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    Healing Prayer & Forgiveness

    James 5:15 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "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."
    — James 5:15 (KJV)
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    Introduction

    James connects three threads — faith, healing, and forgiveness — and assigns them to the prayer of the gathered church. The 'prayer of faith' is not a magic formula; it is confident asking in the appointed setting of the elders' ministry.

    Historical Context

    James addresses scattered Jewish Christians familiar with elders, anointing oil, and corporate prayer. The verse sits inside a pastoral procedure (vv. 14-15), not a private claim of guaranteed healing.

    Original Language Insights

    'Save' (sosei) — used in James for both physical and spiritual rescue; James deliberately blurs the line, because the gospel addresses the whole person.

    'Raise him up' (egerei) — the same verb used of resurrection; even temporal healing previews the final raising.

    Theological Significance

    Physical and spiritual restoration belong together because creation and redemption belong to one God. The prayer of faith does not pretend every prayer is answered with healing in this life; it commits the sick person to the God who heals all His people, ultimately, in resurrection.

    Practical Application

    Call the elders when you are sick. The verse assumes a church practice many believers have quietly abandoned. Reclaiming it is both obedience and comfort.

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    Mark 6:13

    "They... anointed with oil many that were sick, and healed them."

    The apostolic pattern James commends to the church.

    James 5:16

    "Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed."

    The very next verse extends the practice from elders to mutual congregational prayer.

    Prayer Response

    Lord, hear the prayer of faith for the sick among us. Heal where You will, forgive completely, and raise us up — now or at the last day. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Why isn't every sick believer healed?

    James assumes faithful prayer; he does not promise uniform outcomes. God still heals; He also still says no for purposes wiser than ours. The verse holds both realities without resolving them prematurely.

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying James 5 verse by verse:

    Before · James 5:14Exact verse

    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:

    Theme: Healing

    After · James 5:16Exact verse

    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.

    Theme: Prayer

    After · James 5:17Exact verse

    Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

    Theme: Earnest Prayer & Ordinary People

    Nearest commentary in James

    Earlier · 1 ch back · James 4:7-8Nearest chapter

    Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.

    Theme: Spiritual Warfare

    Earlier · 1 ch back · James 4:8Nearest chapter

    Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

    Theme: Drawing Near to God

    Earlier · 1 ch back · James 4:10Nearest chapter

    Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

    Theme: Humility

    Read James 4Commentary: James 4:10
    Read James 5 (full)Nearest commentary: James 5:14
    Read James 6No commentary yet
    Previous commentary: James 5:14Next commentary: James 5:16

    Related Commentaries

    James 5:14 Commentary

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    Psalm 103:2-5 Commentary

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    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

    How to Pray for Healing?

    Pray for healing in faith, in Jesus' name, with submission to God's sovereign will, with the prayers of elders and the church, and with confession of sin where appropriate — trusting God's wisdom for the outcome.

    Read answer

    Does God Still Heal Today?

    The Bible records numerous healings by God, Jesus, and the apostles, and many Christians believe God continues to heal today through prayer and faith.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Say About Confession of Sin?

    The Bible teaches that confessing sin to God brings forgiveness and cleansing, and confessing to one another brings healing.

    Read answer

    What Does the Bible Say About Divine Healing?

    The Bible teaches that God is the ultimate healer, that Jesus healed during His ministry, and that prayer for the sick is a Christian privilege, though not every illness is healed in this life.

    Read answer

    What Is the Meaning of Baptism?

    Baptism is an outward expression of an inward faith — a public declaration of identification with Christ's death, burial, and resurrection.

    Read answer

    How Should We Pray According to the Bible?

    The Bible teaches that prayer is direct communication with God — honest, reverent, and grounded in faith.

    Read answer

    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    James 1:5 – Meaning & Devotional

    "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

    James 4:7 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

    James 1:2-4 – Meaning & Devotional

    "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage and its themes:

    Signs & Wonders
    Old Testament

    The Shadow on Hezekiah's Sundial Goes Backward

    The Lord moves the shadow back ten degrees on Ahaz's sundial as a sign of Hezekiah's healing.

    Read the miracle
    Healing
    Old Testament

    Hezekiah Healed of His Sickness

    God adds fifteen years to King Hezekiah's life after he prays in tears for healing.

    Read the miracle
    Healing
    New Testament

    Healing of Peter's Mother-in-Law

    Jesus heals Peter's mother-in-law of a great fever, and she rises to serve them.

    Read the miracle
    Resurrection
    New Testament

    The Raising of Lazarus

    After four days in the tomb, Lazarus came forth at the command of Jesus.

    Read the miracle

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