"My same-uteruses, if any among you should stray from the way of truth, and one should on-turn him;"
After instructions about prayer and rubbing with olive oil for health, James now prepares to conclude this letter by addressing those who stray from the way of truth. Though it may seem awkward to translate ultra literally as "same uterus", this is the etymology of the word we translate "brother" (or "sister") in Greek. And since the Etymological New Testament is intended to convey literal etymologies as they occur in the text, this includes the word here normally translated as brethren or brothers in many translations. When someone very close to us begins to have no regard for truth, it can be very difficult to relate to them. The word "on-turn" reflects the intensity required to help others regain their passion for the truth.
Ironically, it is often within a religious context that one begins to place more emphasis on conformity to the peer group rather than to the truth. Thus, James' encouragement to the family is very appropriate here. Too often, when someone seems to depart from doctrinal orthodoxy in their pursuit of truth, there are those seeking to do just the opposite of James' advice. They intend to keep someone in error, rather than allow them to stay on the way to truth. May we all be willing to keep an open mind and heart in our pursuit of the truth. JMW
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