James 5:16

Authorized King James Version

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.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ἐξομολογεῖσθε

G1843

Confess

to acknowledge or (by implication, of assent) agree fully

ἀλλήλων

G240

another

one another

τὰ

G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

παραπτώματα,

G3900

your faults

a side-slip (lapse or deviation), i.e., (unintentional) error or (wilful) transgression

καὶ

G2532

and

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

εὔχεσθε

G2172

pray

to wish; by implication, to pray to god

ὑπὲρ

G5228

for

"over", i.e., (with the genitive case) of place, above, beyond, across, or causal, for the sake of, instead, regarding; with the accusative case super

ἀλλήλων

G240

another

one another

ὅπως

G3704

that

what(-ever) how, i.e., in the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual)

#10

ἰαθῆτε

G2390

ye may be healed

to cure (literally or figuratively)

#11

πολὺ

G4183

much

(singular) much (in any respect) or (plural) many; neuter (singular) as adverbial, largely; neuter (plural) as adverb or noun often, mostly, largely

#12

ἰσχύει

G2480

availeth

to have (or exercise) force (literally or figuratively)

#13

δέησις

G1162

prayer

a petition

#14

δικαίου

G1342

of a righteous man

equitable (in character or act); by implication, innocent, holy (absolutely or relatively)

#15

ἐνεργουμένη

G1754

The effectual fervent

to be active, efficient

Cross References

Related verses that illuminate this passage (hover to preview):

¹ 1 John 1:9 1 John 1:9
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
— Confess your faults
² Proverbs 28:13 Proverbs 28:13
He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.
— Whoso confesseth shall have mercy

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

In what ways does this verse's emphasis on divine revelation address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?
How does this verse's literary context within James chapter 5 illuminate its theological significance, and what does this teach us about biblical interpretation?

Related Resources

Explore related topics, people, and study resources to deepen your understanding of this passage.