James 5:19

KJV

Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;

KJV (with Strong's)

Brethren {G80}, if {G1437} any {G5100} of {G1722} you {G5213} do err {G4105} from {G575} the truth {G225}, and {G2532} one {G5100} convert {G1994} him {G846};

Complete Jewish Bible

My brothers, if one of you wanders from the truth, and someone causes him to return,

Berean Standard Bible

My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back,

American Standard Version

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

Commentary

### SUMMARY
James 5:19 serves as a powerful concluding exhortation, underscoring the profound communal responsibility within the body of Christ to actively pursue the spiritual restoration of a fellow believer who has strayed from biblical truth. It highlights the critical importance of mutual accountability and proactive, loving intervention, setting the stage for the immense, life-saving impact detailed in the subsequent verse.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse appears as a pivotal concluding thought in the Epistle of James, immediately preceding the final benediction. It follows a series of practical instructions on Christian living, including patience in suffering ([James 5:7-11](/james/5-7-11 "James 5:7-11 - Patience in Suffering")), the power of prayer for the sick and the confession of sins ([James 5:13-16](/james/5-13-16 "James 5:13-16 - Prayer for the Sick and Confession of Sins")), and the efficacy of a righteous person's prayer, exemplified by Elijah ([James 5:17-18](/james/5-17-18 "James 5:17-18 - The Powerful Prayer of a Righteous Person")). James 5:19-20 forms a powerful, two-verse summary that encapsulates James's emphasis on faith demonstrated through active love and practical obedience, serving as a final, urgent appeal for mutual accountability and active love within the Christian community. It reinforces the idea of the church as a body where members are responsible for one another's spiritual well-being.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Epistle of James was likely written to Jewish Christians dispersed among the nations, facing various trials and temptations. These early communities, often small and vulnerable, relied heavily on internal cohesion and mutual support. In a culture where honor and shame were paramount, a believer straying from the "truth" could bring disrepute upon the community and endanger their own spiritual standing. James's emphasis on practical righteousness and communal responsibility would have resonated deeply within a Jewish cultural framework that valued communal identity and the upholding of the Law. The concept of restoring an erring brother aligns with long-standing Jewish traditions of rebuke and reconciliation within the community, now reinterpreted through the lens of Christian love and truth.

* **Key Themes:** James 5:19 contributes significantly to several overarching themes in the epistle. It reinforces the theme of **Practical Faith**, demonstrating that genuine faith is not merely intellectual assent but is evidenced by active love and responsibility towards others, particularly in their spiritual struggles. It underscores **Communal Responsibility**, highlighting that the spiritual health of one member is the concern of all, echoing the New Testament teaching that believers are members of one body ([1 Corinthians 12:26](/1_corinthians/12-26 "1 Corinthians 12:26 - If one member suffers, all suffer together")). Furthermore, it speaks to the theme of **Spiritual Discernment and Truth**, emphasizing the importance of adhering to "the truth" (the Gospel and Christian doctrine) as the standard from which one might err. The act of "converting" someone back to the truth is a manifestation of **Redemptive Love**, prioritizing restoration over condemnation, a principle also seen in passages like [Galatians 6:1](/galatians/6-1 "Galatians 6:1 - Restoring a Brother Gently").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **err (Greek, _planáō'_):** This word signifies to "wander," "go astray," or "be led astray" from a correct path, whether physically, morally, or spiritually. In this context, it denotes a deviation from the established "truth" of Christian doctrine or righteous conduct, implying a state of spiritual wandering or deception rather than a simple mistake. It suggests a departure from the safety and virtue found in adherence to God's ways.
* **truth (Greek, _alḗtheia'_):** Derived from the Greek word for "true," _alḗtheia_ refers to reality, veracity, and divine revelation. In the New Testament, it often denotes the sum of Christian doctrine, the Gospel message, and the way of life consistent with God's revealed will. To "err from the truth" means to deviate from this foundational spiritual and doctrinal reality.
* **convert (Greek, _epistréphō'_):** This term means "to turn back," "to return," or "to restore." It implies a reversal of direction or a reorientation. In this verse, it does not refer to initial conversion from unbelief to faith, but rather the act of bringing a believer who has strayed back to the correct path of faith and obedience from which they have wandered. It is an act of spiritual restoration.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth,"**: James directly addresses his fellow believers, emphasizing the familial bond and shared responsibility within the Christian community. The conditional "if" acknowledges the unfortunate but real possibility that even a genuine believer can deviate from the established "truth," which encompasses both sound doctrine and righteous living. This "erring" suggests a wandering or being led astray from the path of faith.
* **"and one convert him;"**: This clause presents the imperative action required when a brother or sister strays. The phrase "and one" indicates that any member of the community, not just designated leaders, has the responsibility and opportunity to intervene. "Convert him" signifies the act of turning the erring individual back to the truth, implying a loving, persuasive, and redemptive effort aimed at spiritual restoration rather than condemnation or abandonment.

#### Literary Devices
James employs several literary devices to convey his urgent message. The direct address, "Brethren," establishes a tone of **Pastoral Concern** and **Familial Intimacy**, immediately drawing the audience into the shared responsibility. The use of the **Conditional Clause** ("if any of you do err...") acknowledges the reality of human fallibility within the believing community, setting up the subsequent call to action. The phrase "err from the truth" functions as a **Metaphor** for spiritual deviation, likening a departure from sound doctrine or righteous living to a physical wandering off a path. The entire verse serves as a concise **Exhortation**, a direct command or urging to action, emphasizing the active role believers must play in one another's spiritual well-being.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
This verse profoundly articulates the church's corporate responsibility for the spiritual health of its members. It teaches that Christian love is not passive but actively seeks the restoration of those who have strayed from the "truth," whether in doctrine or practice. This divine mandate for mutual accountability is rooted in God's own redemptive character, as He continually seeks to restore His erring people. The "truth" from which one might err is not merely intellectual assent but the living reality of the Gospel and the righteous life it demands, making the act of conversion a re-alignment with God's will and way.

* [Galatians 6:1](/galatians/6-1 "Restoring a Brother Gently")
* [Matthew 18:15](/matthew/18-15 "Confronting a Sinning Brother")
* [Jude 1:22-23](/jude/1-22-23 "Showing Mercy and Snatching from the Fire")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
James 5:19 challenges every believer to move beyond passive observation to active, loving intervention when a fellow Christian deviates from the truth. This call to action requires spiritual discernment to recognize when someone is straying, humility to approach them with grace rather than judgment, and courage to speak truth in love. It reminds us that our spiritual journey is not solitary; we are interconnected members of Christ's body, called to bear one another's burdens and participate in each other's sanctification. This verse urges us to cultivate a church culture where genuine care for spiritual well-being is paramount, where restoration is prioritized over condemnation, and where the pursuit of truth guides our interactions. It's a powerful reminder that the greatest act of love we can offer a straying brother or sister is to gently, yet firmly, guide them back to the life-giving path of Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I cultivate a greater awareness of the spiritual state of those around me in my Christian community?**
* **What are practical steps I can take to lovingly approach a brother or sister who I perceive to be erring from the truth?**
* **How does this verse challenge my tendency to be passive or judgmental when others stumble?**
* **What does it mean for me to "convert" someone back to the truth, and what resources (prayer, Scripture, wise counsel) should I employ?**

### FAQ
**What does James mean by "err from the truth"?**

Answer: When James speaks of someone "erring from the truth," he is referring to a deviation from the established body of Christian doctrine, the Gospel message, and the righteous way of life prescribed by God's Word. It implies a departure from sound theological understanding or a falling away from consistent, obedient Christian conduct. This error could be due to deception, carelessness, or even willful disobedience, leading a believer to wander from the path of faith and virtue. It's not necessarily a complete loss of salvation, but a serious spiritual misdirection that requires intervention.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
James's exhortation to convert a straying brother finds its ultimate pattern and power in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself is the embodiment of "the truth" from which we might err; He declared, "I am the way, the truth, and the life" ([John 14:6](/john/14-6 "Jesus, the Way, the Truth, and the Life")). His entire earthly ministry was a mission to "seek and to save that which was lost" ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "The Son of Man Came to Seek and to Save the Lost")), paralleling the very act of "converting" the erring. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, leaves the ninety-nine to pursue the one lost sheep ([Matthew 18:12-14](/matthew/18-12-14 "The Parable of the Lost Sheep")), demonstrating the divine heart for restoration that James calls believers to emulate. Moreover, it is the Holy Spirit, the "Spirit of truth," who guides believers into all truth ([John 16:13](/john/16-13 "The Spirit of Truth")), empowering the community to discern error and effectively participate in the redemptive work of bringing others back to Christ, who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Thus, our efforts to restore a brother are a participation in Christ's ongoing work of salvation and sanctification, reflecting His boundless love and relentless pursuit of His own.

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

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.

Matthew 18:15

¶ Moreover if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother.

James 5:20

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.

Jude 1:22

And of some have compassion, making a difference:

Jude 1:23

And others save with fear, pulling [them] out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh.

Luke 22:32

But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

Ezekiel 34:16

I will seek that which was lost, and bring again that which was driven away, and will bind up [that which was] broken, and will strengthen that which was sick: but I will destroy the fat and the strong; I will feed them with judgment.