And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.
the prayer.
James 5:13,16 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms…
James 1:6 But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.
Matthew 17:20,21 And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you…
if he.
Isaiah 33:24 And the inhabitant shall not say, I am sick: the people that dwell therein shall be forgiven their iniquity.
Matthew 9:2-6 And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee…
Mark 2:5-11 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee…
will restore the one who is sick.
The promise of restoration highlights God's power to heal, both physically and spiritually. The Greek word used for "restore" can also mean "save" or "make whole," indicating a holistic healing. This reflects the biblical theme of God as a healer (Exodus 15:26) and is consistent with Jesus' healing ministry (Matthew 8:16-17). The early church saw physical healing as a sign of God's kingdom breaking into the world, a foretaste of the ultimate restoration in the new creation (Revelation 21:4).
The Lord will raise him up.
This phrase suggests both physical healing and spiritual resurrection. The assurance that "The Lord will raise him up" connects to the resurrection power of Christ (1 Corinthians 15:20). It implies that even if physical healing does not occur, there is a promise of ultimate resurrection and eternal life for believers. This dual aspect of healing and resurrection is a central hope in Christian theology, reflecting the victory over sin and death through Jesus (Romans 6:4-5).
If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.
This part of the verse links physical illness with spiritual condition, a common understanding in biblical times (John 9:2). While not all sickness is a direct result of personal sin, the text acknowledges that sin can have physical consequences. The promise of forgiveness underscores God's grace and the comprehensive nature of salvation. It echoes the assurance found in 1 John 1:9, where confession leads to forgiveness and cleansing. This reflects the holistic approach of the early church, addressing both spiritual and physical needs through prayer and community support.
• James has just urged the sick to call the elders and be anointed (James 5:14). The next step is prayer that springs from confident trust in God’s character and promises (Mark 11:24; 1 John 5:14–15).
• Faith here is not wishful thinking; it is assurance that God hears and answers in the way that most honors Him (Hebrews 11:6).
• Such faith always looks to Christ as the basis for approaching the Father (John 14:13–14).
• “Restore” speaks of making whole—physically, emotionally, spiritually (Psalm 103:3; Matthew 8:2–3).
• Scripture shows God heals through:
– Immediate divine intervention (Acts 3:6–8).
– Natural processes He designed (Psalm 139:13–16).
– Medical means used under His providence (Luke 10:34; Colossians 4:14).
• God’s answer may be instant healing, gradual recovery, sustaining grace, or ultimate healing in heaven (2 Corinthians 12:7–9; Philippians 1:23). Whatever form it takes, the promise of restoration stands.
• The focus shifts from the elders’ prayer to the Lord’s action. He alone lifts a person from the sickbed (Psalm 41:3; 2 Kings 20:5).
• “Raise” echoes Jesus’ own ministry—He “took her by the hand and helped her up” (Mark 1:31) and ultimately rose Himself (Matthew 28:6), proving His authority over life and death (John 11:25).
• Even when physical healing waits, the believer is promised final resurrection and glorified life (1 Corinthians 15:52–54).
• James links sickness and sin without equating them. Some illnesses are tied to personal sin (John 5:14; 1 Corinthians 11:30), but many are not (John 9:3).
• Confession and repentance bring certain forgiveness (1 John 1:9; Psalm 32:5).
• The church’s intercession highlights the gospel’s power: the same God who heals the body also cleanses the soul (Isaiah 53:4–5; Matthew 9:2).
• Forgiveness is immediate and complete—no penance or merit required, only faith in Christ’s finished work (Ephesians 1:7).
James 5:15 assures believers that faith-filled prayer, grounded in Christ, brings real results: God restores the sick, lifts the downcast, and forgives sins. Whether healing is instant, progressive, or reserved for eternity, the Lord remains the gracious Healer and Savior who responds to believing prayer with mercy, power, and wholeness.
Parallel Commentaries ...