James 5:16

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Confess {G1843} your faults {G3900} one to another {G240}, and {G2532} pray {G2172} one {G240} for {G5228} another {G240}, that {G3704} ye may be healed {G2390}. The effectual fervent {G1754} prayer {G1162} of a righteous man {G1342} availeth {G2480} much {G4183}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Therefore, openly acknowledge your sins to one another, and pray for each other, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.

American Standard Version

Confess 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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
James 5:16 stands as a profound exhortation to the early Christian community, emphasizing the transformative power of mutual confession and intercessory prayer. It asserts that open acknowledgment of one's failings within a trusted fellowship, coupled with earnest prayer for one another, creates an environment conducive to holistic healing—spiritual, emotional, and physical. The verse culminates in a powerful declaration that the fervent, active prayer of a righteous individual possesses immense efficacy in the sight of God, capable of bringing about significant divine intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** James 5:16 serves as the climactic statement in a broader passage (James 5:13-18) that addresses the practical outworking of faith in various life circumstances, particularly in relation to suffering, sickness, and prayer. James begins by instructing believers to pray in times of affliction and to sing praises in times of joy ([James 5:13](/james/5-13 "James 5:13 - Prayer in Suffering and Joy")). He then specifically addresses physical illness, commanding the sick to call for the elders of the church, who are to pray over them and anoint them with oil, with the promise that "the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him" ([James 5:15](/james/5-15 "James 5:15 - Prayer for the Sick and Forgiveness")). Verse 16 expands this concept from a specific scenario of elders praying for the sick to a general principle of mutual confession and intercessory prayer among all believers, underscoring its universal applicability and potent effect. This verse also sets the stage for the example of Elijah's powerful prayer in the subsequent verses ([James 5:17-18](/james/5-17-18 "James 5:17-18 - Elijah's Powerful Prayer")), illustrating the truth of the statement about the righteous person's prayer.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The early Christian community, to whom James wrote, was largely composed of Jewish believers dispersed throughout the Roman Empire. This audience would have been familiar with the Old Testament emphasis on confession of sin (e.g., [Leviticus 5:5](/leviticus/5-5 "Leviticus 5:5 - Confession of Sin"), [Numbers 5:7](/numbers/5-7 "Numbers 5:7 - Restitution and Confession"), [Psalm 32:5](/psalms/32-5 "Psalm 32:5 - The Joy of Confession")) and the practice of intercessory prayer (e.g., [Genesis 18:23-32](/genesis/18-23-32 "Genesis 18:23-32 - Abraham's Intercession for Sodom"), [Exodus 32:11-14](/exodus/32-11-14 "Exodus 32:11-14 - Moses' Intercession for Israel")). In the Greco-Roman world, healing was often sought from various deities or through magical practices. James, however, directs believers to the Lord through prayer within the community, aligning with the Jewish tradition of divine healing and the emerging Christian understanding of God's active presence. The emphasis on "faults" (KJV) or "trespasses" (ESV) rather than just "sins" might reflect the daily struggles and relational friction within a nascent community striving for holiness amidst external pressures and internal imperfections. The communal aspect of confession and prayer was vital for fostering unity, accountability, and spiritual health in a new, distinct religious movement.
* **Key Themes:** James 5:16 profoundly contributes to several key themes within the book of James and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Christian Community and Mutual Responsibility**. James consistently calls for practical, active faith that is lived out in community, emphasizing that believers are to bear one another's burdens and care for each other's spiritual and physical well-being. This verse makes mutual confession and intercession a cornerstone of that communal life, fostering transparency and authentic relationships. Secondly, it underscores the **Power and Efficacy of Prayer**. Throughout the New Testament, prayer is presented not as a passive act but as a potent force that engages God's power. James here provides a strong affirmation of this truth, particularly for intercessory prayer, echoing Jesus' teachings on persistent prayer in parables like [the persistent widow](/luke/18-1-8 "Luke 18:1-8 - The Parable of the Persistent Widow"). Thirdly, the verse addresses the theme of **Holistic Healing**. While the immediate context mentions physical sickness, the Greek word for "healed" (G2390, _iáomai_) can encompass spiritual, emotional, and relational restoration, suggesting that God's response to prayer and confession is comprehensive. Finally, it touches on the theme of **Righteousness and God's Favor**. The assertion that the prayer of a "righteous man" is effective does not imply human merit as a basis for God's action, but rather a life aligned with God's will and character, which is the natural overflow of genuine faith. This aligns with the broader biblical principle that God hears and responds to those who walk in obedience and integrity, as seen in [Psalm 66:18](/psalms/66-18 "Psalm 66:18 - If I regard iniquity in my heart, the Lord will not hear me").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Confess (Greek, _exomologéō_):** This verb means "to acknowledge or (by implication, of assent) agree fully." It implies an open, full, and often public declaration. In this context, it suggests a willing and complete admission of one's faults or trespasses to another person, not merely a casual mention. It carries the weight of a sincere and humble acknowledgment of wrongdoing, fostering transparency and accountability within the community.
* **Faults (Greek, _paráptōma_):** Derived from a word meaning "to fall beside" or "to slip," _paráptōma_ refers to a "side-slip (lapse or deviation), i.e. (unintentional) error or (wilful) transgression." It denotes moral failings, trespasses, or deviations from God's standard. While it can include serious sins, it often refers to lesser offenses or errors that might hinder one's spiritual well-being or disrupt community harmony, encouraging a culture of grace and mutual support in addressing imperfections.
* **Effectual fervent (Greek, _energéō_):** This word means "to be active, efficient" or "to work effectually in." When applied to prayer, it describes prayer that is not passive or half-hearted, but actively working, dynamic, and energized by the Spirit. It speaks to the inner spiritual power and earnestness with which the prayer is offered, highlighting that the effectiveness of prayer is tied to its quality and intensity, not merely its quantity.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Confess your faults one to another":** This initial command establishes the foundation for the subsequent call to prayer. It mandates a reciprocal, horizontal confession within the Christian community, not necessarily public confession of all sins, but a humble admission of "faults" or "trespasses" to trusted fellow believers. This act fosters transparency, humility, and vulnerability, breaking down barriers of pride and isolation, and creating an environment for genuine spiritual healing and accountability.
* **"and pray one for another, that ye may be healed":** Following confession, the verse immediately links it to mutual intercessory prayer. The conjunction "and" indicates a close connection between confession and prayer, suggesting that the former often precedes or accompanies the latter in the healing process. The purpose clause "that ye may be healed" indicates the desired outcome. "Healed" (G2390, _iáomai_) implies a comprehensive restoration—physical, emotional, and spiritual—suggesting that God's healing power is released through this communal practice of confession and intercession.
* **"The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much":** This powerful declaration underscores the immense potency of prayer. "Effectual fervent" (G1754, _energéō_) describes prayer that is intensely active and divinely energized. The efficacy is attributed to the "prayer of a righteous man" (G1342, _díkaios_), referring to one who is in right standing with God, not by their own merit, but by faith in Christ and a life striving for practical obedience. Such prayer "availeth much" (G2480, _ischýō_ and G4183, _polýs_), meaning it has great power, prevails significantly, and is exceedingly effective in achieving its purpose. This phrase serves as both an encouragement and a challenge, affirming the divine response to earnest prayer offered by those aligned with God's will.

#### Literary Devices
James 5:16 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Exhortation**, as James directly commands believers to "Confess your faults" and "pray one for another," indicating a clear call to action. This is reinforced by **Emphasis** on the quality and source of effective prayer through the phrase "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." The adjective "effectual fervent" (Greek: _energéō_) serves as a **Descriptive Adjective** that highlights the dynamic and active nature of prayer, moving beyond mere words to a powerful spiritual engagement. Furthermore, the verse demonstrates **Cause and Effect**, where mutual confession and intercessory prayer are presented as the means ("Confess...and pray") leading to the desired outcome ("that ye may be healed"). Finally, the use of **Contrast** is subtle but present: while the previous verse ([James 5:15](/james/5-15 "James 5:15 - Prayer for the Sick and Forgiveness")) focuses on elders praying for the sick, verse 16 broadens the scope to mutual prayer among all believers, emphasizing the communal responsibility in spiritual and physical well-being.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
James 5:16 is deeply rooted in the biblical understanding of sin, community, and God's active involvement in the lives of His people. It underscores the profound truth that sin, whether a minor "fault" or a grievous transgression, has both spiritual and often physical ramifications, and that healing from these effects is frequently mediated through communal spiritual practices. The verse highlights the New Testament emphasis on the church as a body where members are interdependent, bearing one another's burdens and participating in each other's restoration. It affirms God's desire to heal holistically and His responsiveness to the earnest prayers of His children, particularly those who live in alignment with His character. This passage challenges any notion of isolated spirituality, promoting instead a vibrant, transparent, and intercessory fellowship as the context for divine power to be unleashed.

* [Matthew 6:14-15](/matthew/6-14-15 "Matthew 6:14-15 - Forgiveness of Others")
* [1 John 1:9](/1_john/1-9 "1 John 1:9 - Confession and Forgiveness")
* [Galatians 6:2](/galatians/6-2 "Galatians 6:2 - Bear One Another's Burdens")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
James 5:16 offers a profound and challenging call to authentic Christian living, urging believers to cultivate a church environment characterized by radical transparency, humble vulnerability, and active, persistent prayer. It confronts the common human tendency to conceal weaknesses and struggles, instead advocating for a counter-cultural practice of open confession to trusted brothers and sisters in Christ. This isn't about public shaming, but about fostering a safe space where burdens can be shared, accountability can be offered, and the healing power of God can flow through the community. When we confess our faults, we break the power of secrecy and shame, inviting the light of Christ and the support of His body into our struggles. Coupled with this, the command to "pray one for another" reminds us that our spiritual health is intertwined. Our intercession for others is not a secondary activity but a primary means by which God works, bringing about not only physical healing but also emotional restoration, spiritual deliverance, and relational reconciliation. The promise that the "effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" should ignite within us a renewed commitment to prayer, knowing that our earnest petitions, offered in alignment with God's will, possess immense power to impact lives and circumstances.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of my life am I hesitant to confess my faults to a trusted Christian friend or mentor, and what might be preventing me from doing so?**
* **How actively am I praying for the specific needs and healing of others within my church community, and how can I deepen my commitment to intercessory prayer?**
* **What does "righteousness" mean in the context of my prayer life, and how can I strive for a life that is more aligned with God's character and will, thereby empowering my prayers?**
* **Beyond physical ailments, what other forms of "healing" (emotional, relational, spiritual) might God desire to bring into my life or the lives of those I pray for through mutual confession and prayer?**

### FAQ

**Does "Confess your faults one to another" mean I need to confess all my sins publicly?**

Answer: No, the verse does not mandate public confession of all sins. The Greek word for "faults" (_paráptōma_) refers to trespasses, errors, or deviations, suggesting the daily failings and struggles we experience. The phrase "one to another" implies a reciprocal relationship, often best practiced within a trusted, intimate circle of believers, such as a small group, accountability partner, or spiritual mentor. The purpose is not public shaming but mutual support, accountability, and the release of healing through transparency and prayer. While serious, public sins may require public confession to the offended party or community, this verse primarily encourages humble, private acknowledgment of our imperfections to those who can pray for us and help us walk in integrity.

**What kind of "healing" is implied in James 5:16? Is it only physical?**

Answer: The term "healed" (Greek: _iáomai_) in this context is comprehensive. While the preceding verses ([James 5:14-15](/james/5-14-15 "James 5:14-15 - Prayer for the Sick")) specifically mention physical sickness, the broader biblical usage of _iáomai_ and the context of "faults" suggest a holistic healing. This includes physical recovery, but also spiritual restoration from the effects of sin, emotional healing from brokenness or distress, and relational reconciliation. The passage implies that sin can contribute to various forms of brokenness, and that confession and prayer are avenues for God's comprehensive restorative work in a person's life.

**Does "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much" mean that only perfect people's prayers are effective?**

Answer: No, it does not mean only perfect people can pray effectively. The term "righteous man" (Greek: _díkaios_) refers to someone who is in right standing with God. For believers, this righteousness is primarily a gift received by faith in Jesus Christ ([Romans 3:22](/romans/3-22 "Romans 3:22 - Righteousness Through Faith")). Additionally, it implies a life that strives for practical righteousness, aligning one's actions and desires with God's will. James uses Elijah as an example in the very next verses ([James 5:17-18](/james/5-17-18 "James 5:17-18 - Elijah's Humanity and Powerful Prayer")), explicitly stating that Elijah "was a man subject to like passions as we are." This shows that God uses ordinary, imperfect people who are nevertheless committed to Him and His ways. The emphasis is on the quality of the prayer—"effectual fervent" (energetic, active)—and the heart of the one praying, rather than on a flawless personal record.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
James 5:16 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in Jesus Christ. He is the perfect "righteous man" whose prayer always avails much, and indeed, He is our great High Priest who ever lives to make intercession for us ([Hebrews 7:25](/hebrews/7-25 "Hebrews 7:25 - Christ's Eternal Priesthood")). Our ability to "confess our faults one to another" and to approach God in prayer for healing is entirely predicated on Christ's atoning work. It is through His sacrifice that our sins are forgiven ([Colossians 1:14](/colossians/1-14 "Colossians 1:14 - Redemption Through His Blood")), and we are declared righteous before God, not by our own merit, but by faith in Him ([Romans 5:1](/romans/5-1 "Romans 5:1 - Justification by Faith")). Jesus Himself demonstrated the power of both confession and healing throughout His earthly ministry, forgiving sins and restoring the sick ([Mark 2:5-12](/mark/2-5-12 "Mark 2:5-12 - Jesus Heals a Paralytic and Forgives Sins")). Furthermore, the communal aspect of confession and intercession in James 5:16 reflects the very nature of the church as the Body of Christ, where each member is vital and interdependent. Christ's Spirit indwells believers, empowering their prayers and enabling them to live lives of practical righteousness that honor God and facilitate His healing work within the community, ultimately pointing to the comprehensive redemption and restoration found in Him alone.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 29:12

Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you.

Jeremiah 29:13

And ye shall seek me, and find [me], when ye shall search for me with all your heart.

Proverbs 15:29

¶ The LORD [is] far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous.

Matthew 21:22

And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive.

Psalms 34:15

The eyes of the LORD [are] upon the righteous, and his ears [are open] unto their cry.

John 9:31

Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth.

Psalms 145:18

The LORD [is] nigh unto all them that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth.