James 5:16
What does James 5:16 mean?
A plain-English look at James 5:16 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What James 5:16 means
James urges believers to confess sins to one another and pray for each other so that they may be healed. He then affirms that a righteous person’s prayer is powerful in its working. Confession breaks secrecy and pride, opening space for grace to operate in relationships. Mutual prayer brings God’s restoring power into the community’s wounds—physical, spiritual, or relational. “Righteous” here means one whose life aligns with God, not sinless perfection. Such people’s prayers are effective because God delights to answer those who walk with Him. The verse sketches a church culture of honesty and intercession where healing is not an exception but an expected fruit of humble faith.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working.
KJV
King James Version · 1611Confess 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.
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working.
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949So then, make a statement of your sins to one another, and say prayers for one another so that you may be made well. The prayer of a good man is full of power in its working.
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862Be confessing to one another the trespasses, and be praying for one another, that ye may be healed; very strong is a working supplication of a righteous man;
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752Confess therefore your sins one to another: and pray one for another, that you may be saved. For the continual prayer of a just man availeth much.
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890Confess therefore your offences to one another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed. [The] fervent supplication of the righteous [man] has much power.
Context
After highlighting the elders’ role (vv. 14–15), verse 16 broadens prayer and confession to the whole body. This democratizes ministry: every believer participates in seeking healing and restoration. The final line about effective prayer prepares for Elijah’s story in verses 17–18, showing that this is not theory. The progression reveals James’s pastoral strategy: from leadership care to mutual care, all under the conviction that God works powerfully through earnest, righteous prayer.
v.15and the prayer of faith shall save him that is sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, it shall be forgiven him.
v.16This passage
v.17Elijah was a man of like passions with us, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain; and it rained not on the earth for three years and six months.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Joshua 10:12
Then spake Joshua to Jehovah in the day when Jehovah delivered up the Amorites before the children of Israel; and he said in the sight of Israel, Sun, stand thou still upon Gibeon; And thou, Moon, in the valley of Aijalon.
- 2 Kings 19:15
And Hezekiah prayed before Jehovah, and said, O Jehovah, the God of Israel, that sittest above the cherubim, thou art the God, even thou alone, of all the kingdoms of the earth; thou hast made heaven and earth.
- 2 Chronicles 30:20
And Jehovah hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people.
- Exodus 9:33
And Moses went out of the city from Pharaoh, and spread abroad his hands unto Jehovah: and the thunders and hail ceased, and the rain was not poured upon the earth.
- Acts 4:24
And they, when they heard it, lifted up their voice to God with one accord, and said, O Lord, thou that didst make the heaven and the earth and the sea, and all that in them is:
- 1 Thessalonians 5:17
pray without ceasing;
Related questions readers ask
Keep reading
Want to dig deeper? Explore James 5
Hand-picked devotionals, topical studies, and pastoral answers that draw on James 5.
Topics that quote it
Topic
Bible Verses About Complaining
The Bible consistently warns against complaining, portraying it as a sign of distrust in God and a hindrance to joy and spiritual growth
Topic
Bible Verses About Elders
Biblical elders are called to lead, teach, and shepherd God's people with humility and wisdom.
Topic
Bible Verses About Endurance
Scripture teaches that endurance, or patient steadfastness, is a vital Christian virtue enabling believers to persevere through trials and maintain faith.
What the Bible says about…
Verses for this moment
Verses for
Bible Verses for When You're Struggling With Addiction
When the cycle won't break — verses for the long road home.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Praying for a Sick Loved One
When someone you love is suffering — verses to pray over their healing.
Verses for
Bible Verses for Making a Big Decision
Six verses to pray before the meeting, the move, or the answer you have to give.