What does James 5:20 mean?

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. James 5:20

Explanation

James 5:20 concludes a passage in the Epistle of James, which is concerned with restoring erring members of the Christian community to the right path. The verse emphasizes the value and importance of turning a sinner away from their misguided ways. Literally, it suggests that if someone helps a sinner recognize and repent for their sins, that act will result in saving the sinner’s soul from death—and spiritually, this death refers to eternal separation from God.

The verse uses strong imagery to depict the saving of a soul and the covering, or forgiveness, of a multitude of sins. This illustrates a deep spiritual truth that in the Christian faith, acts of love, such as helping others repent, have a positive, ripple effect, extending beyond the initial act to cover many sins. This can be seen as reinforcing the idea of God’s grace and forgiveness, as available through confession and repentance of sin, as well as encouraging members of the Christian community to be proactive in guiding others back to righteousness.

Historical Context

The Epistle of James is traditionally ascribed to James the Just, the brother of Jesus, and a leading figure in the early Jerusalem Church. The epistle is thought to be written before A.D. 70, as James’s martyrdom is dated around 62 A.D. and there is no mention of the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem which occurred in 70 A.D.

This verse is set against the backdrop of the early church, which faced internal and external challenges. Converts from Judaism and paganism had to redefine their sense of community and morality within the new Christian framework, and the epistle was written to provide moral guidance and practical instructions for living out their faith.

Theological Insights

Various theological interpretations have been drawn from James 5:20. The verse has been interpreted in the light of the Jewish concept of tikkun olam, which refers to actions taken to repair the world. This highlights the communal and the individual responsibility for correcting wrongs and leading others to the truth.

From the Christian perspective, the verse also resonates with the idea of intercession, where believers have a role in praying and intervening on behalf of others. It implies that humans can play a part in God’s redemptive work.

The concept of ‘saving a soul from death’ can also be viewed through the lens of soteriology—the study of salvation. It suggests that the salvation of a sinner does not happen in isolation, but through the community’s efforts.

Practical Applications

James 5:20 is a call to action for believers to be active in their support of those who have strayed from their faith. It suggests that the spiritual well-being of the community is a collective responsibility. Its practical application can take many forms: from mentoring and discipleship to more informal aspects of support, like compassionate conversation and guidance. It stresses the importance of not giving up on those who have sinned but instead helping them to reconcile with God.

Cross-References

• Proverbs 10:12: “Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.”
• 1 Peter 4:8: “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”
• Luke 15:10: “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.”
• Galatians 6:1: “Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”

Language Study

In the original Greek text, key words of James 5:20 provide deeper insights:

• “converteth” (epistrephō): means to turn around, to return. It refers to the act of turning someone back to the right way.
• “sinner” (hamartolos): is a term for someone who misses the mark, a wrongdoer or transgressor.
• “save” (sōzō): to rescue, deliver, or protect—often with a connotation of eternal salvation.
• “soul” (psychē): denotes life or the living being, often with a deeper aspect of a person’s spiritual life.
• “death” (thanatos): while it can mean physical death, in this context it likely refers to spiritual death or eternal separation from God.
• “hide” (kalyptō): means to cover or conceal, indicating that the sins are forgiven or no longer held against the person.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

This verse has echoes of repentance and redemption found in many cultural and religious contexts. For instance, the Jewish tradition places great importance on the act of teshuva (repentance) and the power of atonement. Similarly, in Islam, there is the concept of Taubah (repentance) which is seen as a way for believers to reconcile with God and hide their sins.

Scientific Perspectives

While the verse does not directly engage with scientific perspectives, modern psychology might align with the concept that individuals can aid in the rehabilitation or positive transformation of others. The process of mentoring or counseling is seen as beneficial in altering negative behavior patterns, which is a secular parallel to the spiritual transformation emphasized in this verse.

Commentaries

Biblical commentators have offered various insights on James 5:20. Matthew Henry’s commentary views this verse as an encouragement for Christians to engage in the work of converting sinners, with the reward being the saving of souls from death. John Wesley notes that covering of sins does not imply that they cease to exist, but that they are blotted out before God. Adam Clarke’s commentary questions who is meant by “he” in this verse, whether it refers to the apostles, ministers, or all believers, but each agrees on the importance of the action encouraged herein.