Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary James 5:16

"Confess therefore your sins one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The supplication of a righteous man availeth much in its working." — James 5:16 (ASV)

From the promise of v.15 James draws an inference. Since confession of sin and the prayer of faith bring healing, Christians should confess their “sins to each other and pray for each other.” It is not merely the elders who are told to pray here, but Christians in general. If a person has sinned against a fellowChristian, he or she should confess the sin to that person. This will no doubt result in mutual confession—“to each other.” Then the two believers should “pray for each other.” If the sin has caused sickness, healing will follow confession and prayer. James proceeds to add the assurance that prayer “is powerful and effective.” The “righteous man” here referred to is the one whose sins have been confessed and forgiven. His prayer is fully able to secure results, such as healing of the sick.