King James Version

What Does James 5:17 Mean?

James 5:17 in the King James Version says “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...” — study this verse from James chapter 5 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

“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. subject: of the same nature, that is, a fellow mortal earnestly: or, in his prayer”

James 5:17 · King James Version


Context

15

And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.

16

Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

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. subject: of the same nature, that is, a fellow mortal earnestly: or, in his prayer

18

And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

19

Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him;


Commentaries4 scholars

KJV Study CommentaryPublic Domain
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.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural 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.

Reflection Questions

  1. What situations need Elijah-style prayer?
  2. How can you grow in persistent intercession?
  3. Who can join you in bold prayer efforts?

Compare 4 commentaries from different scholars and time periods for a richer understanding.


Original Language Analysis

Greek · 22 words
Ἠλίας1 of 22

“Elias”

G2243

helias (i.e., elijah), an israelite

ἄνθρωπος2 of 22

“a man”

G444

man-faced, i.e., a human being

ἦν3 of 22

“was”

G2258

i (thou, etc.) was (wast or were)

ὁμοιοπαθὴς4 of 22

“subject to like passions as”

G3663

similarly affected

ἡμῖν5 of 22

“we are”

G2254

to (or for, with, by) us

καὶ6 of 22

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

προσευχῇ7 of 22

“earnestly”

G4335

prayer (worship); by implication, an oratory (chapel)

προσηύξατο8 of 22

“he prayed”

G4336

to pray to god, i.e., supplicate, worship

τοῦ9 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

μὴ10 of 22

“not”

G3361

(adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer (whereas g3756 expects an affirmative one)) whether

ἔβρεξεν11 of 22

“it rained”

G1026

to moisten (especially by a shower)

καὶ12 of 22

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

οὐκ13 of 22

“not”

G3756

the absolute negative (compare g3361) adverb; no or not

ἔβρεξεν14 of 22

“it rained”

G1026

to moisten (especially by a shower)

ἐπὶ15 of 22

“on”

G1909

properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re

τῆς16 of 22
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

γῆς17 of 22

“the earth”

G1093

soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe (including the occupants in each application)

ἐνιαυτοὺς18 of 22

“years”

G1763

a year

τρεῖς19 of 22

“by the space of three”

G5140

"three"

καὶ20 of 22

“and”

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

μῆνας21 of 22

“months”

G3376

a month

ἕξ.22 of 22

“six”

G1803

six


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of James. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

James 5:17 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to James 5:17 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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