Robertson Word Pictures - James 5:14 - 5:14

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Robertson Word Pictures - James 5:14 - 5:14


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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

Is any among you sick? (asthenei tis en humiṉ). Present active indicative of astheneō, old verb, to be weak (without strength), often in N.T. (Mat 10:8).

Let him call for (proskalesasthō). First aorist (ingressive) middle imperative of proskaleō. Note change of tense (aorist) and middle (indirect) voice. Care for the sick is urged in 1Th 5:14 (“help the sick”). Note the plural here, “elders of the church,” as in Act 20:17; Act 15:6, Act 15:22; Act 21:18; Phi 1:1 (bishops).

Let them pray over him (proseuxasthōsan ep' auton). First aorist middle imperative of proseuchomai. Prayer for the sick is clearly enjoined.

Anointing him with oil (aleipsantes elaiōi). First aorist active participle of aleiphō, old verb, to anoint, and the instrumental case of elaion (oil). The aorist participle can be either simultaneous or antecedent with proseuxasthōsan (pray). See the same use of aleiphō elaiōi in Mar 6:13. The use of olive oil was one of the best remedial agencies known to the ancients. They used it internally and externally. Some physicians prescribe it today. It is clear both in Mar 6:13 and here that medicinal value is attached to the use of the oil and emphasis is placed on the worth of prayer. There is nothing here of the pagan magic or of the later practice of “extreme unction” (after the eighth century). It is by no means certain that aleiphō here and in Mar 6:13 means “anoint” in a ceremonial fashion rather than “rub” as it commonly does in medical treatises. Trench (N.T. Synonyms) says: “Aleiphein is the mundane and profane, chriein the sacred and religious, word.” At bottom in James we have God and medicine, God and the doctor, and that is precisely where we are today. The best physicians believe in God and want the help of prayer.