James 5:17

KJV

Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months.

KJV (with Strong's)

Elias {G2243} was {G2258} a man {G444} subject to like passions as {G3663} we are {G2254}, and {G2532} he prayed {G4336} earnestly {G4335} that it might {G1026} not {G3361} rain {G1026}: and {G2532} it rained {G1026} not {G3756} on {G1909} the earth {G1093} by the space of three {G5140} years {G1763} and {G2532} six {G1803} months {G3376}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Eliyahu was only a human being like us; yet he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and no rain fell on the Land for three years and six months.

Berean Standard Bible

Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.

American Standard Version

Elijah was a man of like passions with us, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain; and it rained not on the earth for three years and six months.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
James 5:17 presents the prophet Elijah as a powerful example of the efficacy of earnest prayer, emphasizing his shared humanity with all believers. This verse highlights that despite his extraordinary deeds, Elijah was a man susceptible to the same frailties and emotions as anyone else, yet his fervent prayer stopped the rain for three and a half years, demonstrating God's remarkable responsiveness to the petitions of His righteous servants. It serves as an enduring encouragement that ordinary individuals, when praying in faith and alignment with God's will, can witness extraordinary divine intervention.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** James 5:17 is situated within the concluding exhortations of the Epistle of James, specifically in a section (James 5:13-18) dedicated to the importance and power of prayer in various life circumstances. Immediately preceding this verse, James declares, "[The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much!](/james/5-16 "James 5:16 - The Power of Righteous Prayer")" The example of Elijah is then introduced as the prime illustration of this truth, providing a concrete, historical precedent for the profound impact of sincere, believing prayer. This narrative serves to bolster the confidence of believers, assuring them that God indeed hears and responds to the prayers of His people, regardless of their perceived imperfections or ordinariness. The flow of thought moves from general instruction on prayer to a compelling, relatable case study.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The events concerning Elijah's prayer for drought are recorded in [1 Kings 17](/1_kings/17 "1 Kings 17 - Elijah and the Widow of Zarephath") and [1 Kings 18](/1_kings/18 "1 Kings 18 - Elijah and the Prophets of Baal") during the reign of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel in Israel. This was a period of rampant idolatry, particularly the worship of Baal, the Canaanite storm god, who was believed to control rain and fertility. Elijah's prophecy of drought, a direct challenge to Baal's supposed domain, was a divine judgment intended to call Israel back to the worship of the one true God, Yahweh. The duration of "three years and six months" is significant, aligning with the period mentioned by Jesus in [Luke 4:25](/luke/4-25 "Luke 4:25 - Jesus Mentions Elijah's Drought") and emphasizing the severity and sustained nature of God's judgment, as well as the miraculous power demonstrated through Elijah's intercession.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes within James and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the **humanity of faith heroes**, dismantling any notion that only superhuman individuals can effect divine change through prayer. Elijah's "like passions" make him profoundly relatable, encouraging all believers. Secondly, it champions the **power and efficacy of earnest prayer**, demonstrating that God is not passive but actively intervenes in response to the faithful petitions of His people. This theme is central to James's practical theology, which consistently links faith with action and genuine spiritual vitality. Lastly, it highlights **God's sovereignty over creation and His responsiveness to His servants**, showcasing His ability to control natural elements and His willingness to act decisively to uphold His covenant and bring His people to repentance, even through severe means like drought.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **Elias (Greek, _Hēlías'_):** This is the Greek transliteration of the Hebrew prophet Elijah. His inclusion here immediately brings to mind his powerful ministry, marked by dramatic confrontations with idolatry and profound demonstrations of God's power. By naming him, James invokes a well-known biblical figure whose life exemplified fervent faith and effective prayer, making the subsequent points about his humanity and the power of his prayer all the more striking.
* **subject to like passions (Greek, _homoiopathḗs'_):** Derived from _homoios_ (like) and _paschō_ (to suffer, experience), this word means "similarly affected" or "having the same nature/feelings." It is a crucial term, emphasizing that Elijah was not immune to human weaknesses, emotions, or struggles such as fear ([1 Kings 19:3](/1_kings/19-3 "Elijah Flees from Jezebel")) or discouragement. This phrase profoundly connects Elijah to every believer, stripping away any perception of him as an unattainable spiritual giant and making his example accessible and encouraging.
* **prayed earnestly (Greek, _proseuchḗ proseúchomai'_):** This is a Greek idiom, literally "with prayer he prayed," using the noun _proseuchḗ_ (prayer) and the verb _proseúchomai_ (to pray). This Hebraic construction, known as a cognate accusative, intensifies the action, conveying the idea of deep sincerity, persistence, and fervent concentration in prayer. It implies that Elijah's prayer was not casual or superficial but came from a place of profound conviction, spiritual intensity, and unwavering focus on God's will.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are":** This opening clause immediately establishes the relatability of Elijah. It dismantles the common misconception that biblical heroes were somehow superhuman or inherently different from ordinary people. By asserting Elijah's shared humanity, James directly addresses any potential excuse for believers to feel inadequate or believe their prayers are less significant. It underscores that God works through imperfect vessels.
* **"and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain":** This clause highlights the nature and specific content of Elijah's prayer. The adverb "earnestly" (from the intensified Greek idiom) indicates a prayer offered with deep conviction, sincerity, and possibly persistence, not a casual wish. The specific request—for no rain—was not arbitrary but aligned with God's prophetic judgment against idolatrous Israel, as revealed to Elijah. This demonstrates that effective prayer often involves discerning and aligning with God's will.
* **"and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months":** This concluding clause presents the dramatic and undeniable result of Elijah's earnest prayer. The immediate and sustained cessation of rain for a precise and extended period (a duration also confirmed by Jesus in [Luke 4:25](/luke/4-25 "Luke 4:25 - Jesus Mentions Elijah's Drought")) serves as irrefutable proof of God's direct and powerful intervention. It showcases God's absolute sovereignty over nature and His faithfulness in responding to the prayers of His servants, even to the point of altering natural phenomena.

#### Literary Devices
James 5:17 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. The primary device is **Analogy/Example**, where the historical figure of Elijah is presented as a concrete illustration of the principle stated in James 5:16 regarding the power of a righteous person's prayer. This makes an abstract theological truth tangible and relatable. There is also a subtle use of **Contrast**; while Elijah is presented as a man of "like passions" (human weakness), the outcome of his prayer (stopping rain for three and a half years) reveals God's immense power, thus contrasting human frailty with divine omnipotence. The phrase "prayed earnestly" uses a **Hebraism** or **Cognate Accusative** (Greek: _proseuchē proseuxato_), which is a stylistic intensifier, literally "with prayer he prayed," emphasizing the depth and fervor of Elijah's supplication. This rhetorical emphasis underscores the quality of prayer that God responds to.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
James 5:17 provides a profound theological anchor for the doctrine of prayer, affirming that God is not distant or indifferent but actively engaged with the petitions of His people. The example of Elijah, a man of "like passions," dismantles the notion that only uniquely gifted or sinless individuals can move the hand of God. Instead, it underscores that God responds to genuine faith and earnestness, regardless of human weaknesses. This verse encourages believers to approach God with confidence, knowing that their prayers, when aligned with His will and offered in faith, possess immense power to bring about divine intervention, whether in personal circumstances, the church, or the world. It highlights God's sovereignty over all creation and His willingness to use human intercession as a means to accomplish His purposes.

* [1 Kings 17:1](/1_kings/17-1 "Elijah's Prophecy of Drought")
* [1 Kings 18:41-45](/1_kings/18-41-45 "Elijah Prays for Rain")
* [1 John 5:14-15](/1_john/5-14-15 "Confidence in Prayer")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The example of Elijah in James 5:17 offers tremendous encouragement and practical guidance for our prayer lives today. It reminds us that our humanity, with all its inherent weaknesses, struggles, and emotional fluctuations, does not disqualify us from effective prayer. God is not seeking perfection, but rather a heart that is earnest, sincere, and trusting. Just as Elijah prayed with fervent conviction, we are called to approach God with similar intensity, not merely reciting words but pouring out our hearts in faith, believing that He hears and will respond according to His perfect will. This verse challenges us to move beyond casual or superficial prayer, inviting us into a deeper, more persistent communion with God, confident that our seemingly small prayers can unleash God's immense power to bring about extraordinary results in our lives and the world around us. It calls us to examine our own earnestness in prayer and to cultivate a faith that expects God to act.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does knowing Elijah was a "man subject to like passions as we are" change your perspective on your own ability to pray effectively?**
* **What does "prayed earnestly" mean for your personal prayer life, and how can you cultivate greater earnestness in your petitions?**
* **In what areas of your life or for whom do you need to pray with the kind of persistent faith demonstrated by Elijah?**
* **How can you discern and align your prayers more closely with God's will, as Elijah's prayer for drought was aligned with God's judgment?**

### FAQ
**Why is Elijah chosen as the specific example for the power of prayer in James 5:17?**

Answer: Elijah is chosen because his story vividly illustrates several key points James wants to convey. Firstly, he was a well-known prophet who performed dramatic miracles, yet James emphasizes his shared humanity ("subject to like passions as we are"). This makes his powerful prayer life accessible and relatable to ordinary believers. Secondly, his prayer for drought and subsequent prayer for rain (referenced implicitly) were direct, specific, and had profound, undeniable results, demonstrating God's immediate and powerful response to earnest prayer. His example directly supports James's assertion in [James 5:16](/james/5-16 "James 5:16 - The Effectual Fervent Prayer") that the "effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much."

**What is the significance of the "three years and six months" mentioned in James 5:17?**

Answer: The duration of "three years and six months" is significant as it confirms the severity and sustained nature of the drought that God sent as judgment upon idolatrous Israel during the time of King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. This specific period is mentioned not only here but also by Jesus Himself in [Luke 4:25](/luke/4-25 "Luke 4:25 - Jesus Mentions Elijah's Drought"), underscoring its historical accuracy and prophetic fulfillment. It highlights God's absolute control over natural elements and the dramatic, long-lasting consequences of His divine intervention in response to Elijah's prayer. It also serves as a testament to the unwavering power of God to act decisively through His servants.

**Does James 5:17 imply that God will always answer our prayers with such dramatic and immediate results?**

Answer: While James 5:17 powerfully illustrates God's ability and willingness to respond dramatically to prayer, it does not guarantee that every prayer will result in an immediate, miraculous intervention of the same magnitude. The key takeaway is the *principle* of earnest, faith-filled prayer from a righteous person. Elijah's prayer was aligned with God's specific will and judgment for Israel at that time. God's answers to prayer are always in accordance with His sovereign wisdom, perfect timing, and ultimate purposes, which may not always align with our immediate desires or expectations. The verse encourages persistence and faith, trusting that God hears and responds, even if the answer is "wait," "no," or in a way different from what we anticipate.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
James 5:17, by presenting Elijah as a relatable figure who prayed powerfully, ultimately points us to the supreme intercessor and the perfect "man subject to like passions as we are," Jesus Christ. While Elijah was subject to sin and weakness, Jesus, though fully human and tempted in every way, was [without sin](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus Tempted Yet Sinless"). His life was a continuous act of earnest prayer, from His nights spent communing with the Father ([Luke 6:12](/luke/6-12 "Luke 6:12 - Jesus Prays on the Mountain")) to His fervent prayers in Gethsemane ([Matthew 26:39](/matthew/26-39 "Matthew 26:39 - Jesus Prays in Gethsemane")), demonstrating perfect alignment with God's will. Elijah's intercession brought temporary physical relief and judgment; Christ's intercession, however, brings eternal spiritual salvation and reconciliation. As our [Great High Priest](/hebrews/4-14 "Hebrews 4:14 - Jesus, Our Great High Priest"), Jesus continually intercedes for us at the right hand of God ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ Intercedes for Us")), ensuring that our prayers, offered in His name and through the power of the Holy Spirit, are heard and effective. Thus, Elijah's example serves as a shadow, foreshadowing the ultimate, perfect, and eternally effective prayer and intercession of our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom all believers now have confident access to the Father ([Ephesians 3:12](/ephesians/3-12 "Ephesians 3:12 - Access to God Through Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Kings 17:1

¶ And Elijah the Tishbite, [who was] of the inhabitants of Gilead, said unto Ahab, [As] the LORD God of Israel liveth, before whom I stand, there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word.

Luke 4:25

But I tell you of a truth, many widows were in Israel in the days of Elias, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, when great famine was throughout all the land;

Revelation 11:6

These have power to shut heaven, that it rain not in the days of their prophecy: and have power over waters to turn them to blood, and to smite the earth with all plagues, as often as they will.

1 Kings 18:1

¶ And it came to pass [after] many days, that the word of the LORD came to Elijah in the third year, saying, Go, shew thyself unto Ahab; and I will send rain upon the earth.

Acts 14:15

And saying, Sirs, why do ye these things? We also are men of like passions with you, and preach unto you that ye should turn from these vanities unto the living God, which made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and all things that are therein:

Acts 10:26

But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

Romans 11:2

God hath not cast away his people which he foreknew. Wot ye not what the scripture saith of Elias? how he maketh intercession to God against Israel, saying,