5:16

Therefore, openly confess your sins to one another: It seems that James here continues his discussion regarding someone who “has committed sins,” as mentioned in the preceding verse. (Jas 5:15) When a Christian confesses a serious sin to “the elders of the congregation,” he demonstrates his sincere repentance; by making such a confession, he would be taking an important step toward restoring his relationship with Jehovah. (Jas 5:14; compare Isa 57:17-19; Jer 33:6, 7.) He would be following the examples of God’s faithful servants from ancient times who humbly recognized their sinful condition. (Nu 21:7; Ps 51:4) When they confessed their sins to God​—and in some cases to fellow humans​—they showed that they were aware of their wrongdoing and were genuinely repentant. (Ne 1:6; Ps 32:5; Da 9:20; compare Mr 1:5.) For Christians, not every sin called for them to confess to the congregation elders. However, Christians could still apply the principle of confessing sins “to one another” by acknowledging a mistake or wrongdoing that affected a fellow believer. Humbly doing so might be the first step in restoring or improving their relationships with one another.​—Mt 5:23, 24 and study notes.

and pray for one another: James had already instructed “the elders of the congregation” to pray over fellow Christians who had become weakened because of trials, discouragement, or even their own sinfulness. (Jas 5:14, 15) Now he encourages all to “pray for one another.” As used in this verse, the Greek verbs for “confess” and “pray” suggest continuous action. So the whole phrase could also be rendered: “Make it your habit to confess your sins to one another and to pray for one another.” (See study note on Therefore, openly confess your sins to one another in this verse.) Jehovah is pleased to see his people showing their mutual love and concern by praying for one another.​—See study note on 2Co 1:11.

A righteous man’s supplication has a powerful effect: James here encourages the congregation to pray in behalf of fellow Christians because such supplication, or earnest prayer, “has a powerful effect” (lit., “has much force when it is at work”). (See study notes on Ac 4:31; Php 4:6.) Jehovah is always pleased to answer requests that are offered “according to his will.” (1Jo 5:14, 15) James notes that the one offering the prayer must be righteous in God’s eyes, one who exercises faith in Jehovah and seeks to please Him. Next, James illustrates this point by mentioning Elijah’s prayers of faith. (Jas 5:17, 18) In some cases, a supplication may make a difference in what God does and when he does it.​—Isa 38:1-6; 2Co 1:8-11 and study notes on verses 8 and 11; Phm 22 and study note.