King James Version

What Does James 5:19 Mean?

James 5:19 in the King James Version says “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; — study this verse from James chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

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

James 5:19 · KJV


Context

17

Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. subject: of the same nature, that is, a fellow mortal earnestly: or, in his prayer

18

And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

19

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

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.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; If anyone wanders from the truth and someone turns him back, restoration occurs. James calls the community to pursue straying believers.

Reformed ecclesiology stresses mutual care; church members are responsible for one another's perseverance.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

False teaching and persecution led some to wander. James empowers ordinary believers—not just leaders—to engage in restorative ministry, aligning with Galatians 6:1.

Reflection Questions

  1. Who in your circle may be drifting from truth?
  2. How can you lovingly pursue them?
  3. What community structures support restorative care?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 13 words
Ἀδελφοί1 of 13

Brethren

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ἐάν2 of 13

if

G1437

a conditional particle; in case that, provided, etc.; often used in connection with other particles to denote indefiniteness or uncertainty

τις3 of 13

any

G5100

some or any person or object

ἐν4 of 13

of

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

ὑμῖν5 of 13

you

G5213

to (with or by) you

πλανηθῇ6 of 13

do err

G4105

to (properly, cause to) roam (from safety, truth, or virtue)

ἀπὸ7 of 13

from

G575

"off," i.e., away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)

τῆς8 of 13
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀληθείας9 of 13

the truth

G225

truth

καὶ10 of 13

and

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐπιστρέψῃ11 of 13

convert

G1994

to revert (literally, figuratively or morally)

τις12 of 13

any

G5100

some or any person or object

αὐτόν13 of 13

him

G846

the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative g1438) of the third person, and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of James. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

James 5:19 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to James 5:19 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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