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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "//www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="//www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1" /><title>James 5:16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail.</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/james/5-16.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/new9.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><meta property="og:image" content="https://biblehub.com/visuals/6/59_Jas_05_16.jpg" /><meta property="og:title" content="James 5:16 - The Prayer of Faith" /><meta property="og:site_name" content="Bible Hub" /><meta property="og:description" content="Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. 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The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. <a href="/nlt/james/5.htm">New Living Translation</a> Confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results. <a href="/esv/james/5.htm">English Standard Version</a> Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. <a href="/bsb/james/5.htm">Berean Standard Bible</a> Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail. <a href="/blb/james/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore confess the sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man being made effective prevails much. <a href="/kjv/james/5.htm">King James Bible</a> Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. <a href="/nkjv/james/5.htm">New King James Version</a> Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. <a href="/nasb_/james/5.htm">New American Standard Bible</a> Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. A prayer of a righteous person, when it is brought about, can accomplish much. <a href="/nasb/james/5.htm">NASB 1995</a> Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. <a href="/nasb77/james/5.htm">NASB 1977 </a> Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. <a href="/lsb/james/5.htm">Legacy Standard Bible </a> Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The effective prayer of a righteous man can accomplish much. <a href="/amp/james/5.htm">Amplified Bible</a> Therefore, confess your sins to one another [your false steps, your offenses], and pray for one another, that you may be healed and restored. The heartfelt and persistent prayer of a righteous man (believer) is able to accomplish much [when put into action and made effective by God—it is dynamic and can have tremendous power]. <a href="/csb/james/5.htm">Christian Standard Bible</a> Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect. <a href="/hcsb/james/5.htm">Holman Christian Standard Bible</a> Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The urgent request of a righteous person is very powerful in its effect. <a href="/asv/james/5.htm">American Standard Version</a> Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working. <a href="/cev/james/5.htm">Contemporary English Version</a> If you have sinned, you should tell each other what you have done. Then you can pray for one another and be healed. The prayer of an innocent person is powerful, and it can help a lot. <a href="/erv/james/5.htm">English Revised Version</a> Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working. <a href="/gwt/james/5.htm">GOD'S WORD® Translation</a> So admit your sins to each other, and pray for each other so that you will be healed. Prayers offered by those who have God's approval are effective. <a href="/gnt/james/5.htm">Good News Translation</a> So then, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you will be healed. The prayer of a good person has a powerful effect. <a href="/isv/james/5.htm">International Standard Version</a> Therefore, make it your habit to confess your sins to one another and to pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. <a href="/msb/james/5.htm">Majority Standard Bible</a> Therefore confess your trespasses to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail. <a href="/net/james/5.htm">NET Bible</a> So confess your sins to one another and pray for one another so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great effectiveness. <a href="/nheb/james/5.htm">New Heart English Bible</a> Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective. <a href="/wbt/james/5.htm">Webster's Bible Translation</a> Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of the righteous man availeth much. <a href="/wey/james/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be cured. The heartfelt supplication of a righteous man exerts a mighty influence. <a href="/web/james/5.htm">World English Bible</a> Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The insistent prayer of a righteous person is powerfully effective. <div class="vheading2">Literal Translations</div><a href="/lsv/james/5.htm">Literal Standard Version</a> Be confessing to one another the trespasses, and be praying for one another, that you may be healed; very strong is a working supplication of a righteous man; <a href="/blb/james/5.htm">Berean Literal Bible</a> Therefore confess the sins to one another and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man being made effective prevails much. <a href="/ylt/james/5.htm">Young's Literal Translation</a> Be confessing to one another the trespasses, and be praying for one another, that ye may be healed; very strong is a working supplication of a righteous man; <a href="/slt/james/5.htm">Smith's Literal Translation</a> Acknowledge your faults to one another, and pray for one another, that ye might be healed. The prayer of the just, being energetic, is very powerful.<div class="vheading2">Catholic Translations</div><a href="/drb/james/5.htm">Douay-Rheims Bible</a> Confess therefore your sins one to another: and pray one for another, that you may be saved. For the continual prayer of a just man availeth much. <a href="/cpdv/james/5.htm">Catholic Public Domain Version</a> Therefore, confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be saved. For the unremitting prayer of a just person prevails over many things. <a href="/nabre/james/5.htm">New American Bible</a> Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The fervent prayer of a righteous person is very powerful. <a href="/nrsvce/james/5.htm">New Revised Standard Version</a> Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective.<div class="vheading2">Translations from Aramaic</div><a href="/lamsa/james/5.htm">Lamsa Bible</a> Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man is powerful. <a href="/aramaic-plain-english/james/5.htm">Aramaic Bible in Plain English</a> But be confessing your offenses one to another, and pray one for another to be healed, for the power of the prayer which a righteous person prays is great.<div class="vheading2">NT Translations</div><a href="/anderson/james/5.htm">Anderson New Testament</a> Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that you may be restored to health: the fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much. <a href="/godbey/james/5.htm">Godbey New Testament</a> Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, in order that you may be healed: the inward working prayer of a righteous man avails much. <a href="/haweis/james/5.htm">Haweis New Testament</a> Confess your offences one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed. The energetic prayer of a righteous man is mightily prevalent. <a href="/mace/james/5.htm">Mace New Testament</a> confess then to one another the offences you have committed, and pray for one another, that you may be healed; the fervent prayer of a virtuous man has great influence. <a href="/wey/james/5.htm">Weymouth New Testament</a> Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be cured. The heartfelt supplication of a righteous man exerts a mighty influence. <a href="/worrell/james/5.htm">Worrell New Testament</a> Confess, therefore, your sins one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed. A righteous man's inwrought supplication avails much. <a href="/worsley/james/5.htm">Worsley New Testament</a> Confess your faults one to another, and pray for one another, that ye may be healed: the fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much. <a href="/parallel/james/5-16.htm">Additional Translations ...</a></div></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="study" id="study"></a><div class="vheadingv">Audio Bible</div><iframe width="100%" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/0xUBCzqsAGw?start=955" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe> <div class="vheadingv">Context</div><a href="/bsb/james/5.htm">The Prayer of Faith</a> …15And the prayer offered in faith will restore the one who is sick. The Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. 16<a href="/greek/3767.htm" title="3767: oun (Conj) -- Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly.">Therefore</a> <a href="/greek/1843.htm" title="1843: Exomologeisthe (V-PMM-2P) -- From ek and homologeo; to acknowledge or agree fully.">confess</a> <a href="/greek/3588.htm" title="3588: tas (Art-AFP) -- The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.">your</a> <a href="/greek/266.htm" title="266: hamartias (N-AFP) -- From hamartano; a sin.">sins</a> <a href="/greek/240.htm" title="240: allēlois (RecPro-DMP) -- One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another.">to each other</a> <a href="/greek/2532.htm" title="2532: kai (Conj) -- And, even, also, namely. ">and</a> <a href="/greek/2172.htm" title="2172: euchesthe (V-PMM/P-2P) -- To pray, wish. Middle voice of a primary verb; to wish; by implication, to pray to God.">pray</a> <a href="/greek/5228.htm" title="5228: hyper (Prep) -- Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. ">for</a> <a href="/greek/240.htm" title="240: allēlōn (RecPro-GMP) -- One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another.">each other</a> <a href="/greek/3704.htm" title="3704: hopōs (Conj) -- From hos and pos; what(-ever) how, i.e. In the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual).">so that</a> <a href="/greek/2390.htm" title="2390: iathēte (V-ASP-2P) -- To heal, generally of the physical, sometimes of spiritual, disease. Middle voice of apparently a primary verb; to cure.">you may be healed.</a> <a href="/greek/1162.htm" title="1162: deēsis (N-NFS) -- Supplication, prayer, entreaty. From deomai; a petition.">The prayer</a> <a href="/greek/1342.htm" title="1342: dikaiou (Adj-GMS) -- From dike; equitable; by implication, innocent, holy.">of a righteous man</a> <a href="/greek/4183.htm" title="4183: poly (Adj-ANS) -- Much, many; often. "></a> <a href="/greek/1754.htm" title="1754: energoumenē (V-PPM-NFS) -- From energes; to be active, efficient.">has great power</a> <a href="/greek/2480.htm" title="2480: ischyei (V-PIA-3S) -- To have strength, be strong, be in full health and vigor, be able; meton: I prevail. From ischus; to have force.">to prevail.</a> 17Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.…<div class="cred"><a href="//berean.bible">Berean Standard Bible</a> · <a href="//berean.bible/downloads.htm">Download</a></div> <a name="crossref" id="crossref"></a><div class="vheading">Cross References</div><div id="crf"><a href="/1_john/1-9.htm">1 John 1:9</a> If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. <a href="/matthew/18-19.htm">Matthew 18:19-20</a> Again, I tell you truly that if two of you on the earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by My Father in heaven. / For where two or three gather together in My name, there am I with them.” <a href="/1_thessalonians/5-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:17</a> Pray without ceasing. <a href="/philippians/4-6.htm">Philippians 4:6</a> Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. <a href="/mark/11-24.htm">Mark 11:24-25</a> Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. / And when you stand to pray, if you hold anything against another, forgive it, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your trespasses as well.” <a href="/1_peter/3-12.htm">1 Peter 3:12</a> For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil.” <a href="/luke/18-1.htm">Luke 18:1</a> Then Jesus told them a parable about their need to pray at all times and not lose heart: <a href="/hebrews/4-16.htm">Hebrews 4:16</a> Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. <a href="/ephesians/6-18.htm">Ephesians 6:18</a> Pray in the Spirit at all times, with every kind of prayer and petition. To this end, stay alert with all perseverance in your prayers for all the saints. <a href="/colossians/4-2.htm">Colossians 4:2</a> Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful, <a href="/proverbs/28-13.htm">Proverbs 28:13</a> He who conceals his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them will find mercy. <a href="/psalms/32-5.htm">Psalm 32:5</a> Then I acknowledged my sin to You and did not hide my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the LORD,” and You forgave the guilt of my sin. Selah <a href="/2_chronicles/7-14.htm">2 Chronicles 7:14</a> and if My people who are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, forgive their sin, and heal their land. <a href="/jeremiah/29-12.htm">Jeremiah 29:12-13</a> Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. / You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. <a href="/isaiah/55-6.htm">Isaiah 55:6-7</a> Seek the LORD while He may be found; call on Him while He is near. / Let the wicked man forsake his way and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the LORD, that He may have compassion, and to our God, for He will freely pardon.</div> <a name="tsk" id="tsk"><div class="vheading">Treasury of Scripture</div>Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that you may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.Confess.<a href="/genesis/41-9.htm">Genesis 41:9,10</a> Then spake the chief butler unto Pharaoh, saying, I do remember my faults this day: … <a href="/2_samuel/19-19.htm">2 Samuel 19:19</a> And said unto the king, Let not my lord impute iniquity unto me, neither do thou remember that which thy servant did perversely the day that my lord the king went out of Jerusalem, that the king should take it to his heart.<a href="/matthew/3-6.htm">Matthew 3:6</a> And were baptized of him in Jordan, confessing their sins.pray.<a href="/colossians/1-9.htm">Colossians 1:9</a> For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding;<a href="/1_thessalonians/5-17.htm">1 Thessalonians 5:17,23,25</a> Pray without ceasing… <a href="/hebrews/13-18.htm">Hebrews 13:18</a> Pray for us: for we trust we have a good conscience, in all things willing to live honestly.that.<a href="/genesis/20-17.htm">Genesis 20:17</a> So Abraham prayed unto God: and God healed Abimelech, and his wife, and his maidservants; and they bare children.<a href="/2_chronicles/30-20.htm">2 Chronicles 30:20</a> And the LORD hearkened to Hezekiah, and healed the people.<a href="/luke/9-6.htm">Luke 9:6</a> And they departed, and went through the towns, preaching the gospel, and healing every where.The effectual.<a href="/genesis/18-23.htm">Genesis 18:23-32</a> And Abraham drew near, and said, Wilt thou also destroy the righteous with the wicked? … <a href="/genesis/19-29.htm">Genesis 19:29</a> And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.<a href="/genesis/20-7.htm">Genesis 20:7,17</a> Now therefore restore the man his wife; for he is a prophet, and he shall pray for thee, and thou shalt live: and if thou restore her not, know thou that thou shalt surely die, thou, and all that are thine… a righteous.<a href="/romans/3-10.htm">Romans 3:10</a> As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:<a href="/romans/5-19.htm">Romans 5:19</a> For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.<a href="/hebrews/11-4.htm">Hebrews 11:4,7</a> By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh… <div class="vheading">Jump to Previous</div><a href="/john/12-19.htm">Accomplish</a> <a href="/galatians/6-15.htm">Availeth</a> <a href="/hebrews/13-15.htm">Confess</a> <a href="/acts/28-9.htm">Cured</a> <a href="/philemon/1-6.htm">Effective</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-11.htm">Effects</a> <a href="/philemon/1-6.htm">Effectual</a> <a href="/psalms/19-12.htm">Faults</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/7-7.htm">Fervent</a> <a href="/james/5-11.htm">Full</a> <a href="/james/5-13.htm">Good</a> <a href="/james/3-5.htm">Great</a> <a href="/hebrews/12-13.htm">Healed</a> <a href="/philippians/2-29.htm">Heartfelt</a> <a href="/2_thessalonians/2-11.htm">Influence</a> <a href="/luke/23-23.htm">Insistent</a> <a href="/hebrews/11-34.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/hebrews/10-17.htm">Offences</a> <a href="/romans/16-17.htm">Offenses</a> <a href="/james/4-12.htm">Power</a> <a href="/acts/19-20.htm">Powerfully</a> <a href="/james/5-15.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/james/5-14.htm">Prayers</a> <a href="/james/5-6.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/james/5-15.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/hebrews/6-16.htm">Statement</a> <a href="/philippians/4-6.htm">Supplication</a> <a href="/james/2-22.htm">Working</a><div class="vheading2">Jump to Next</div><a href="/3_john/1-5.htm">Accomplish</a> <a href="/esther/5-13.htm">Availeth</a> <a href="/1_john/1-9.htm">Confess</a> <a href="/deuteronomy/28-27.htm">Cured</a> <a href="/1_corinthians/16-9.htm">Effective</a> <a href="/1_samuel/1-14.htm">Effects</a> <a href="/job/12-16.htm">Effectual</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-20.htm">Faults</a> <a href="/1_peter/4-8.htm">Fervent</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-8.htm">Full</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-12.htm">Good</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-3.htm">Great</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-24.htm">Healed</a> <a href="/2_corinthians/1-3.htm">Heartfelt</a> <a href="/job/31-21.htm">Influence</a> <a href="/luke/23-23.htm">Insistent</a> <a href="/1_peter/5-6.htm">Mighty</a> <a href="/genesis/41-9.htm">Offences</a> <a href="/genesis/41-9.htm">Offenses</a> <a href="/1_peter/1-5.htm">Power</a> <a href="/luke/1-51.htm">Powerfully</a> <a href="/james/5-17.htm">Prayer</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-7.htm">Prayers</a> <a href="/1_peter/2-23.htm">Righteous</a> <a href="/james/5-20.htm">Sins</a> <a href="/exodus/23-1.htm">Statement</a> <a href="/1_peter/3-12.htm">Supplication</a> <a href="/2_peter/1-13.htm">Working</a><div class="vheading2">James 5</div>1. <a href="/james/5-1.htm">Rich oppressors are to fear God's vengeance.</a> 7. <a href="/james/5-7.htm">We ought to be patient in afflictions, after the example of the prophets, and Job;</a> 12. <a href="/james/5-12.htm">to forbear swearing;</a> 13. <a href="/james/5-13.htm">to pray in adversity, to sing in prosperity;</a> 14. <a href="/james/5-14.htm">to acknowledge mutually our several faults, to pray one for another;</a> 19. <a href="/james/5-19.htm">and to correct a straying brother.</a> </div></div><div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"> <script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div>  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div>  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div> <script type="text/javascript"> </script> <script type="text/javascript" src="//pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js"> </script> </div> </td></tr></table></div></div></div><div id="combox"><div class="padcom"><a name="commentary" id="commentary"></a><div class="vheading"><a href="/study/james/5.htm">Berean Study Bible</a></div>Confess your sins to each other The phrase "Confess your sins to each other" emphasizes the importance of community and accountability within the Christian faith. The Greek word for "confess" is "ἐξομολογέω" (exomologeo), which means to acknowledge or agree fully. This act of confession is not merely a private matter between the individual and God but involves a communal aspect, where believers are encouraged to share their struggles and failures with one another. Historically, this practice fosters a sense of humility and transparency, breaking down barriers of pride and isolation. It reflects the early Christian communities' emphasis on mutual support and the healing power of vulnerability.and pray for each other The directive "and pray for each other" underscores the role of intercessory prayer in the life of believers. The Greek word for "pray" is "εὔχομαι" (euchomai), which conveys a sense of earnest supplication. This call to prayer is not just a ritualistic duty but a profound expression of love and concern for one another's spiritual and physical well-being. In the historical context of the early church, prayer was a vital practice that united believers, providing strength and encouragement amidst persecution and trials. It serves as a reminder of the power of collective prayer in invoking God's presence and intervention.so that you may be healed The phrase "so that you may be healed" highlights the connection between confession, prayer, and healing. The Greek word for "healed" is "ἰάομαι" (iaomai), which can refer to both physical and spiritual healing. This suggests that the act of confessing and praying is not only therapeutic for the soul but can also lead to physical restoration. In a historical and scriptural context, healing is often seen as a sign of God's mercy and power, reinforcing the belief that God is intimately involved in the lives of His people, bringing wholeness and restoration.The prayer of a righteous man "The prayer of a righteous man" points to the efficacy of prayer when offered by someone who is in right standing with God. The term "righteous" in Greek is "δίκαιος" (dikaios), which implies a person who lives in accordance with God's will and commands. This righteousness is not self-derived but is a result of faith and obedience to God. Historically, figures like Elijah are often cited as examples of righteous individuals whose prayers were powerful and effective. This phrase encourages believers to pursue righteousness, knowing that their prayers can have a significant impact.has great power to prevail The concluding phrase "has great power to prevail" speaks to the dynamic and effective nature of prayer. The Greek word for "power" is "ἐνεργέω" (energeo), which means to be active or effective. This suggests that prayer is not a passive activity but one that actively engages with God's will and purposes. The historical context of this passage reflects a time when the early church witnessed miraculous events and divine interventions as a result of fervent prayer. It serves as an inspiration for believers today to approach prayer with confidence and expectation, trusting in God's ability to work powerfully through their petitions.<div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/ellicott/james/5.htm">Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers</a></div>(16) Confess your faults one to another.--The meaning attributed to the words of this verse by many devout Catholics cannot be established either from the opinion of antiquity, or a critical examination of the Greek text according to modern schools. "We have," observes Alford, "a general injunction arising out of a circumstance necessarily to be inferred in the preceding example (<a href="/context/james/5-14.htm" title="Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:">James 5:14-15</a>). There, the sin would of necessity have been confessed to the elders, before the prayer of faith could deal with it. And seeing the blessed consequences in that case 'generally,' says the Apostle, in all similar cases, and 'one to another universally, pursue the same salutary practice of confessing your sins . . .' Confess therefore one to another--not only to the elders (presbyters) in the case supposed, but to one another generally--your transgressions, and pray for one another that ye may be healed, in case of sickness, as above. The context here forbids any wider meaning . . . and it might appear astonishing, were it not notorious, that on this passage, among others, is built the Romish doctrine of the necessity of confessing sins to a priest."Not that all Roman Catholic divines, indeed, have thus read the injunction. Some of the ablest and greatest have admitted "that we cannot certainly affirm sacramental confession to have been meant or spoken of in this place" (Hooker). How then did the gradual perversion take hold of men's minds? The most laborious investigation of history and theology will alone answer the question properly; and here only a brief resume is possible. There can be little doubt that, strictly consonant with the apostolic charge, open confession was the custom of old. Offenders hastened to some minister of God, and in words, by which all present in the congregation might take notice of the fault, declared their guilt; convenient remedies were as publicly prescribed, and then all present joined in prayer to God. But after awhile, for many patent reasons, this plain talk about sins was rightly judged to be a cause of mischief to the young and innocent; and such confessions were relegated to a private hearing. The change was in most ways beneficial, and hardly suspected of being a step in a completely new doctrine. It needed years--centuries, in fact--to develop into the hard system of compulsory individual bondage which cost Europe untold blood and treasure to break asunder. A salutary practice in the case of some unhappy creatures, weakened by their vices into a habit of continual sin, was scarcely to be conceived as a rule thrust upon all the Christian world. Yet such it was, and "at length auricular confession, followed by absolution and satisfaction, was elevated to the full dignity of a necessary sacrament. The Council of Trent anathematises all who deny it to be truly and properly a sacrament instituted by Christ Himself, and necessary to salvation (jure divino); or who say that the method of confessing secretly to the priest alone . . . is alien to Christ's institution, and of human invention" (Harold Browne). Marvellous perversity of acute brains and worthy sentiment, showing only how steep is the way of error; and how for Christian as for Jew the danger of tradition is perilous indeed. "To conclude," in the words of Hooker, "we everywhere find the use of confession, especially public, allowed of, and commended by the fathers; but that extreme and rigorous necessity of auricular and private confession, which is at this day so mightily upheld by the Church of Rome, we find not. It was not then the faith and doctrine of God's Church, as of the Papacy at this present--(1) that the only remedy for sin after baptism is sacramental penitency; (2) that confession in secret is an essential part thereof; (3) that God Himself cannot now forgive sins without the priest; (4) that because forgiveness at the hands of the priests must arise from confession in the offender, therefore to confess unto him is a matter of such necessity as, being not either in deed, or, at the least, in desire, performed, excludeth utterly from all pardon, and must consequently in Scripture be commanded wheresoever any promise of forgiveness is made. No, no; these opinions have youth in their countenance. Antiquity knew them not; it never thought nor dreamed of them" (E. P., vi. iv. 14)."As for private confession," says Jewel in his Apology, "abuses and errors set apart, we condemn it not, but leave it at liberty." Such must be the teaching of any Church which, in the epigram of Bishop Ken, "stands distinguished from all papal and puritan innovations," resting upon God's Word, and the earliest, holiest, simplest, best traditions of the Apostles of His dear Son. And if an ancient custom has become a universal practice in the Latin communion, presumed to be of sacramental virtue, scholars will tell us that the notion has never been absent altogether from any branch of the Catholic Church; and that in some shape or form, it lives in most of those societies which sprang into existence at the Reformation largely from abhorrence of the tyranny and misuse of confession.The effectual fervent prayer . . .--Better, The prayer of a righteous man availeth much in its working. It moves the hand of Him Who moves the world."What are men better than sheep, or goats,That nourish a blind life within the brain,If, knowing God, they lift not hands of prayer--Both for themselves, and those who call them friend?For so the whole round earth is, every way,Bound by gold chains about the feet of God." . . . <div class="vheading2"><a href="/commentaries/pulpit/james/5.htm">Pulpit Commentary</a></div>Verse 16. - Confess therefore your sins, etc. The authority for the insertion of οῦν (omitted in the Received Text) is overwhelming (א, A, B, K, Vulgate, Syriac, Coptic), as is also that for the substitution of τὰς ἁμαρτίας for τὰ παραπτώματα, which includes the three oldest manuscripts, א, A, B, the two latter of which also read προσεύχεσθε for εὔχεσθε. It is difficult to know exactly what to make of this injunction to confess "one to another," which is stated in the form of an inference from the preceding. The form of the expression, "one to another," and the perfectly general term, "a righteous man," forbid us to see in it a direct injunction to confess to the clergy, and to the clergy only. But on the other hand, it is unfair to lose sight of the fact that it is directly connected with the charge to send for the elders of the Church. Marshall, in his' Penitential Discipline,' is perfectly justified in saying that St. James "hath plainly supposed the presence of the elders of the Church, and their intercession to God for the sick penitent, and then recommended the confession of his faults in that presence, where two or three assembled together in the Name of Christ might constitute a Church for that purpose" ('Penit. Discipline,' p. 80). We may, perhaps, be content with saying, with Bishop Jeremy Taylor, "When St. James exhorts all Christians to confess their sins one to another, certainly it is more agreeable to all spiritual ends that this be done rather to the curate of souls than to the ordinary brethren" ('Dissuasive from Popery,' II. 1:11; cf. Hooker, 'Eccl. Pol.,' 6. 4:5, 7). The effectual fervent prayer, etc.; rather, the petition of a righteous man availeth much in its working. On the distinction between δέησις the narrower, and προσευχή the wider word, see Trench on ' Synonyms,' p. 179. <a href="/commentaries/james/5-16.htm">Parallel Commentaries ...</a> <a name="lexicon" id="lexicon"></a><div class="vheading">Greek</div>Therefore οὖν (oun) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3767.htm">Strong's 3767: </a> Therefore, then. Apparently a primary word; certainly, or accordingly. confess Ἐξομολογεῖσθε (Exomologeisthe) Verb - Present Imperative Middle - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_1843.htm">Strong's 1843: </a> From ek and homologeo; to acknowledge or agree fully. [your] τὰς (tas) Article - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_3588.htm">Strong's 3588: </a> The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the. sins ἁμαρτίας (hamartias) Noun - Accusative Feminine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_266.htm">Strong's 266: </a> From hamartano; a sin. to each other ἀλλήλοις (allēlois) Personal / Reciprocal Pronoun - Dative Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_240.htm">Strong's 240: </a> One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another. and καὶ (kai) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_2532.htm">Strong's 2532: </a> And, even, also, namely. pray εὔχεσθε (euchesthe) Verb - Present Imperative Middle or Passive - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2172.htm">Strong's 2172: </a> To pray, wish. Middle voice of a primary verb; to wish; by implication, to pray to God. for ὑπὲρ (hyper) Preposition <a href="/greek/strongs_5228.htm">Strong's 5228: </a> Gen: in behalf of; acc: above. each other ἀλλήλων (allēlōn) Personal / Reciprocal Pronoun - Genitive Masculine Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_240.htm">Strong's 240: </a> One another, each other. Genitive plural from allos reduplicated; one another. so that ὅπως (hopōs) Conjunction <a href="/greek/strongs_3704.htm">Strong's 3704: </a> From hos and pos; what(-ever) how, i.e. In the manner that (as adverb or conjunction of coincidence, intentional or actual). you may be healed. ἰαθῆτε (iathēte) Verb - Aorist Subjunctive Passive - 2nd Person Plural <a href="/greek/strongs_2390.htm">Strong's 2390: </a> To heal, generally of the physical, sometimes of spiritual, disease. Middle voice of apparently a primary verb; to cure. [The] prayer δέησις (deēsis) Noun - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1162.htm">Strong's 1162: </a> Supplication, prayer, entreaty. From deomai; a petition. of a righteous [man] δικαίου (dikaiou) Adjective - Genitive Masculine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1342.htm">Strong's 1342: </a> From dike; equitable; by implication, innocent, holy. has great power ἐνεργουμένη (energoumenē) Verb - Present Participle Middle - Nominative Feminine Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_1754.htm">Strong's 1754: </a> From energes; to be active, efficient. to prevail. ἰσχύει (ischyei) Verb - Present Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular <a href="/greek/strongs_2480.htm">Strong's 2480: </a> To have strength, be strong, be in full health and vigor, be able; meton: I prevail. From ischus; to have force. <div class="vheading">Links</div><a href="/niv/james/5-16.htm">James 5:16 NIV</a> <a href="/nlt/james/5-16.htm">James 5:16 NLT</a> <a href="/esv/james/5-16.htm">James 5:16 ESV</a> <a href="/nasb/james/5-16.htm">James 5:16 NASB</a> <a href="/kjv/james/5-16.htm">James 5:16 KJV</a> <a href="//bibleapps.com/james/5-16.htm">James 5:16 BibleApps.com</a> <a href="//bibliaparalela.com/james/5-16.htm">James 5:16 Biblia Paralela</a> <a href="//holybible.com.cn/james/5-16.htm">James 5:16 Chinese Bible</a> <a href="//saintebible.com/james/5-16.htm">James 5:16 French Bible</a> <a href="/catholic/james/5-16.htm">James 5:16 Catholic Bible</a> <a href="/james/5-16.htm">NT Letters: James 5:16 Confess your offenses to one another (Ja Jas. Jam) </a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/james/5-15.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="James 5:15"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="James 5:15" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/james/5-17.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="James 5:17"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="James 5:17" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>