentally. A soul; the soul of him that is thus converted, : soul for person, as . From death: eternal death, unto which he was hastening while he continued in the error of his way, which led him toward destruction. And shall hide a multitude of sins; in the same sense as before he is said to convert and save his soul, viz. in being instrumental to bring him to faith and repentance, upon which God pardons, i.e. hides his sins, though not from the eye of his omniscience, yet from the eye of his vindictive justice, and so as not to bring them forth in judgment against him.

Trapp's Commentary on James 5:20

20 Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins. Ver. 20. Shall save a soul] A high honour to have any hand in such a work. Cover a multitude] i.e. He shall be a means that God shall cover them.

Ellicott's Commentary on James 5:20

(20) Let him know.—Or, as it rather seems to be, Know ye; be absolutely sure of this, in a knowledge better than all the Gnostic and Agnostic learning of the day. He which turneth a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death—the means thereto being given him by the Saviour of all—and shall hide a multitude of sins; not, of course, his own, but those of the penitent, brought back by this good servant into the fold. So is it possible to be a fellow-worker with Christ (2 Corinthians 6:1), and a sharer in His work of salvation, as, in another sense, we too vicariously suffer for the sins and faults of others. (Comp. Colossians 1:24, and Butler’s Analogy, part 2, chap. 5) What St. James was in word that also was he in deed; for he “prayed fervently” for the pardon and conversion of those who killed him. “Hold,” said some of the by-standers. when the martyr sank upon the stones, “the Just is praying for you!” Stephen’s prayer won Saul for the infant Church: it can hardly be that James’s last breathings of pity were unanswered of God.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on James 5:20

Verse 20. Let him know] Let him duly consider, for his encouragement, that he who is the instrument of converting a sinner shall save a soul from eternal death, and a body from ruin, and shall hide a multitude of sins; for in being the means of his conversion we bring him back to God, who, in his infinite mercy, hides or blots out the numerous sins which he had committed during the time of his backsliding. It is not the man's sins who is the means of his conversion, but the sins of the backslider, which are here said to be hidden. See more below. 1. MANY are of opinion that the hiding a multitude of sins is here to be understood of the person who converts the backslider: this is a dangerous doctrine, and what the Holy Spirit never taught to man. Were this true it would lead many a sinner to endeavour the reformation of his neighbour, that himself might continue under the influence of his own beloved sins and conversion to a particular creed would be put in the place of conversion to God, and thus the substance be lost in the shadow. Bishop Atterbury, (Ser. vol. i. p. 46,) and Scott, (Christian Life, vol. i. p. 368,) contend "that the covering a multitude of sins includes also, that the pious action of which the apostle speaks engages God to look with greater indulgence on the character of the person that performs it, and to be less severe in marking what he has done amiss." See Macknight. This from such authorities may be considered doubly dangerous; it argues however great ignorance of God, of the nature of Divine justice, and of the sinfulness of sin. It is besides completely antievangelical; it teaches in effect that something besides the blood of the covenant will render God propitious to man, and that the performance of a pious action will induce God's justice to show greater indulgence to the person who performs it, and to be less severe in marking what he has done amiss. On the ground of this doctrine we might confide that, had he a certain quantum of pious acts, we might have all the sins of our lives forgiven, independently of the sacrifice of Christ; for if one pious act can procure pardon for a multitude of sins, what may not be expected from many? 2. The Jewish doctrine, to which it is possible St. James may allude, was certainly more sound than that taught by these Christian divines. They allowed that the man who was the means of converting another had done a work highly pleasing to God, and which should be rewarded; but they never insinuate that this would atone for sin. I shall produce a few examples: - In Synopsis Sohzar, p. 47, n. 17, it is said: Great is his excellence who persuades a sick person to turn from his sins. Ibid, p. 92, n.

Cambridge Bible on James 5:20

20. from the error of his way] The noun always involves the idea of being deceived as well as erring. Comp. 2 Peter 2:18; 2 Peter 3:17; 1 John 4:6.shall save a soul from death] The soul is obviously that of the sinner who is converted. Death, bodily and spiritual, would be the outcome of the error if he were left alone, and in being rescued from the error he is therefore saved also from death.and shall hide a multitude of sins] The phrase is one of those which St James has in common with St Peter (1 Peter 4:8). It occurs also in the LXX. of Psalms 85:2, and in a nearly identical form in Psalms 32:1. The Hebrew, and English version, of Proverbs 10:12 present a still closer parallel, but the LXX. seems to have followed a different text, and gives “Friendship covers all those that are not contentious.” The context leaves hardly any room for doubt that the “sins” which are thought of as covered are primarily those of the man converted, and not those of the converter. There is, however, a studied generality in the form of the teaching, which seems to emphasise the wide blessedness of love. In the very act of seeking to convert one for whom we care we must turn to God ourselves, and in covering the past sins of another our own also are covered. In such an act love reaches its highest point, and that love includes the faith in God which is the condition of forgiveness.The absence of any formal close to the Epistle is in many ways remarkable. In this respect it stands absolutely alone in the New Testament, the nearest approach to it being found in 1 John 5:21. It is a possible explanation of this peculiarity, that we have lost the conclusion of the Epistle. It is, however, more probable that the abruptness is that of emphasis. The writer had given utterance to a truth which he desired above all things to impress on the minds of his readers, and he could not do this more effectually than by making it the last word he wrote to them.

Barnes' Notes on James 5:20

Let him know - Let him who converts the other know for his encouragement. That he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way - Any sinner; anyone who has done wrong.

Whedon's Commentary on James 5:20

20. Let him know—Or, by a reading preferred by Alford, know ye. What now follows is stated as a universal truth, implying that this individual case would be included under it.

Sermons on James 5:20

	Sermon	Description
	(Messages) Repentance by Basilea Schlink	During World War II, many German people experienced suffering and developed a hunger for the word of God. The speaker received numerous requests for Bible studies and lectures, whi
	Luke 15: by Welcome Detweiler	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the joy and happiness that spreads when a person trusts in Jesus as their Savior. The preacher suggests that the best way to make the world
	Can I Be Coverted Today by Ian Paisley	In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unchangeable declaration that God can save sinners and bless those who minister the word for their salvation. The preacher refers to Jam
	Beware of the Leaven of Sin by Shane Idleman	This sermon emphasizes the importance of being vigilant against the leaven of sin, drawing parallels between leaven as false doctrine and sin in the Bible. It highlights the need t
	Evangelism 06 Urgency of Soul Winning by Welcome Detweiler	In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the importance of winning souls for God. He emphasizes the power of gospel tracks in spreading the truth and encourages believers to always
	Prayer That Prevails by Paris Reidhead	In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of orienting one's life and will towards God's plan and purpose in order to prevail in prayer. Rather than simply asking God f
	Compassion for the Lost by Charles Bridges	Charles Bridges preaches on the compassion of Jesus towards those who do not keep God's law, emphasizing the need for Christians to have a tender concern for the honor of God and a