• James 5:20
    The Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures

    • 20 γινώσκετε be YOU knowing ὅτι that ὁ the (one) ἐπιστρέψας having turned upon ἁμαρτωλὸν sinner ἐκ out of πλάνης error ὁδοῦ of way αὐτοῦ of him σώσει will save ψυχὴν soul αὐτοῦ of him ἐκ out of θανάτου death καὶ and καλύψει will cover πλῆθος multitude ἁμαρτιῶν. of sins.

  • James 5:20
    King James Version

    • 20 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 Study Notes—Chapter 5
    New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)

    • 5:20

      whoever turns a sinner back: The Greek word here rendered “turns . . . back” can convey the idea of redirecting a person, helping him to change his way of thinking and to return to God. (See study note on Ac 3:19.) To motivate a sinner to repent and return to doing what is right, a Christian must be patient and persistent. (Compare 2Pe 3:9.) Thus he may help to save him [the sinner] from death, that is, from losing out on everlasting life. In any case, such efforts please Jehovah.​—Eze 34:16; Mt 18:14; Jude 22, 23.

      will cover a multitude of sins: In the Scriptures, the expression “to cover sin” is often used to emphasize Jehovah’s willingness to forgive sin. (Ps 32:1; 85:2, ftn.; Ro 4:7 and study note) God responds to sincere repentance by forgiving even serious sins. The phrase “a multitude of sins” focuses, not on the number of sins or the degree of wickedness involved, but on the vast extent of Jehovah’s forgiveness. (Compare Lu 7:47.) His undeserved kindness is far greater than any sin. (Ps 103:3; Eph 2:4, 5; Col 2:13) A Christian who helps his erring brother to grasp the wrongfulness of his course and to seek divine forgiveness acts as an instrument in Jehovah’s hands.​—Ga 6:1; 1Ti 4:16.