James 5:16
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
James 5:16
16 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.
Chapter Context
James 5 is a wisdom epistle chapter in the New Testament that explores themes of sacrifice, prayer, discipleship. Written during the early church period (c. 45-50 CE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Early Jewish believers struggled to live out faith amid economic hardship and discrimination.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it demonstrates God's faithfulness despite human unfaithfulness. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within James and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
James 5:16
16 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.
Analysis
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. Confess faults to one another and pray for one another so you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer (energoumenē, ἐνεργουμένη) of a righteous person avails much. James links community confession, intercession, and healing.
Reformed churches value corporate repentance and intercessory prayer as means of grace.
Historical Context
House churches practiced mutual confession. This verse shaped liturgical confession and prayer meetings in the early church. It counters secrecy by promoting gospel vulnerability.
Reflection
- Who knows your struggles and prays for you?
- How can your community normalize confession?
- What fervent prayer practices can you adopt?
Word Studies
- Righteous: δίκαιος (Dikaios) G1342 - Righteous, just
Cross-References
- Righteousness: Psalms 34:15, Proverbs 15:29, 1 Peter 2:24
- Prayer: Job 42:8, Proverbs 15:8, Matthew 21:22
- Parallel theme: Jeremiah 33:3, John 9:31, Acts 19:18, 1 John 3:22