James 5:20

Translations

Modern

…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.

Traditional

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.

Literal

…let him know that the one having turned back a sinner from the wandering of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

Latin

…scire debet quoniam qui converti fecerit peccatorem ab errore viæ suæ, salvabit animam ejus a morte, et operiet multitudinem peccatorum.

Original

Greek

English

…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.

Notes

James 5:20

When James talks about saving "a sinner from death," he means more than just physical death. He is referring to eternal death, which is the punishment for those who turn away from the truth of the good news of Jesus Christ (see 1:12, 15; compare Hebrews 6:4–8).

James teaches that if someone has wandered from the truth, other believers should try to bring that person back to the right path. If the person who has sinned listens and turns back to God (repents), then eternal punishment will be avoided (see also Galatians 6:1; Jude 1:22–24).

James 5:19–20

These verses conclude the letter as an inclusio. This means they balance with and relate to the beginning of the letter. The final section connects back to James's opening words about endurance in 1:2–4.

Theme notes and profiles

James, Brother of Jesus Remove the Evil The Coming of the Lord as Judge

Related verses

1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.
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.
Proverbs 11:30
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.
Romans 11:14
…in the hope that I may provoke my own people to jealousy and save some of them.
James 5:19
My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back,
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.
Psalm 32:1
Of David. A Maskil. Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
Proverbs 11:4
Riches are worthless in the day of wrath, but righteousness brings deliverance from death.
James 1:15
Then after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
John 5:24
Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life.
Proverbs 10:2
Ill-gotten treasures profit nothing, but righteousness brings deliverance from death.

Glossary

Conversion Death Letter of James Soul

Topics

Agency in Salvation of Men All Christians should be As Missionaries: Encouragement To Backsliding: Endeavour to Bring Back Those Guilty of Being Judgmental Causing Another to Stumble Church Discipline Confrontation Conversion: Encouragement for Leading Sinners To Correction Eternal Death: Strive to Preserve Others From Falling Away Intercession of Man with God Laying Down Life Once Saved Always Saved Rebuke Rebuking Regeneration: General Scriptures Concerning Religious Zeal: General Scriptures Concerning Sin: Forgiveness of The Lost Sheep Winning Souls for Christ

James 5:20

Translations?

Original?

Notes?

Related verses?

Glossary?

Topics?

Translations

Original

Notes

Related verses

Glossary

Topics