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James 5:19

New Testament Epistle (General) ASV (1901)

What does James 5:19 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “My brethren, if any among you err from the truth, and one convert him;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

My brethren, if any among you err from the truth, and one convert him;
James 5:19 — American Standard Version

Context — James 5

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
16Confess 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.
17Elijah was a man of like passions with us, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain; and it rained not on the earth for three years and six months.
18And he prayed again; and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
19My brethren, if any among you err from the truth, and one convert him;
20let 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.
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What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, etc.] Either from Christ, who is the truth, by departing from him, forsaking his ways, worship, and ordinances; or from the Scriptures of truth, not speaking according to them, and embracing notions that are contrary unto them; or from the Gospel, the word of truth, from the doctrine of faith, and from uprightness of life and conversation, after having made a profession of Christianity; for this is to be understood of one who has embraced the Christian religion, become a member of a church, and has walked in the path of truth and holiness, but now fallen into error, either in principle, or in practice, or both: and one convert him; or turn him…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“The blessing of reclaiming an erring sinner by the mutual consent and intercessory prayer just recommended. do err--more literally, "be led astray." the truth--the Gospel doctrine and precepts. one--literally, "any"; as "any" before. Everyone ought to seek the salvation of everyone [BENGEL].”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth - Either doctrinally and speculatively, by embracing error; or practically, by falling into sinful practices. Either of these may be called “erring from the truth,” because they are contrary to what the truth teaches and requires. What is here said does not appear to have any connection with what precedes, but the apostle seems to have supposed that such a case might occur; and, in the conclusion of the Epistle, he called their attention to the importance of endeavoring to save an erring brother, if such an instance should happen. The exhortation would be proper in addressing a letter to any church, or in publicly addressing any congregation. And…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“As if he had said, I have now warned you of those sins to which you are most liable; and, in all these respects, watch not only over yourselves, but every one over his brother also. Labour, in particular, to recover those that are fallen. If any one err from the truth - Practically, by sin. James 5:20”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“5:19-20 These verses end the letter as a bookend (inclusio) counterbalancing the exhortation to endurance in 1:2-4.”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“err: Psa 119:21, Psa 119:118; Pro 19:27; Isa 3:12; Ti1 6:10, Ti1 6:21; Ti2 2:18; Pe2 3:17; Jde 1:11 and one: Jam 5:20; Eze 34:4, Eze 34:16; Mat 18:15; Luk 22:32; Gal 6:1; Heb 12:12, Heb 12:13; Jde 1:22, Jde 1:23 James 5:20”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification