Why Does James 5:14 Say to Anoint the Sick?
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When I was younger, my church would anoint the sick. Like most churches at the time, we had the “altar call” moment after the sermon. A person would often come forward with some sickness or physical issue. The pastor or an elder would grab a bottle of anointing oil and dab a drop or two on the person’s head, or possibly the area of pain if appropriate, and pray for healing.
During this, the pastor or elder would often quote from James 5:14 to support the practice. “Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord.”
Seems fairly simple. Yet even this basic instruction has deeper meaning behind it.
What Is the Context of James 5:14?
The book of James, traditionally attributed to James the brother of Jesus, offers practical advice and ethical teachings for early Christians. One major theme is the relationship between faith and works. James emphasizes that genuine faith naturally produces good works, asserting that “faith without works is dead” (James 2:26). He challenges believers to demonstrate their faith through actions that reflect their commitment to God.
Another significant theme is the power of the tongue. James warns about the potential for speech to cause harm and encourages believers to practice self-control and speak with wisdom and love (James 3:1-12). He underscores the importance of being “quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to wrath” (James 1:19).
Wisdom from above is also a key focus. James contrasts earthly wisdom – which leads to disorder – with heavenly wisdom, characterized by purity, peace, and mercy (James 3:13-18). He advises believers to seek divine wisdom to navigate life’s challenges.
Additionally, the book addresses perseverance under trial. James encourages believers to consider trials as opportunities for growth and to remain steadfast, promising that perseverance will lead to spiritual maturity (James 1:2-4).
Chapter 5 of James deals with several key issues, including the condemnation of the rich who exploit the poor, the call for patience and perseverance, and the power of prayer. Verses 1-6 warn the wealthy about the impending judgment due to their unjust practices. Verses 7-11 encourage believers to be patient and steadfast, using the examples of farmers waiting for their crops and the perseverance of Job.
James 5:13-18 focuses on prayer and its effectiveness. Verse 13 addresses those who are suffering or cheerful, instructing them to pray or sing songs of praise. In this context, verse 14 shifts the focus to those who are sick, urging them to seek the prayers and anointing of the church elders.
How Does the Practice in James 5:14 Refer to the Old Testament?
Anointing with oil was commonly used for consecration and setting individuals apart for God’s service. For instance, in Exodus 30:22-30, God instructs Moses to make a sacred anointing oil to consecrate the Tabernacle, its furnishings, and the priests. This oil signifies holiness and dedication to God's purposes. Similarly, in 1 Samuel 16:13, the prophet Samuel anoints David with oil, and “from that day on the Spirit of the Lord came powerfully upon David.” Anointing in these contexts symbolizes God's presence, blessing, and empowerment.
In the Old Testament, elders held positions of authority and responsibility within the community. They were often involved in decision-making and spiritual guidance. For example, in Numbers 11:16-17, God instructs Moses to gather seventy elders to share the burden of leading the people. These elders received a portion of the Spirit that was on Moses, enabling them to assist in governance and spiritual oversight. The involvement of church elders in praying for the sick in James 5:14 echoes this tradition of spiritual leadership and communal support.
Numerous Old Testament passages highlight the power and importance of prayer in times of need. In 2 Chronicles 7:14, God promises Solomon, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” This verse underscores the belief that God responds to the earnest prayers of His people, a theme that James reiterates.
Furthermore, the connection between illness and spiritual practice in James 5:14 can be seen in Old Testament practices of seeking God’s healing. In 2 Kings 20:1-5, King Hezekiah becomes ill and prays earnestly to God, who responds by granting him fifteen more years of life. This story illustrates the belief that turning to God in prayer can result in physical healing.
How Is Anointing the Sick in James 5:14 Unique to the New Testament?
In the Old Testament, the anointing and healing roles were typically associated with prophets, priests, and occasionally kings, who were specially chosen by God for these tasks. In the New Testament, however, James democratizes this role, assigning it to the church elders, who are local leaders within the Christian community. This shift reflects the broader New Testament theme of the priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:9), where spiritual authority and responsibilities are more widely distributed among the faithful, not confined to a specific, anointed class.
Another unique aspect is the emphasis on prayer and faith within the community context. In James 5:15, the text continues, “And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven.” Combining physical anointing with communal prayer reveals the power of the community’s collective faith. While the Old Testament also underscores the importance of prayer, the New Testament frequently highlights the collective aspect of faith and intercession, as seen in Matthew 18:19-20, where Jesus promises his presence when two or three gather in his name. The community of faith, the church, acts as the temple within the New Testament, a special manifestation of God’s glory when believers gather.
While oil in the Old Testament primarily symbolizes consecration and the presence of the Holy Spirit, in James 5:14, it is used in conjunction with prayer to signify both physical and spiritual healing. This dual application reflects the holistic nature of salvation and healing in the New Covenant, where physical and spiritual well-being are interconnected. The anointing with oil thus becomes a tangible expression of God’s grace and the community’s prayerful support.
Finally, the practice in James 5:14 is firmly rooted in the New Covenant’s promise of direct access to God through Jesus Christ. Hebrews 4:16 encourages believers to “approach God's throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” This direct access contrasts with the Old Testament, where the high priest acted as an intermediary between God and the people. In the New Covenant, all believers, including church elders, have the authority to pray for healing and forgiveness directly through Christ.
How Have Different Christian Traditions Practiced James 5:14?
The Roman Catholic Church interprets James 5:14 within the context of the sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. This sacrament, formerly known as Extreme Unction or Last Rites, involves a priest anointing the sick with oil, praying for their healing and spiritual strength. The Catholic tradition views this practice as a means of imparting grace, offering not only physical healing but also forgiveness of sins and preparation for the final journey if death is near. The anointing is accompanied by prayers, including the Liturgy of the Word, reflecting the holistic approach to healing: body, soul, and spirit.
Eastern Orthodox Christianity also practices anointing with oil for the sick, known as Holy Unction. This sacrament is administered by priests, often involving a more communal aspect where multiple priests may participate, symbolizing the unity and intercession of the entire Church. The ritual includes readings from Scripture, prayers for healing, and anointing with oil, emphasizing the spiritual and physical restoration of the sick person. The Orthodox Church maintains that this sacrament is not only for those near death but for anyone suffering from illness or spiritual weakness.
Protestant denominations vary widely in their interpretation and practice of James 5:14. Many Evangelical and Pentecostal churches embrace a literal interpretation, encouraging church elders or leaders to pray over and anoint the sick with oil, as they did when I was younger. This practice is often seen in healing services, where faith and prayer are central to seeking divine intervention. These traditions emphasize the power of collective prayer and faith in God’s ability to heal.
Mainline Protestant denominations, such as the Anglican, Lutheran, and Methodist churches, also practice anointing of the sick, though it may be less frequent and more symbolic. These denominations often incorporate the practice into broader pastoral care, offering prayers for healing during regular worship services or special healing services. The emphasis tends to be on the community’s support and the spiritual comfort provided to the sick, aligning with their understanding of sacramental and communal life.
Charismatic and Pentecostal movements within various Christian traditions may emphasize the immediate and miraculous aspects of healing, often incorporating James 5:14 into broader practices of spiritual gifts, such as prophecy and speaking in tongues. These traditions frequently hold healing services or prayer meetings where anointing with oil and prayer for the sick are common, expecting tangible and immediate results as an expression of the Holy Spirit's power.
What Can We Learn from James 5:14 Today?
First, James 5:14 underscores the value of community support in times of illness. It encourages us to reach out to our church elders, highlighting the role of spiritual leaders in providing care and support. Involving the community reflects the biblical principle that the church is a body where each member is interconnected and interdependent. We don’t have to face struggles alone, but lean on our faith community for support, encouragement, and prayer.
Second, the verse teaches about the power and significance of prayer. By instructing the sick to seek the prayers of the elders, James reveals that prayer is a powerful tool for healing and comfort. This aligns with broader biblical teachings that prayer is an essential practice for all believers. It reminds us to prioritize prayer in our lives, especially during times of illness and distress, trusting that God hears and responds to our petitions.
Third, the practice of anointing with oil carries significant meaning. In the biblical context, oil often symbolizes the Holy Spirit, consecration, and healing. The act of anointing the sick with oil serves as a tangible expression of faith and a reminder of God’s presence and power in the healing process. For us today, practicing anointing with oil can reinforce the belief that God’s grace and the Holy Spirit are actively involved in our lives, providing comfort and healing.
Fourth, James 5:14 highlights the holistic approach to healing in Christianity. The verse combines physical, spiritual, and communal aspects of care, recognizing that illness affects more than just the body. This comprehensive view encourages us to consider all facets of well-being and to seek healing not only through medical means but also through spiritual practices and community support.
Fifth, we must honestly believe God still heals! The Bible clearly records God’s ability to heal and provides a simple way to call upon him to heal through his people, his children, the born-again church full of the Holy Spirit. James earlier tells us to ask in faith, believing, not doubting (James 1:6). Faith leads to answered prayers. We shouldn’t use the anointing oil as a magic formula; in context of James, it’s faith and God’s power through his people that brings healing.
We have many in our churches that still need healing. May we believe this and act on it, as James encourages us in his teachings on faith.
Peace.
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