James 5:20

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

Let {G1097} him {G846} know {G1097}, that {G3754} he which converteth {G1994} the sinner {G268} from {G1537} the error {G4106} of his {G846} way {G3598} shall save {G4982} a soul {G5590} from {G1537} death {G2288}, and {G2532} shall hide {G2572} a multitude {G4128} of sins {G266}.

Complete Jewish Bible

you should know that whoever turns a sinner from his wandering path will save him from death and cover many sins.

Berean Standard Bible

consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
James 5:20 serves as a powerful concluding exhortation in the Epistle of James, underscoring the profound and eternal significance of actively participating in the spiritual restoration of a straying believer or an unrepentant sinner. It highlights the immense spiritual reward for guiding someone back to God, promising that such an act of compassionate intervention leads to the salvation of a soul from eternal death and the divine covering of a multitude of sins. This verse encapsulates the practical, faith-in-action theology that permeates James's letter, emphasizing the tangible impact of genuine faith on the lives of others.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** James 5:20 concludes the epistle with a climactic and deeply practical call to action, building upon the preceding themes of communal responsibility and spiritual care. Immediately prior, James has addressed the power of prayer for the sick and the importance of confession among believers ([James 5:13-18](/james/5-13-18 "James 5:13-18 - Prayer for the Sick and Confession of Sins")). The mention of Elijah's fervent prayer in [James 5:17-18](/james/5-17-18 "James 5:17-18 - Elijah's Prayer as an Example") sets a precedent for the effectiveness of righteous intercession. Thus, [James 5:19-20](/james/5-19-20 "James 5:19-20 - Restoring a Sinner") acts as a final, urgent appeal for believers to extend this same diligent care and intercession to those who have wandered from the truth, thereby demonstrating the practical outworking of their faith, a central tenet of the entire letter (e.g., [James 2:14-26](/james/2-14-26 "James 2:14-26 - Faith Without Works Is Dead")).

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The Epistle of James was likely written to Jewish Christians dispersed among the nations, facing various trials and temptations. The emphasis on practical wisdom, ethical living, and community responsibility resonates deeply with Jewish wisdom literature and the early Christian understanding of discipleship. The concept of "error of his way" would have been readily understood by a Jewish audience familiar with the Old Testament emphasis on walking in God's ways (e.g., [Deuteronomy 5:33](/deuteronomy/5-33 "Deuteronomy 5:33 - Walk in All the Way That the Lord Your God Has Commanded You")). The early church placed a high value on mutual accountability and restoration, recognizing that individual spiritual health impacted the entire community. This verse reflects the communal ethos where believers were expected to actively shepherd one another, preventing spiritual drift and ensuring adherence to the "way of truth" ([2 Peter 2:2](/2_peter/2-2 "2 Peter 2:2 - The Way of Truth")).

* **Key Themes:** This concluding verse powerfully encapsulates several overarching themes of the Epistle of James. Firstly, it underscores the **active nature of genuine faith**, reinforcing James's consistent argument that faith without works is dead ([James 2:17](/james/2-17 "James 2:17 - Faith Without Works Is Dead")). Here, the "work" is the spiritual restoration of another. Secondly, it highlights the **importance of communal responsibility** within the body of Christ, where believers are called to care for each other's spiritual well-being, not just their physical needs. Thirdly, the verse points to the **eternal consequences of sin and the profound value of salvation**, emphasizing that the ultimate goal of Christian living and ministry is eternal life, rescuing souls from "death." Finally, it subtly reinforces the theme of **divine mercy and forgiveness**, as the act of turning a sinner leads to the covering of their sins, echoing God's character revealed throughout scripture.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **converteth (Greek, _epistréphō'_):** This word signifies a decisive and radical change of direction, literally "to turn around" or "to return." In a spiritual context, it denotes a turning from sin and error towards God, implying repentance and a fundamental reorientation of one's life. It is not merely a correction of behavior but a profound internal transformation.
* **error (Greek, _plánē'_):** This term refers to a straying from the right path, a delusion, or a deception. It implies not just a mistake but a moral or theological deviation from truth and piety. The "error of his way" therefore describes a lifestyle or pattern of thought that is fundamentally contrary to God's revealed will.
* **death (Greek, _thánatos'_):** While "death" can refer to physical cessation, in this context, it primarily denotes spiritual death—the separation from God that is the consequence of unrepentant sin. This is the ultimate, eternal consequence from which the soul is saved, leading to a state of spiritual vitality and eternal life.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Let him know,"**: This opening phrase serves as a strong declaration, drawing attention to the profound truth that follows. It implies a certain knowledge or understanding that the reader should grasp and internalize.
* **"that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way"**: This clause identifies the agent and the action. The "he" refers to any believer who actively intervenes to guide a "sinner" (one who is habitually living in sin or has strayed) away from their "error of his way"—a life characterized by deviation from God's truth and moral standards. The act of "converting" implies persuasion, teaching, prayer, and loving confrontation, leading to a genuine turning.
* **"shall save a soul from death,"**: This is the first profound consequence of such an intervention. The "soul" refers to the entire person, their spiritual and eternal being. "Death" here is primarily spiritual and eternal separation from God, the ultimate penalty for sin. The one who facilitates this turning participates in God's work of rescuing an individual from this eternal condemnation, leading them towards eternal life.
* **"and shall hide a multitude of sins."**: This is the second glorious outcome. "Hide" (Greek, _kalýptō_) means to cover up or conceal. This phrase carries a dual meaning: primarily, it signifies that when a sinner turns from their way, their past "multitude of sins" (a vast number of transgressions) are divinely forgiven and covered by God's grace, no longer held against them. Secondarily, it implies that by turning, the individual ceases to accumulate further sins, preventing future transgressions and their associated consequences.

#### Literary Devices
James 5:20 employs several significant **literary devices** to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Metaphor**, particularly in the phrases "save a soul from death" and "hide a multitude of sins." "Death" here is a metaphor for spiritual separation from God, not merely physical cessation, highlighting the eternal stakes involved. "Hide a multitude of sins" functions as a metaphor for divine forgiveness and the cessation of further sin, implying a covering or removal of guilt. There is also a strong element of **Didacticism**, as the verse serves as a direct instruction and exhortation to the Christian community regarding their responsibility to one another. Furthermore, the verse exhibits a form of **Parallelism** in its two main clauses ("shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins"), where the second phrase reinforces and complements the first, emphasizing the dual blessings of spiritual restoration: rescue from eternal judgment and the complete forgiveness of past and prevention of future transgressions. The use of "multitude" also suggests **Hyperbole** to emphasize the vastness of human sin, making the act of divine covering even more remarkable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
James 5:20 stands as a testament to the profound theological truth that God uses human instruments in His redemptive plan, and that genuine faith is inherently missional and restorative. It underscores the immense value God places on every individual soul and His desire for all to turn from sin and find life. The verse connects the act of converting a sinner to the ultimate acts of salvation and forgiveness, aligning human effort with divine purpose. It highlights that while salvation is ultimately God's work, He graciously involves believers in the process, granting them the privilege of participating in the eternal destiny of others. This participation is not a means of earning salvation, but an overflow of a faith that is alive and active, demonstrating love for God and neighbor.

* [Proverbs 10:12](/proverbs/10-12 "Proverbs 10:12 - Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.")
* [1 Peter 4:8](/1_peter/4-8 "1 Peter 4:8 - Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.")
* [Luke 15:7](/luke/15-7 "Luke 15:7 - Joy in Heaven Over One Sinner Who Repents")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
James 5:20 issues a profound challenge and offers immense encouragement to every believer. It calls us to move beyond passive faith to active, compassionate engagement with those who have strayed from God's path, whether they are unchurched individuals or fellow believers who have fallen into sin. This verse reminds us that the spiritual well-being of others is not solely their concern but a shared responsibility within the body of Christ. Our efforts, empowered by the Holy Spirit, can have eternal consequences, rescuing individuals from the devastating trajectory of spiritual death and bringing them into the liberating embrace of God's forgiveness. This requires a heart of love, discernment, courage to speak truth, and persistent prayer, reflecting the very heart of God who desires that none should perish. It compels us to consider how we are actively participating in the restoration work of God in our families, communities, and spheres of influence, recognizing that few acts are more significant than helping someone find their way back to Christ.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **Who in my life might be "erring from the way" and how can I, in love and wisdom, seek to "convert" them?**
* **What does it mean for me to truly value a "soul" as James 5:20 suggests, and how does that value translate into my actions and prayers?**
* **How does the promise of "hiding a multitude of sins" motivate me to engage in spiritual restoration, knowing the depth of God's forgiveness for those who repent?**
* **Am I actively praying for those who are lost or struggling spiritually, believing that my prayers can be a part of God's saving work?**

### FAQ
**Does "save a soul from death" mean that human effort alone can grant salvation?**

Answer: No, this verse does not imply that human effort alone can grant salvation. Salvation is ultimately God's work, accomplished through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ and received by grace through faith ([Ephesians 2:8-9](/ephesians/2-8-9 "Ephesians 2:8-9 - Saved by Grace Through Faith")). Rather, James 5:20 emphasizes that God graciously chooses to use human instruments in the process of leading others to repentance and faith. The believer who "converteth" is a channel or catalyst through whom the Holy Spirit works to bring about a turning to God. It highlights the believer's vital role in evangelism, discipleship, and spiritual restoration, but the power to save belongs to God alone. We are co-laborers with God ([1 Corinthians 3:9](/1_corinthians/3-9 "1 Corinthians 3:9 - We Are God's Fellow Workers")), participating in His mission to seek and save the lost.

**What does it mean to "hide a multitude of sins"?**

Answer: To "hide a multitude of sins" primarily means that when a sinner turns from their error and repents, their numerous past sins are divinely forgiven and covered by God's grace. This concept echoes the Old Testament idea of God "covering" sins (e.g., [Psalm 32:1](/psalm/32-1 "Psalm 32:1 - Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.")). It signifies that these sins are no longer held against the individual, and their guilt is removed through Christ's atonement. Secondarily, it implies that by turning from their sinful "way," the individual ceases to commit further sins in that particular pattern, thereby preventing the accumulation of even more transgressions. It is a powerful promise of comprehensive forgiveness and a new beginning in Christ.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
James 5:20 finds its ultimate fulfillment and deepest meaning in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent one who "converteth the sinner from the error of his way" and who "saves a soul from death." Jesus Himself declared that He came "to seek and to save the lost" ([Luke 19:10](/luke/19-10 "Luke 19:10 - The Son of Man Came to Seek and to Save the Lost")), embodying the very mission James exhorts believers to undertake. It is through His sacrificial death on the cross that a "multitude of sins" are truly "hidden" or covered, as His blood provides the perfect atonement for all who believe ([Colossians 2:13-14](/colossians/2-13-14 "Colossians 2:13-14 - Forgiveness and Cancellation of Debt") and [Hebrews 9:22](/hebrews/9-22 "Hebrews 9:22 - Without the Shedding of Blood There Is No Forgiveness")). Therefore, when believers engage in the work of spiritual restoration, they are not acting on their own power but are participating in and extending the redemptive work that Christ has already accomplished. Every soul saved from death and every sin hidden is a testament to the finished work of the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world ([John 1:29](/john/1-29 "John 1:29 - Jesus, the Lamb of God")). Our call to convert sinners is thus a call to point them to the only One who can truly save and forgive.

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

1 Peter 4:8

And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

Proverbs 10:12

¶ Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

1 Timothy 4:16

Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee.

Proverbs 11:30

¶ The fruit of the righteous [is] a tree of life; and he that winneth souls [is] wise.

Romans 11:14

If by any means I may provoke to emulation [them which are] my flesh, and might save some of them.

James 5:19

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

James 1:15

Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.