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

JAMES 5:19KJV
Know the Bible

James 5:19 (KJV)

What does James 5:19 mean?

James 5:19 tells believers that if someone among them wanders away from the truth, and another person helps bring them back, this is important and valued. The verse highlights the responsibility of the community to care for each other’s spiritual well-being.

James, the writer, is addressing fellow Christians (“brethren”) and is talking about situations where someone strays from what is true or right. He encourages others in the group to notice this and take action to help restore that person. The verse is about looking out for each other, not just individually, but as a supportive group.

The Greek behind James 5:19

  • ἐὰν (ean, “if”): This word sets up a real possibility, not just a hypothetical situation. James is acknowledging that wandering from the truth can and does happen among believers.
  • πλανηθῇ (planēthē, “err”): This word is often used for someone who is led astray or goes off course, not just a simple mistake but a drifting away from what is right or true.
  • ἐπιστρέψῃ (epistrepsē, “convert”): The Greek here means to turn back or return, rather than just a one-time conversion. It suggests helping someone return to the right path, not starting from scratch.

Why James 5:19 matters

  • James 5:19 clarifies that spiritual wandering is a real risk even within a community of believers, and it is not something to ignore or judge harshly.
  • The verse places value on the act of helping someone return, showing that restoration is a shared responsibility, not just the job of leaders or teachers.
  • This verse connects to the wider theme of James, which emphasizes practical care, accountability, and active love within the Christian community.

Where else these words appear

“err” Greek G4105 · used in 37 verses

  • Matthew 18:12 How think ye? if a man have an hundred sheep, and one of them be gone astray, doth he not leave the ninety and nine, and goeth into the mountains, and seeketh that which is gone astray?
  • John 7:12 And there was much murmuring among the people concerning him: for some said, He is a good man: others said, Nay; but he deceiveth the people.
  • 2 Peter 2:15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness;

“convert” Greek G1994 · used in 38 verses

  • Matthew 9:22 But Jesus turned him about, and when he saw her, he said, Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith hath made thee whole. And the woman was made whole from that hour.
  • Luke 8:55 And her spirit came again, and she arose straightway: and he commanded to give her meat.
  • Acts 15:36 And some days after Paul said unto Barnabas, Let us go again and visit our brethren in every city where we have preached the word of the Lord, and see how they do.

“truth” Greek G225 · used in 99 verses

  • Matthew 22:16 And they sent out unto him their disciples with the Herodians, saying, Master, we know that thou art true, and teachest the way of God in truth, neither carest thou for any man: for thou regardest not the person of men.
  • Romans 2:2 But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.
  • 1 Timothy 4:3 Forbidding to marry, and commanding to abstain from meats, which God hath created to be received with thanksgiving of them which believe and know the truth.