James 5:20 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.

◄ James 5:20 ►

New International Version
remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

New Living Translation
you can be sure that whoever brings the sinner back from wandering will save that person from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.

English Standard Version
let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of 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.

Berean Literal Bible
let him know that the one having brought back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death, and will cover over a multitude of sins.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.

New American Standard Bible
let him know that the one who has turned a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.

NASB 1995
let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

NASB 1977
let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins.

Legacy Standard Bible
let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will COVER A MULTITUDE OF SINS.

Amplified Bible
let the [latter] one know that the one who has turned a sinner from the error of his way will save that one’s soul from death and cover a multitude of sins [that is, obtain the pardon of the many sins committed by the one who has been restored].

Christian Standard Bible
let that person know that whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
let him know that whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his life from death and cover 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.

Contemporary English Version
If you turn sinners from the wrong way, you will save them from death, and many of their sins will be forgiven.

English Revised Version
let him know, that he which converteth a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Realize that whoever brings a sinner back from the error of his ways will save him from death, and many sins will be forgiven.

Good News Translation
remember this: whoever turns a sinner back from the wrong way will save that sinner's soul from death and bring about the forgiveness of many sins.

International Standard Version
you may be sure that whoever brings a sinner back from his wrong path will save his soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.

Majority 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.

NET Bible
he should know that the one who turns a sinner back from his wandering path will save that person's soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

New Heart English Bible
let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins.

Webster's Bible Translation
Let him know, that he who converteth a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death, and will hide a multitude of sins.

Weymouth New Testament
let him know that he who brings a sinner back from his evil ways will save the man's soul from death and throw a veil over a multitude of sins.

World English Bible
let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

Literal Translations

Literal Standard Version
let him know that he who turned back a sinner from the straying of his way will save a soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins.

Berean Literal Bible
let him know that the one having brought back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death, and will cover over a multitude of sins.

Young's Literal Translation
let him know that he who did turn back a sinner from the straying of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins.

Smith's Literal Translation
Let him know, that he having turned the sinful from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins.

Catholic Translations

Douay-Rheims Bible
He must know that he who causeth a sinner to be converted from the error of his way, shall save his soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins.

Catholic Public Domain Version
he ought to know that whoever causes a sinner to be converted from the error of his ways will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

New American Bible
he should know that whoever brings back a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

New Revised Standard Version
you should know that whoever brings back a sinner from wandering will save the sinner’s soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

Translations from Aramaic

Lamsa Bible
Let him know that he who converts a sinner from the error of his way, shall save his soul from death, and shall wipe out a multitude of sins.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way gives life to his soul from death and blots out the multitude of his sins.

NT Translations

Anderson New Testament
let him know that he who turns back a sinner from the error of his way, will save a soul from death, and cover a multitude of sins.

Godbey New Testament
let him know, that the one having turned a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and hide a multitude of sins.

Haweis New Testament
let him know, that he that converteth a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death, and will cover a multitude of sins.

Mace New Testament
that the retrieving of a sinner from his erroneous habits, is saving a soul from ruin, and cancels a multitude of sins.

Weymouth New Testament
let him know that he who brings a sinner back from his evil ways will save the man's soul from death and throw a veil over a multitude of sins.

Worrell New Testament
let him know that he who converted a sinner from the error of his way, will save a soul from death, and cover a multitude of sins.

Worsley New Testament
let him know that he, who turneth back a sinner from the error of his way, shall save a soul from death, and shall cover a multitude of sins.

Additional Translations ...

Audio Bible

Context

Restoring a Sinner
19My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, 20consider this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

Berean Standard Bible · Download

Cross References

Luke 15:7
I tell you that in the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who do not need to repent.

Luke 15:10
In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of God’s angels over one sinner who repents.”

1 Peter 4:8
Above all, love one another deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.

Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up dissension, but love covers all transgressions.

1 John 5:16
If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he should ask God, who will give life to those who commit this kind of sin. There is a sin that leads to death; I am not saying he should ask regarding that sin.

Galatians 6:1
Brothers, if someone is caught in a trespass, you who are spiritual should restore him with a spirit of gentleness. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.

Matthew 18:15
If your brother sins against you, go and confront him privately. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over.

1 Corinthians 9:22
To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.

Jude 1:23
save others by snatching them from the fire; and to still others show mercy tempered with fear, hating even the clothing stained by the flesh.

Ezekiel 33:11
Say to them: ‘As surely as I live, declares the Lord GOD, I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked should turn from their ways and live. Turn! Turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?’

Proverbs 11:30
The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and he who wins souls is wise.

Daniel 12:3
Then the wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever and ever.

Matthew 18:12-14
What do you think? If a man has a hundred sheep and one of them goes astray, will he not leave the ninety-nine on the hills and go out to search for the one that is lost? / And if he finds it, truly I tell you, he rejoices more over that one sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray. / In the same way, your Father in heaven is not willing that any of these little ones should perish.

Romans 11:14
in the hope that I may provoke my own people to jealousy and save some of them.

2 Corinthians 5:18-20
All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: / that God was reconciling the world to Himself in Christ, not counting men’s trespasses against them. And He has committed to us the message of reconciliation. / Therefore we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making His appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ: Be reconciled to God.

Treasury of Scripture

Let him know, that he which converts the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

that he.

James 5:19
Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;

shall save.

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.

1 Corinthians 9:22
To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.

from death.

James 1:15
Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

Proverbs 10:2
Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.

Proverbs 11:4
Riches profit not in the day of wrath: but righteousness delivereth from death.

hide.

Psalm 32:1
A Psalm of David, Maschil. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.

Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirreth up strifes: but love covereth all sins.

1 Peter 4:8
And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.

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James 5

1. Rich oppressors are to fear God's vengeance.
7. We ought to be patient in afflictions, after the example of the prophets, and Job;
12. to forbear swearing;
13. to pray in adversity, to sing in prosperity;
14. to acknowledge mutually our several faults, to pray one for another;
19. and to correct a straying brother.

Berean Study Bible

let him know
This phrase emphasizes the importance of awareness and understanding in the Christian life. The Greek word for "know" here is "ginōskō," which implies a deep, experiential knowledge. It is not merely intellectual assent but a profound realization that comes from personal experience and conviction. In the context of the early church, this knowledge was crucial for believers who were often surrounded by pagan practices and needed to discern truth from error.

whoever turns
The act of turning, from the Greek "epistrephō," suggests a complete change of direction or conversion. This is not a superficial adjustment but a radical transformation of one's life. Historically, the early Christian community was deeply involved in evangelism, seeking to turn individuals from their previous ways to a new life in Christ. This phrase underscores the active role believers are called to play in the spiritual lives of others.

a sinner
The term "sinner" in this context refers to someone who is living in a state of separation from God. In the Jewish tradition, a sinner was someone who violated the laws of God, and in the early Christian context, it extended to those who rejected the teachings of Christ. The mission of the church has always been to reach out to such individuals with the love and truth of the Gospel.

from the error of his way
The "error" here, from the Greek "planē," denotes a wandering or straying from the truth. It is a powerful image of someone who has lost their way, akin to a sheep that has gone astray. The early church fathers often spoke of the Christian life as a journey, and this phrase captures the essence of guiding someone back to the right path.

will save his soul from death
The concept of saving a soul from death is central to Christian theology. The Greek word "sōzō" for "save" implies rescue and deliverance. In the biblical context, "death" often refers to spiritual death, which is eternal separation from God. This phrase highlights the eternal significance of turning someone back to God, emphasizing the ultimate goal of salvation.

and cover over a multitude of sins
The imagery of covering sins is rich in biblical tradition, harking back to the sacrificial system of the Old Testament where sins were covered by the blood of sacrifices. The Greek word "kalyptō" means to hide or veil. In the New Testament, this covering is achieved through the atoning work of Christ. The phrase suggests that by turning a sinner back to God, not only is the individual saved, but the grace of God extends to cover their past transgressions, reflecting the boundless mercy and forgiveness available through Christ.

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers

(20) Let him know.--Or, as it rather seems to be, Know ye; be absolutely sure of this, in a knowledge better than all the Gnostic and Agnostic learning of the day. He which turneth a sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death--the means thereto being given him by the Saviour of all--and shall hide a multitude of sins; not, of course, his own, but those of the penitent, brought back by this good servant into the fold. So is it possible to be a fellow-worker with Christ (2Corinthians 6:1), and a sharer in His work of salvation, as, in another sense, we too vicariously suffer for the sins and faults of others. (Comp. Colossians 1:24, and Butler's Analogy, part 2, chap. 5)

What St. James was in word that also was he in deed; for he "prayed fervently" for the pardon and conversion of those who killed him. "Hold," said some of the by-standers. when the martyr sank upon the stones, "the Just is praying for you!" Stephen's prayer won Saul for the infant Church: it can hardly be that James's last breathings of pity were unanswered of God.

Pulpit Commentary

Verse 20. - Let him know. So א, A, K, L, Latt., Syriac, B has γινώσκετε, "know ye." After ψυχὴν, א, A, and Vulgate add αὐτοῦ. B has it after θανάτου. And shall cover a multitude of sins (καλύψει πλῆθος ἁμαρτιῶν). The same expression occurs in 1 Peter 4:8, "Charity covereth a multitude of sins." It is founded on Proverbs 10:12, תְּכַסֶּה אַהֲבָה וְעַל כָּל־פְשָׁעִים, "Love covereth all sins," where the LXX. goes entirely astray: Πάντας δὲ τοὺς μὴ φιλονεικοῦντας καλύπτει φιλία: but cf. Psalm 31:1; Psalm 84:3, in the LXX. It is difficult to believe that St. Peter and St. James independently hit upon the rendering πλῆθος ἁμαρτιῶν for the Hebrew כָּל־פְּשָׂעִים, as there was nothing to suggest it, the LXX. never rendering כֹּל by πλῆθος. Probably the one was consciously or unconsciously influenced by the other. The striking position which the words occupy here, as those with which the Epistle closes, would make them linger in the memory; and there is nothing to militate against the conclusion, which appeared probable on the occasion of previous coincidences between the two writers, that St. James is the earlier of the two (comp. on James 4:6). The expression used by the apostle leaves it undetermined whose sins are thus "covered," whether

(1) those of the man who is "converted from the error of his way," or

(2) those of the man who wins him back, and through this good action obtains, by the grace of God, pardon for his own "multitude of sins." It has been well noticed that "there is a studied generality in the form of the teaching which seems to emphasize the wide blessedness of love. In the very act of seeking to convert one for whom we care we must turn to God ourselves, and in covering the past sins of another our own also are covered. In such an act love reaches its highest point, and that love includes the faith in God which is the condition of forgiveness" (Plumptre). The Epistle ends abruptly, with no salutation and no doxology. In this it stands almost by itself in the New Testament; the First Epistle of St. John alone approaching it in the abruptness of its conclusion.

. . .

Parallel Commentaries ...

Greek

consider
γινωσκέτω (ginōsketō)
Verb - Present Imperative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1097: A prolonged form of a primary verb; to 'know' in a great variety of applications and with many implications.

this:
ὅτι (hoti)
Conjunction
Strong's 3754: Neuter of hostis as conjunction; demonstrative, that; causative, because.

Whoever
ὁ (ho)
Article - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

turns
ἐπιστρέψας (epistrepsas)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 1994: From epi and strepho; to revert.

a sinner
ἁμαρτωλὸν (hamartōlon)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Singular
Strong's 268: Sinning, sinful, depraved, detestable. From hamartano; sinful, i.e. A sinner.

from
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

[the] error
πλάνης (planēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 4106: Feminine of planos; objectively, fraudulence; subjectively, a straying from orthodoxy or piety.

of his
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

way
ὁδοῦ (hodou)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3598: A way, road, journey, path. Apparently a primary word; a road; by implication, a progress; figuratively, a mode or means.

will save
σώσει (sōsei)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 4982: To save, heal, preserve, rescue. From a primary sos; to save, i.e. Deliver or protect.

his
αὐτοῦ (autou)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive Masculine 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 846: He, she, it, they, them, same. From the particle au; the reflexive pronoun self, used of the third person, and of the other persons.

soul
ψυχὴν (psychēn)
Noun - Accusative Feminine Singular
Strong's 5590: From psucho; breath, i.e. spirit, abstractly or concretely.

from
ἐκ (ek)
Preposition
Strong's 1537: From out, out from among, from, suggesting from the interior outwards. A primary preposition denoting origin, from, out.

death
θανάτου (thanatou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2288: Death, physical or spiritual. From thnesko; death.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

cover over
καλύψει (kalypsei)
Verb - Future Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 2572: To veil, hide, conceal, envelop. Akin to klepto and krupto; to cover up.

a multitude
πλῆθος (plēthos)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 4128: A multitude, crowd, great number, assemblage. From pletho; a fulness, i.e. A large number, throng, populace.

of sins.
ἁμαρτιῶν (hamartiōn)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Plural
Strong's 266: From hamartano; a sin.

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NT Letters: James 5:20 Let him know that he who turns (Ja Jas. Jam)