James 5:20
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.
Original Language Analysis
γινωσκέτω
Let
G1097
γινωσκέτω
Let
Strong's:
G1097
Word #:
1 of 17
to "know" (absolutely) in a great variety of applications and with many implications (as follow, with others not thus clearly expressed)
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
2 of 17
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
3 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἐπιστρέψας
he which converteth
G1994
ἐπιστρέψας
he which converteth
Strong's:
G1994
Word #:
4 of 17
to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
6 of 17
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
πλάνης
the error
G4106
πλάνης
the error
Strong's:
G4106
Word #:
7 of 17
objectively, fraudulence; subjectively, a straying from orthodoxy or piety
ὁδοῦ
way
G3598
ὁδοῦ
way
Strong's:
G3598
Word #:
8 of 17
a road; by implication, a progress (the route, act or distance); figuratively, a mode or means
αὐτοῦ
him
G846
αὐτοῦ
him
Strong's:
G846
Word #:
9 of 17
the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
σώσει
shall save
G4982
σώσει
shall save
Strong's:
G4982
Word #:
10 of 17
to save, i.e., deliver or protect (literally or figuratively)
ψυχὴν
a soul
G5590
ψυχὴν
a soul
Strong's:
G5590
Word #:
11 of 17
breath, i.e., (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient principle only; thus distinguished on the one hand from g4151, wh
ἐκ
from
G1537
ἐκ
from
Strong's:
G1537
Word #:
12 of 17
a primary preposition denoting origin (the point whence action or motion proceeds), from, out (of place, time, or cause literal or figurative; direct
θανάτου
death
G2288
θανάτου
death
Strong's:
G2288
Word #:
13 of 17
(properly, an adjective used as a noun) death (literally or figuratively)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
14 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
Cross References
1 Peter 4:8And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.Proverbs 10:12Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.1 Timothy 4:16Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.Proverbs 11:30The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.Romans 11:14If by any means I may provoke to emulation them which are my flesh, and might save some of them.1 Corinthians 9:22To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.James 5:19Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;James 1:15Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.Psalms 32:1Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.Proverbs 11:4Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.
Historical Context
Early churches faced threats from persecution and false doctrine. James ends with a communal charge: seek the erring. This echoes Proverbs 10:12 and 1 Peter 4:8 regarding love covering sins.
Questions for Reflection
- What role can you play in restoring a wanderer?
- How does this verse motivate evangelism and church discipline?
- Who can partner with you in pursuing the straying?
Analysis & Commentary
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. Whoever turns a sinner from error saves a soul from death and covers a multitude of sins. Restoration is lifesaving work. Love covers sins by leading people to repentance.
Reformed mission prioritizes reclaiming wanderers through gospel truth and grace.