Covering Sin

(James 5:19-20)

Mike Johnson

James 5:19-20 says, “Brethren, if anyone among you wanders from the truth, and someone turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins.”

He is speaking of Christians in these verses. He is addressing “brethren,” and he says “if any of you” do wander (“err” KJV) from the truth. Thus, those who are brethren can wander from the truth.” Further, how can a person stray from that which he does not have?

If this Christian errs, he can be “converted” (v. 19b.) What if this sinner converts from the error of his way? Verse 20 tells us the one who “turns (KJV “converts”) him, “shall save a soul from death,” and “shall cover a multitude of sins.” Obviously, the person who errs (a Christian) is in a lost state.

What is the “death” spoken of from which this person becomes saved? It is spiritual death (1:15; 1:21), i.e., the second death (Rev. 20:6). Physical death will occur whether a person sins or not. Spiritual death, which involves a separation from God, comes about as a result of sin!

Not only would the person who converts the sinner from the error of his way save a soul from death, but he would also “cover a multitude of sins.” Some translations say “hide.” To hide or cover sins means to have them forgiven. Note the parallelism of Psalms 85:2, which says, “You have forgiven the iniquity of Your people; You have covered all their sin.” Nehemiah used this same figure when he prayed (Neh. 4:5) concerning his enemies, “Do not cover their iniquity, and do not let their sin be blotted out from before You; for they have provoked You to anger before the builders . . .” (Note also 1 Peter 4:8 & Proverbs 10:12.)

Sometimes it is argued that the term “brother” refers to a brother in the sense of a Jewish brother. Thus, he is not speaking of the possibility of a Christian falling. From James 2:1, it is clear that those addressed as “brethren” had faith. The NASB says, “My brethren, do not hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ with an attitude of personal favoritism.” He is speaking to brethren whose faith was being tried (1:2-3) and, in the same context of verses 5:19-20, of those who could pray (5:13-16). There is no reason to think verses 19-20 refer to “brethren” in the sense of “Jewish brethren.” Instead, the writer addresses Christians, and if they erred from the truth, they would fall from grace.