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.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
6 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
προσευχῇ
earnestly
G4335
προσευχῇ
earnestly
Strong's:
G4335
Word #:
7 of 22
prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
μὴ
not
G3361
μὴ
not
Strong's:
G3361
Word #:
10 of 22
(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
12 of 22
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπὶ
on
G1909
ἐπὶ
on
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
15 of 22
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
16 of 22
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆς
the earth
G1093
γῆς
the earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
17 of 22
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
Cross References
1 Kings 17:1And 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 4:25But 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 11:6These 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 18:1And 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 14:15And 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 10:26But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.Romans 11:2God 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,
Historical Context
Elijah's drought narrative (1 Kings 17-18) was well-known. James highlights his humanity to inspire ordinary Christians under persecution to pray with prophetic persistence.
Questions for Reflection
- What situations need Elijah-style prayer?
- How can you grow in persistent intercession?
- Who can join you in bold prayer efforts?
Analysis & Commentary
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. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours; he prayed earnestly and it did not rain for three and a half years. James demystifies prophetic prayer: Elijah's powerful intercession flowed from earnest faith, not superhuman status.
Reformed teaching encourages bold prayer grounded in God's Word. Elijah's example assures believers their prayers matter.