Devine Scripture

James 5:20

What does James 5:20 mean?

A plain-English look at James 5:20 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What James 5:20 means

James concludes with a promise: the one who brings a sinner back from the error of his way “shall save a soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins.” Restoration spares a person from destructive judgment and brings sins under God’s forgiving cover. The language evokes atonement’s shelter without claiming the rescuer accomplishes it; rather, God uses the rescuer as an instrument of grace. Many sins are prevented and forgiven when a wanderer returns. This ending lifts the work of gentle correction from mere duty to eternal significance, encouraging believers to pursue the lost with patience, truth, and hope in the Lord’s mercy.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

let him know, that he who converteth a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins.

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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.

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

let him know, that he who converteth a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins.

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

Be certain that he through whom a sinner has been turned from the error of his way, keeps a soul from death and is the cause of forgiveness for sins without number.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

let him know that he who did turn back a sinner from the straying of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

He must know that he who causeth a sinner to be converted from the error of his way shall save his soul from death and shall cover a multitude of sins.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

let him know that he that brings back a sinner from [the] error of his way shall save a soul from death and shall cover a multitude of sins.

Context

This final verse crowns the chapter’s emphasis on patient endurance, truthful speech, and powerful prayer by highlighting the eternal stakes of restoring the straying. It functions as a closing encouragement and charge: the church’s ministry is not only to bear suffering and pray for healing, but also to seek those in danger of spiritual ruin. The promised outcome—rescue from death and covering of sins—sends readers out with sober joy and confidence in God’s redeeming work.

v.19My brethren, if any among you err from the truth, and one convert him;

v.20This passage

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Proverbs 11:30

    The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; And he that is wise winneth souls.

  • 1 Timothy 4:16

    Take heed to thyself, and to thy teaching. Continue in these things; for in doing this thou shalt save both thyself and them that hear thee.

  • James 5:19

    My brethren, if any among you err from the truth, and one convert him;

  • John 5:24

    Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth him that sent me, hath eternal life, and cometh not into judgment, but hath passed out of death into life.

  • James 1:15

    Then the lust, when it hath conceived, beareth sin: and the sin, when it is fullgrown, bringeth forth death.

  • Philemon 1:19

    I Paul write it with mine own hand, I will repay it: that I say not unto thee that thou owest to me even thine own self besides.

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