James 5:20
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.
let him know
This phrase emphasizes the importance of awareness and understanding in the Christian life. The Greek word for "know" here is "ginōskō," which implies a deep, experiential knowledge. It is not merely intellectual assent but a profound realization that comes from personal experience and conviction. In the context of the early church, this knowledge was crucial for believers who were often surrounded by pagan practices and needed to discern truth from error.

whoever turns
The act of turning, from the Greek "epistrephō," suggests a complete change of direction or conversion. This is not a superficial adjustment but a radical transformation of one's life. Historically, the early Christian community was deeply involved in evangelism, seeking to turn individuals from their previous ways to a new life in Christ. This phrase underscores the active role believers are called to play in the spiritual lives of others.

a sinner
The term "sinner" in this context refers to someone who is living in a state of separation from God. In the Jewish tradition, a sinner was someone who violated the laws of God, and in the early Christian context, it extended to those who rejected the teachings of Christ. The mission of the church has always been to reach out to such individuals with the love and truth of the Gospel.

from the error of his way
The "error" here, from the Greek "planē," denotes a wandering or straying from the truth. It is a powerful image of someone who has lost their way, akin to a sheep that has gone astray. The early church fathers often spoke of the Christian life as a journey, and this phrase captures the essence of guiding someone back to the right path.

will save his soul from death
The concept of saving a soul from death is central to Christian theology. The Greek word "sōzō" for "save" implies rescue and deliverance. In the biblical context, "death" often refers to spiritual death, which is eternal separation from God. This phrase highlights the eternal significance of turning someone back to God, emphasizing the ultimate goal of salvation.

and cover over a multitude of sins
The imagery of covering sins is rich in biblical tradition, harking back to the sacrificial system of the Old Testament where sins were covered by the blood of sacrifices. The Greek word "kalyptō" means to hide or veil. In the New Testament, this covering is achieved through the atoning work of Christ. The phrase suggests that by turning a sinner back to God, not only is the individual saved, but the grace of God extends to cover their past transgressions, reflecting the boundless mercy and forgiveness available through Christ.

Persons / Places / Events
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 believers.

2. Sinner
Refers to any individual who has strayed from the truth of the Gospel and is living in sin. The term "sinner" in the Greek (hamart?los) emphasizes one who is missing the mark of God's standard.

3. The Church
The community of believers to whom James is writing. The church is called to be a place of restoration and healing for those who have wandered from the truth.

4. Salvation
The act of saving a soul from death, which in this context refers to spiritual death or separation from God. The Greek word for "save" (s?z?) implies rescue and deliverance.

5. Covering of Sins
This phrase suggests the forgiveness and atonement of sins, reminiscent of the Old Testament sacrificial system where sins were covered by the blood of a sacrifice.
Teaching Points
The Call to Restoration
Believers are called to actively participate in the restoration of those who have wandered from the truth. This involves love, patience, and a gentle spirit.

The Power of Repentance
Turning a sinner from their error is a powerful act that leads to salvation and forgiveness. It underscores the transformative power of repentance.

Community Responsibility
The church community has a responsibility to care for its members, seeking to guide them back to the truth when they stray.

Love as a Covering
Love plays a crucial role in the process of restoration and forgiveness. It is through love that sins are covered and relationships are healed.

Eternal Perspective
The ultimate goal of turning a sinner from their error is the salvation of their soul, which has eternal significance.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of turning a sinner from their error challenge our understanding of community responsibility within the church?

2. In what ways can we practically demonstrate love that covers a multitude of sins in our daily interactions with others?

3. How does the parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15 relate to James' teaching on restoring those who have wandered from the truth?

4. What are some practical steps we can take to gently restore someone caught in sin, as instructed in Galatians 6:1?

5. How can maintaining an eternal perspective influence our approach to helping others turn from their errors?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Luke 15:4-7
The parable of the lost sheep illustrates the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, highlighting the importance of seeking and restoring those who have gone astray.

Proverbs 10:12
This verse speaks of love covering all wrongs, which aligns with the idea of covering a multitude of sins through love and forgiveness.

1 Peter 4:8
Peter echoes the sentiment that love covers a multitude of sins, emphasizing the role of love in the community of believers.

Galatians 6:1
Paul instructs believers to restore someone caught in sin gently, which parallels James' call to turn a sinner from their error.
Abrupt EndingDean Plumptre.James 5:19-20
Be Slow to DespairJames 5:19-20
Caring for the Salvation of OthersT. Manton.James 5:19-20
ConversionC. H. Spurgeon.James 5:19-20
Conversion of OthersC. F. Deems, D. D.James 5:19-20
Conversion of the Erring a Christian DutyWin. Forsyth.James 5:19-20
Converting a SinnerDr. J. P. Thompson.James 5:19-20
Converting a SoulD. Thomas.James 5:19-20
Converting Sinners a Christian DutyC. G. Finney.James 5:19-20
Difficulty of the WorkEdward Smith.James 5:19-20
Heresy: an Exposition and an AppealJ. Parker, D. D.James 5:19-20
How to Do ItG. F. Pentecost, D. D.James 5:19-20
Human Agency in the Sinner's Conversion to GodHugh McGatrie.James 5:19-20
Jewel Gatherers .For the Redeemer's CrownW. M. Punshon, D. D.James 5:19-20
Motives to Christian ZealEssex RemembrancerJames 5:19-20
On Restoring BackslidersA. F. Barfield.James 5:19-20
One Soul Worth a Great EffortJames 5:19-20
Saved AloneJames 5:19-20
Sin HiddenJames 5:19-20
Soul-SavingJames 5:19-20
Successful EndeavourSword and Trowel.James 5:19-20
The Conversion of a SinnerC. Jerdan James 5:19, 20
The Conversion of a SinnerA. R. McEwen, D. D.James 5:19-20
The Conversion of SinnersT. Finch.James 5:19-20
The Conversion of SinnersJ. CaugheyJames 5:19-20
The Erring to be ReclaimedDean Scott.James 5:19-20
The Greatness of Being Instrumental to Another's ConversionH. Melvill, B. D.James 5:19-20
The Joy of Converting a SoulJames 5:19-20
The Lord's Converts and Man'sJames 5:19-20
The Mission of a TractThe Fireside.James 5:19-20
The Preciousness of the SoulJoseph Cummings, D. D.James 5:19-20
The Salvation of a SoulT.F. Lockyear James 5:19, 20
The Wide Blessedness of LoveDean Plumptre.James 5:19-20
Tholuck's Personal Effort for Individual SoulsJames 5:19-20
To Sabbath-School Teachers and Other Soul-WinnersC. H. Spurgeon.James 5:19-20
Wandering from the TruthC. F. Deems, D. D.James 5:19-20
People
Elias, Elijah, James, Job
Places
Dispersion
Topics
Brings, Cause, Converteth, Cover, Death, Error, Evil, Forgiveness, Hide, Keeps, Man's, Multitude, Save, Sinner, Sins, Soul, Straying, Throw, Turn, Turns, Veil
Dictionary of Bible Themes
James 5:20

     5146   covering
     6028   sin, deliverance from
     8426   evangelism, motivation

James 5:19-20

     5691   friends, good

Library
June the Twenty-Ninth Effectual Prayers
"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." --JAMES v. 13-20. Or, as Weymouth translates it, "The heartfelt supplication of a righteous man exerts a mighty influence." Prayer may be empty words, with no more power than those empty shells which have been foisted upon the Turks in their war with the Balkan States. Firing empty shells! That is what many professed prayers really are; they have nothing in them, and they accomplish nothing. They are just forged upon the lips, and
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

February the Twenty-Third the Process and the End
"Ye have seen the end of the Lord: that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy." --JAMES v. 7-11. And so we are bidden to be patient. "We must wait to the end of the Lord." The Lord's ends are attained through very mysterious means. Sometimes the means are in contrast to the ends. He works toward the harvest through winter's frost and snow. The maker of chaste and delicate porcelain reaches his lovely ends through an awful mortar, where the raw material of bone and clay is pounded into
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

Against Rash and Vain Swearing.
"But above all things, my brethren, swear not." St. James v. 12. Among other precepts of good life (directing the practice of virtue and abstinence from sin) St. James doth insert this about swearing, couched in expression denoting his great earnestness, and apt to excite our special attention. Therein he doth not mean universally to interdict the use of oaths, for that in some cases is not only lawful, but very expedient, yea, needful, and required from us as a duty; but that swearing which
Isaac Barrow—Sermons on Evil-Speaking, by Isaac Barrow

"Who Will Rise up with Me against the Wicked?"
Ps. 94:16. 1. In all ages, men who neither feared God nor regarded man have combined together, and formed confederacies, to carry on the works of darkness. And herein they have shown themselves wise in their generation; for by this means they more effectually promoted the kingdom of their father the devil, than otherwise they could I have done. On the other hand, men who did fear God, and desire the happiness of their fellow-creatures, have, in every age, found it needful to join together, in order
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The Blessing of God on Filial Piety.
"Therefore thus saith the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel, 'Jonadab, the son of Rechab, shall not want a man to stand before me forever.'" Israel were greatly depraved before the days of this prophet, who was sent to reprove and call them to repentance. The prophet faithfully discharged his trust; but labored to very little effect. The chiefs of the nation were offended at its warnings and predictions--rose up against him--shut him up in prison; yea in a dark dungeon, where he sank in the mire;
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

Conversion
Our text has in it, first of all, a principle involved--that of instrumentality.--"Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know that he who converteth a sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death." Secondly, here is a general fact stated:--"He who converteth a sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins." And thirdly, there is a particular application of this fact made. "Brethren, if any
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 1: 1855

A visit to the Harvest Field
Our subject, to-night, will involve three or four questions: How does the husbandman wait? What does he wait for? What is has encouragement? What are the benefits of his patient waiting? Our experience is similar to his. We are husbandmen, so we have to toil hard, and we have to wait long: then, the hope that cheers, the fruit that buds and blossoms, and verily, too, the profit of that struggle of faith and fear incident to waiting will all crop up as we proceed. I. First, then, HOW DOES THE HUSBANDMAN
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

"Be Ye Therefore Sober, and Watch unto Prayer. "
1 Pet. iv. 7.--"Be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer." We now come to consider the coherence and connexion these duties have one to another. First, Prayer is the principal part of the Christian's employment, and sobriety and watchfulness are subordinate to it. "Be sober, and watch unto prayer." (1.) Prayer is such a tender thing that there is necessity of dieting the spirit unto it. That prayer may be in good health, a man must keep a diet and be sober, sobriety conduces so much to its
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Our God of the Impossible
"Behold I am the Lord, . . . is there anything too hard for ME?" (Jer. 32:27.) "Ah, Lord God! there is nothing too wonderful for thee" (Jer. 32:17, margin). THE following illustration of the truth, "What is impossible with man is possible with God," occurred while we were attending the Keswick Convention in England, in 1910. One evening my husband returned from an evening meeting, which I had not attended, and told me of a woman who had come to him in great distress. She had been an earnest
Rosalind Goforth—How I Know God Answers Prayer

Prevailing Prayer.
Text.--The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.--James v. 16. THE last lecture referred principally to the confession of sin. To-night my remarks will be chiefly confined to the subject of intercession, or prayer. There are two kinds of means requisite to promote a revival; one to influence men, the other to influence God. The truth is employed to influence men, and prayer to move God. When I speak of moving God, I do not mean that God's mind is changed by prayer, or that his
Charles Grandison Finney—Lectures on Revivals of Religion

If it is Objected, that the Necessity which Urges us to Pray is not Always...
If it is objected, that the necessity which urges us to pray is not always equal, I admit it, and this distinction is profitably taught us by James: " Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms" (James 5:13). Therefore, common sense itself dictates, that as we are too sluggish, we must be stimulated by God to pray earnestly whenever the occasion requires. This David calls a time when God "may be found" (a seasonable time); because, as he declares in several other
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith

On the Whole, Since Scripture Places the Principal Part of Worship in the Invocation Of...
On the whole, since Scripture places the principal part of worship in the invocation of God (this being the office of piety which he requires of us in preference to all sacrifices), it is manifest sacrilege to offer prayer to others. Hence it is said in the psalm: "If we have forgotten the name of our God, or stretched out our hands to a strange god, shall not God search this out?" (Ps. 44:20, 21). Again, since it is only in faith that God desires to be invoked, and he distinctly enjoins us to frame
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith

But Some Seem to be Moved by the Fact...
But some seem to be moved by the fact, that the prayers of saints are often said to have been heard. Why? Because they prayed. "They cried unto thee" (says the Psalmist), "and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded" (Ps. 22:5). Let us also pray after their example, that like them we too may be heard. Those men, on the contrary, absurdly argue that none will be heard but those who have been heard already. How much better does James argue, "Elias was a man subject to like passions
John Calvin—Of Prayer--A Perpetual Exercise of Faith

Elijah, the Praying Prophet
"I have known men," says Goodwin--it must have been himself--"who came to God for nothing else but just to come to Him, they so loved Him. They scorned to soil Him and themselves with any other errand than just purely to be alone with Him in His presence. Friendship is best kept up, even among men, by frequent visits; and the more free and defecate those frequent visits are, and the less occasioned by business, or necessity, or custom they are, the more friendly and welcome they are."--Rev. Alexander
Edward M. Bounds—Prayer and Praying Men

Prayer Availeth Much
Prayer Availeth Much PRAYER AVAILETH MUCH ". . . The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." -- James 5:16 by Tony Marshall (T.M.) Anderson Published by The Advocate Publishing House Circleville, Ohio (No copyright or date of publication)
T. M. Anderson—Prayer Availeth Much

Prayer for and with Each Other.
"Confess your faults one to another and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."--James v. 16. Let our last article touch once more the key of love wherein the article preceding that of prayer was set. To speak of the Spirit's work in our prayers, omitting the intercession of the saints, betrays a lack of understanding concerning the Spirit of all grace. Prayer for others is quite different from prayer for ourselves. The latter
Abraham Kuyper—The Work of the Holy Spirit

On the Sacrament of Extreme Unction.
To this rite of anointing the sick our theologians have made two additions well worthy of themselves. One is, that they call it a sacrament; the other, that they make it extreme, so that it cannot be administered except to those who are in extreme peril of life. Perhaps--as they are keen dialecticians--they have so made it in relation to the first unction of baptism, and the two following ones of confirmation and orders. They have this, it is true, to throw in my teeth, that, on the authority of
Martin Luther—First Principles of the Reformation

Ancestry, Birth, Education, Environment: 1513(?)-1546
"November 24, 1572. "John Knox, minister, deceased, who had, as was alleged, the most part of the blame of all the sorrows of Scotland since the slaughter of the late Cardinal." It is thus that the decent burgess who, in 1572, kept The Diurnal of such daily events as he deemed important, cautiously records the death of the great Scottish Reformer. The sorrows, the "cumber" of which Knox was "alleged" to bear the blame, did not end with his death. They persisted in the conspiracies and rebellions
Andrew Lang—John Knox and the Reformation

Knox in Scotland: Lethington: Mary of Guise: 1555-1556
Meanwhile the Reformer returned to Geneva (April 1555), where Calvin was now supreme. From Geneva, "the den of mine own ease, the rest of quiet study," Knox was dragged, "maist contrarious to mine own judgement," by a summons from Mrs. Bowes. He did not like leaving his "den" to rejoin his betrothed; the lover was not so fervent as the evangelist was cautious. Knox had at that time probably little correspondence with Scotland. He knew that there was no refuge for him in England under Mary Tudor,
Andrew Lang—John Knox and the Reformation

Knox in the War of the Congregation: the Regent Attacked: Her Death: Catholicism Abolished, 1559-1560
Though the Regent was now to be deposed and attacked by armed force, Knox tells us that there were dissensions among her enemies. Some held "that the Queen was heavily done to," and that the leaders "sought another end than religion." Consequently, when the Lords with their forces arrived at Edinburgh on October 16, the local brethren showed a want of enthusiasm. The Congregation nevertheless summoned the Regent to depart from Leith, and on October 21 met at the Tolbooth to discuss her formal
Andrew Lang—John Knox and the Reformation

Knox and Queen Mary (Continued), 1561-1564
Had Mary been a mere high-tempered and high-spirited girl, easily harmed in health by insults to herself and her creed, she might now have turned for support to Huntly, Cassilis, Montrose, and the other Earls who were Catholic or "unpersuaded." Her great-grandson, Charles II., when as young as she now was, did make the "Start"--the schoolboy attempt to run away from the Presbyterians to the loyalists of the North. But Mary had more self-control. The artful Randolph found himself as hardly put to
Andrew Lang—John Knox and the Reformation

Whether a Man Can Merit the First Grace for Another
Whether a Man can Merit the First Grace for Another We proceed to the sixth article thus: 1. It seems that a man can merit the first grace for another. For the gloss on Matt. 9:2, "and Jesus, seeing their faith," etc., says: "How much is our own faith worth in the sight of God, if he values the faith of one so highly that he heals another both inwardly and outwardly!" Now it is by the first grace that a man is healed inwardly. One man can therefore merit the first grace for another. 2. Again, the
Aquinas—Nature and Grace

Whether one Can Hope for the Eternal Blessedness of Another
Whether One can Hope for the Eternal Blessedness of Another We proceed to the third article thus: 1. It seems that one can hope for the eternal blessedness of another. For the apostle says in Phil. 1:6: "Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform [61] it until the day of Jesus Christ." Now the perfection of that day will be eternal blessedness. One can therefore hope for the eternal blessedness of another. 2. Again, that for which we pray to God,
Aquinas—Nature and Grace

Whether it is Lawful to Swear?
Objection 1: It would seem that it is not lawful to swear. Nothing forbidden in the Divine Law is lawful. Now swearing is forbidden (Mat. 5:34), "But I say to you not to swear at all"; and (James 5:12), "Above all things, my brethren, swear not." Therefore swearing is unlawful. Objection 2: Further, whatever comes from an evil seems to be unlawful, because according to Mat. 7:18, "neither can an evil tree bring forth good fruit." Now swearing comes from an evil, for it is written (Mat. 5:37): "But
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

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