Commentaries:
Robertson's Word Pictures (NT)
The prayer of faith (h euxh thv pistewv). Cf. James 1:6 for prayer marked by faith.
Shall save (swsei). Future active of swzw, to make well. As in Matthew 9:21 f.; Mark 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 kamnw, old verb, to grow weary (Hebrews 12:3), to be sick (here), only N.T. examples.
The Lord shall raise him up (egerei auton o kuriov). Future active of egeirw. 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 amartiav h pepoihkwv). 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 (Mark 2:5 ff.; John 5:14; John 9:2 f.; I Corinthians 11:30).
It shall be forgiven him (afeqhsetai autw). Future passive of afihmi (impersonal passive as in Matthew 7:2, Matthew 7:7; Romans 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.
Other Robertson's Word Pictures (NT) entries containing James 5:15:
Hebrews 12:3
James 1:3
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