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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comRobertson Word Pictures - James 5:15 - 5:15
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
The prayer of faith (hē euchē tēs pisteōs). Cf. Jam 1:6 for prayer marked by faith.
Shall save (sōsei). Future active of sōzō, to make well. As in Mat 9:21.; Mar 6:56. No reference here to salvation of the soul. The medicine does not heal the sick, but it helps nature (God) do it. The doctor cooperates with God in nature.
The sick (ton kamnonta). Present active articular participle of kamnō, old verb, to grow weary (Heb 12:3), to be sick (here), only N.T. examples.
The Lord shall raise him up (egerei auton ho kurios). Future active of egeirō. Precious promise, but not for a professional “faith-healer” who scoffs at medicine and makes merchandise out of prayer.
And if he have committed sins (kan hamartias ēi pepoiēkōs). Periphrastic perfect active subjunctive (unusual idiom) with kai ean (crasis kan) in condition of third class. Supposing that he has committed sins as many sick people have (Mar 2:5.; Joh 5:14; Joh 9:2.; 1Co 11:30).
It shall be forgiven him (aphethēsetai autōi). Future passive of aphiēmi (impersonal passive as in Mat 7:2, Mat 7:7; Rom 10:10). Not in any magical way, not because his sickness has been healed, not without change of heart and turning to God through Christ. Much is assumed here that is not expressed.