James 5:17

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.

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}.

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.

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.

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.

Understanding James 5:17 KJV: The Power of Earnest Prayer

James 5:17 serves as a powerful illustration of the effectiveness of fervent prayer, drawing on the Old Testament example of the prophet Elias, known today as Elijah. This verse emphasizes that even great figures of faith shared our human vulnerabilities, yet their prayers moved the hand of God.

Context of James 5:17

This verse is part of a larger section in the Epistle of James (James 5:13-18) that discusses the importance and efficacy of prayer, especially in times of suffering, sickness, and confession of sins. James encourages believers to pray for one another and provides Elijah as a compelling case study immediately following his declaration that "the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." The example of Elijah reinforces the idea that God truly hears and responds to the prayers of His people, regardless of their human imperfections.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Humanity of Faith Heroes: The phrase "Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are" is crucial. It underscores that Elijah, despite his miraculous deeds, was not superhuman. He experienced fears, doubts, and weaknesses, just like any ordinary person. This truth makes his example relatable and accessible, removing any excuse for believers today to feel their prayers are less significant.
  • The Power of Earnest Prayer: Elijah's prayer for drought was not casual; it was "earnestly" offered. This highlights the importance of sincerity, persistence, and faith in prayer. His prayer was aligned with God's will and purpose for Israel at that time, demonstrating that effective prayer often stems from a heart attuned to God's desires.
  • God's Responsiveness: The immediate and sustained cessation of rain for "three years and six months" directly in response to Elijah's prayer showcases God's willingness and power to intervene dramatically in human affairs. It's a testament to God's faithfulness to His promises and His attentiveness to the cries of His servants.

Linguistic Insights

The Greek word translated "subject to like passions" is homoiopathes (ὁμοιοπαθής), meaning "of like feelings" or "having the same nature." It truly emphasizes Elijah's shared humanity with us, including his struggles and emotions. The phrase "prayed earnestly" is a Greek idiom, proseuchē proseuxato (προσευχῇ προσηύξατο), which literally means "with prayer he prayed." This Hebraism is used to convey intense, persistent, or solemn prayer, indicating deep spiritual conviction and effort.

Historical and Biblical Context

The events referenced in James 5:17 are detailed in the Old Testament books of 1 Kings. Elijah prophesied the drought to King Ahab as a judgment upon Israel's idolatry, particularly the worship of Baal, a Canaanite storm god. The three-and-a-half-year duration of the drought is also mentioned in Luke 4:25, confirming this specific period. The drought was a severe test of faith and a powerful demonstration of the one true God's sovereignty over nature, directly challenging Baal's supposed domain.

Practical Application

James 5:17 offers tremendous encouragement to believers today. It reminds us that our human weaknesses do not disqualify us from effective prayer. God is not looking for perfect people, but for those who will pray with genuine faith and earnestness. The story of Elijah serves as a powerful reminder that with God, all things are possible, and that consistent, believing prayer can bring about extraordinary results. It calls us to persist in prayer for our needs, for others, and for God's will to be done on earth.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • 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,

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