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    Earnest Prayer & Ordinary People

    James 5:17 Commentary

    In-depth meaning, historical context, and practical application

    Written by Bible Sundays Editorial TeamChecked by Bible Sundays Scripture DeskLast reviewed August 1, 2026Our editorial standards
    "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."
    — James 5:17 (KJV)
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    Introduction

    Right after promising the great effectiveness of righteous prayer (v. 16), James gives the example: Elijah. And he makes a point of saying Elijah was 'subject to like passions as we are.' The prophet's prayers were not powerful because he was super-human.

    Historical Context

    The drought James references is 1 Kings 17-18. Elijah's prayer is not narrated explicitly in Kings as preceding the drought, but James — under inspiration — reveals it. The implication is that hidden prayer often precedes public miracles.

    Original Language Insights

    'Like passions' (homoiopathes) — of the same nature, sharing the same weaknesses. James refuses to let his readers exempt themselves by appealing to Elijah's stature.

    'Earnestly' (proseuche proseuxato) — literally 'prayed with prayer,' a Hebraism intensifying the verb. Earnest, focused, repeated.

    Theological Significance

    Effective prayer is not a function of spiritual celebrity. It is the standard inheritance of every righteous believer. James strips away the excuse that prayer is for great saints by reminding us that the great saints were people like us.

    Practical Application

    Stop disqualifying yourself from praying boldly. Elijah was 'subject to like passions' — discouraged, afraid, sometimes wrong. He still prayed; God still answered. Both halves apply to you.

    Cross-References & Related Scriptures

    1 Kings 18:42

    "Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he cast himself down upon the earth."

    The companion passage where Elijah's earnest posture in prayer is described.

    Hebrews 4:16

    "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace."

    The same encouragement to ordinary believers to pray with confidence.

    Prayer Response

    Lord, I am a person of like passions — and so was Elijah. Teach me to pray earnestly, and answer in Your wisdom and mercy. Amen.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Will my prayers always be answered like Elijah's?

    Outcomes vary; access does not. The same God hears the same kind of prayer from the same kind of people. Trust Him with the answer.

    Read commentary on surrounding verses

    Continue studying James 5 verse by verse:

    Before · James 5:14Exact verse

    Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

    Theme: Healing

    Before · James 5:15Exact verse

    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.

    Theme: Healing Prayer & Forgiveness

    Before · James 5:16Exact verse

    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.

    Theme: Prayer

    Nearest commentary in James

    Earlier · 1 ch back · James 4:7-8Nearest chapter

    Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you.

    Theme: Spiritual Warfare

    Earlier · 1 ch back · James 4:8Nearest chapter

    Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

    Theme: Drawing Near to God

    Earlier · 1 ch back · James 4:10Nearest chapter

    Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

    Theme: Humility

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    Related Bible Questions

    Common questions people ask about this passage — answered with KJV scripture.

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    Who was Elijah the prophet?

    Elijah was one of Israel's greatest prophets who confronted the worship of Baal, performed mighty miracles, and was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire without dying.

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    Who Were the Twelve Apostles?

    The twelve apostles were the men Jesus chose as His closest followers and commissioned to spread the gospel: Peter, Andrew, James, John, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot (later replaced by Matthias).

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    Nehemiah was a Jewish cupbearer to the Persian king who led the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls after the Babylonian exile, demonstrating faith, leadership, and prayer.

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    Quick Devotional

    For a shorter devotional reflection on related verses:

    James 1:5 – Meaning & Devotional

    "If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him."

    James 4:7 – Meaning & Devotional

    "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."

    James 1:2-4 – Meaning & Devotional

    "My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing."

    Related Miracles

    Signs and wonders connected to this passage and its themes:

    Provision
    Old Testament

    Manna from Heaven

    God rained bread from heaven to feed Israel daily for forty years in the wilderness.

    Read the miracle
    Signs & Wonders
    Old Testament

    Fire on Mount Carmel

    Elijah's prayer brought fire from heaven that consumed the sacrifice and the water around it.

    Read the miracle
    Provision
    Old Testament

    Elijah Fed by Ravens

    During a drought, ravens brought bread and meat to Elijah morning and evening by the brook Cherith.

    Read the miracle
    Signs & Wonders
    Old Testament

    Elijah Taken Up by a Chariot of Fire

    A chariot and horses of fire parted Elijah and Elisha, and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.

    Read the miracle

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