Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

JAMES 5:14KJV
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James 5:14 (KJV)

What does James 5:14 mean?

James 5:14 instructs anyone in the church who is sick to call for the elders, who will pray over the person and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. This verse describes a specific way the early Christian community cared for those who were ill, involving both prayer and a symbolic act using oil.

James, the brother of Jesus, is writing to believers facing various hardships. Here, he gives practical guidance for times of sickness, emphasizing the role of church elders (leaders) and the importance of prayer. The act of anointing with oil was often understood as both a physical comfort and a spiritual symbol, showing care and invoking God's presence.

The Greek behind James 5:14

  • ἐκκλησία (ekklēsia): This word means "church" or "assembly." James is not speaking about just anyone, but specifically about the gathered community of believers.
  • πρεσβυτέρους (presbyterous): Translated as "elders," this refers to recognized leaders in the church, not just older people. Their role here is to provide spiritual support and guidance.
  • ἀλείψαντες (aleipsantes): This word means "anointing." In the ancient world, anointing with oil was used for healing and as a sign of being set apart for God's care.
  • ἐλαίῳ (elaiō): This means "oil." Oil was a common remedy in the ancient world, but here it also carries a spiritual meaning, symbolizing God's blessing and presence.

Why James 5:14 matters

  • James 5:14 clarifies that the care of the sick in the early church involved both practical and spiritual actions, not just one or the other.
  • The verse highlights the role of church leadership in caring for members, showing that spiritual support is a community responsibility.
  • Understanding the use of oil and prayer together helps avoid the misunderstanding that only one or the other is important; both are presented as meaningful in the context of faith.

Where else these words appear

“anointing” Greek G218 · used in 8 verses

  • Matthew 6:17 But thou, when thou fastest, anoint thine head, and wash thy face;
  • Mark 16:1 And when the sabbath was past, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James, and Salome, had bought sweet spices, that they might come and anoint him.
  • Luke 7:46 My head with oil thou didst not anoint: but this woman hath anointed my feet with ointment.

“oil” Greek G1637 · used in 11 verses

  • Matthew 25:3 They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them:
  • Mark 6:13 And they cast out many devils, and anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them.
  • Luke 16:6 And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.

“call” Greek G4341 · used in 30 verses

  • Matthew 10:1 And when he had called unto him his twelve disciples, he gave them power against unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal all manner of sickness and all manner of disease.
  • Mark 7:14 And when he had called all the people unto him, he said unto them, Hearken unto me every one of you, and understand:
  • Acts 2:39 For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call.

“Is” Greek G770 · used in 35 verses

  • Matthew 10:8 Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.
  • John 11:2 (It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.)
  • 1 Corinthians 8:9 But take heed lest by any means this liberty of yours become a stumblingblock to them that are weak.