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.

JAMES 5:20KJV
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James 5:20 (KJV)

What does James 5:20 mean?

James 5:20 says that if someone helps turn a sinner away from the wrong path, that person has saved a soul from death and covered over many sins. This verse highlights the great value and impact of helping someone return from a life of wrongdoing.

James, the brother of Jesus, is writing to fellow believers, encouraging them to care for each other spiritually. The verse comes at the end of a letter focused on practical faith, urging readers to look out for those who have wandered from the truth. James uses strong language to show that guiding someone back is not just helpful but can be life-saving and brings about forgiveness.

The Greek behind James 5:20

  • "ἐπιστρέψῃ" (epistrepsē, "converteth"): This Greek word means to turn back or return. Here, it emphasizes the idea of helping someone change direction in life, not just a minor correction but a real turning from error.
  • "πλάνης" (planēs, "error"): This word refers to wandering or straying, often used for someone who has drifted from the right way. It paints a picture of someone lost or off course, not just making a small mistake.
  • "ψυχὴν" (psychēn, "soul"): This word can mean "life" or "soul," showing that what is at stake is not just outward behavior but the person's very life or spiritual well-being.
  • "καλύψει" (kalypsei, "hide"): The Greek here means to cover or conceal. The idea is not hiding sins in a deceptive way, but that many sins are forgiven or dealt with when someone turns back.

Why James 5:20 matters

  • James 5:20 clarifies that spiritual care for others is not just a private matter; helping someone return from a harmful path has real, lasting effects.
  • The verse connects the act of turning someone back to both saving them from death and covering sins, showing how practical actions can have deep spiritual consequences.
  • This verse ties together the letter’s theme of active, caring faith, reminding readers that looking out for each other is a central part of living out what they believe.

Where else these words appear

“hide” Greek G2572 · used in 7 verses

  • Matthew 8:24 And, behold, there arose a great tempest in the sea, insomuch that the ship was covered with the waves: but he was asleep.
  • Luke 8:16 No man, when he hath lighted a candle, covereth it with a vessel, or putteth it under a bed; but setteth it on a candlestick, that they which enter in may see the light.
  • 2 Corinthians 4:3 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost:

“error” Greek G4106 · used in 10 verses

  • Matthew 27:64 Command therefore that the sepulchre be made sure until the third day, lest his disciples come by night, and steal him away, and say unto the people, He is risen from the dead: so the last error shall be worse than the first.
  • 1 Thessalonians 2:3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
  • 2 Peter 3:17 Ye therefore, beloved, seeing ye know these things before, beware lest ye also, being led away with the error of the wicked, fall from your own stedfastness.

“multitude” Greek G4128 · used in 32 verses

  • Mark 3:7 But Jesus withdrew himself with his disciples to the sea: and a great multitude from Galilee followed him, and from Judaea,
  • John 5:3 In these lay a great multitude of impotent folk, of blind, halt, withered, waiting for the moving of the water.
  • Acts 15:12 Then all the multitude kept silence, and gave audience to Barnabas and Paul, declaring what miracles and wonders God had wrought among the Gentiles by them.

“converteth” 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.