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James 5:19

James 5:20 net — he should know that the one who turns a sinner back from his wandering path will save that person’s soul from death and…

NET Bible

"he should know that the one who turns a sinner back from his wandering path will save that person’s soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins."

— James 5:20, NET Bible

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James 5:20 in Other Translations

6 versions All translations

James 5 — Context

17

Elijah was a human being like us, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain and there was no rain on the land for three years and six months!

18

Then he prayed again, and the sky gave rain and the land sprouted with a harvest.

19

My brothers and sisters, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone turns him back,

20

he should know that the one who turns a sinner back from his wandering path will save that person’s soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.

James 5:20 — Frequently Asked Questions

7 questions
What does James 5:20 say?
James 5:20 in the NET Bible reads: “he should know that the one who turns a sinner back from his wandering path will save that person’s soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.”
Where is James 5:20 in the Bible?
James 5:20 is found in the New Testament, in the book of James, chapter 5, verse 20.
Who wrote James?
James is traditionally attributed to James, half-brother of Jesus, leader of the Jerusalem church. It was written c. AD 44–49.
What is the book of James about?
James is the New Testament's closest cousin to Old-Testament wisdom literature — pungent, practical, and uncompromising. Faith without works is dead. The tongue is a fire. The prayers of a righteous man avail much. It calls Christians to walk their talk.
What are the major themes of James?
James explores themes including Faith and Works, Wisdom, Speech, Suffering, Prayer. These themes shape the meaning and context of James 5:20.
What translation should I read James 5:20 in?
James 5:20 is available on GodsGoodBook in the King James Version (KJV), American Standard Version (ASV), World English Bible (WEB), NET Bible, Young's Literal Translation, Darby Bible, Douay-Rheims Bible, and the Bible in Basic English. Each translation reflects different translation philosophies — use the translation picker on this page to compare them, or browse our full translations directory.
How can I memorize James 5:20?
James 5:20 reads (NET): “he should know that the one who turns a sinner back from his wandering path will save that person’s soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins.” Read it aloud, break it into short phrases, repeat each phrase three times before adding the next, then put the phrases together. Reading it in multiple translations (above) often helps the meaning settle.
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