James 5:18
And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πάλιν
again
G3825
πάλιν
again
Strong's:
G3825
Word #:
2 of 15
(adverbially) anew, i.e., (of place) back, (of time) once more, or (conjunctionally) furthermore or on the other hand
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
4 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ὁ
G3588
ὁ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
5 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
οὐρανὸς
the heaven
G3772
οὐρανὸς
the heaven
Strong's:
G3772
Word #:
6 of 15
the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of god); by implication, happiness, power, eternity; specially, the gospel (christianity)
ἔδωκεν
gave
G1325
ἔδωκεν
gave
Strong's:
G1325
Word #:
8 of 15
to give (used in a very wide application, properly, or by implication, literally or figuratively; greatly modified by the connection)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
9 of 15
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἡ
G3588
ἡ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
10 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
γῆ
the earth
G1093
γῆ
the earth
Strong's:
G1093
Word #:
11 of 15
soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)
ἐβλάστησεν
brought forth
G985
ἐβλάστησεν
brought forth
Strong's:
G985
Word #:
12 of 15
to germinate; by implication, to yield fruit
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
13 of 15
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
After Mount Carmel, Elijah prayed until clouds formed (1 Kings 18). James reminds diaspora believers that prayer can bring refreshing even after severe judgment.
Questions for Reflection
- Where have you stopped praying before rain arrived?
- How can you practically prepare for answered prayer?
- What testimonies encourage you to pray again?
Analysis & Commentary
And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit. Elijah prayed again, heaven gave rain, and the earth bore fruit. Persistent prayer reverses drought. James emphasizes that God responds to persevering intercession with tangible change.
Reformed believers see prayer as ordained means for God's providence. Elijah's example fuels hope for spiritual and physical renewal.