James 5:17 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.

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◄ James 5:17 ►
New International Version
Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.

New Living Translation
Elijah was as human as we are, and yet when he prayed earnestly that no rain would fall, none fell for three and a half years!

English Standard Version
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth.

Berean Standard Bible
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.

Berean Literal Bible
Elijah was a man of like nature to us, and with prayer he prayed for it not to rain, and it did not rain upon the land three years and six months.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.

New American Standard Bible
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months.

NASB 1995
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months.

NASB 1977
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain; and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months.

Legacy Standard Bible
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months.

Amplified Bible
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours [with the same physical, mental, and spiritual limitations and shortcomings], and he prayed intensely for it not to rain, and it did not rain on the earth for three years and six months.

Berean Annotated Bible
Elijah (my God is YHWH) 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.

Christian Standard Bible
Elijah was a human being as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the land.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours; yet he prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the land.

American Standard Version
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.

Contemporary English Version
Elijah was just as human as we are, and for three and a half years his prayers kept the rain from falling.

English Revised Version
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.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
Elijah was human like us. Yet, when he prayed that it wouldn't rain, no rain fell on the ground for three-and-a-half years.

Good News Translation
Elijah was the same kind of person as we are. He prayed earnestly that there would be no rain, and no rain fell on the land for three and a half years.

International Standard Version
Elijah was a person just like us, and he prayed earnestly for it not to rain, and rain never came to the land for three years and six months.

NET Bible
Elijah was a human being like us, and he prayed earnestly that it would not rain and there was no rain on the land for three years and six months!

New Heart English Bible
Elijah was a human being with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.

Webster's Bible Translation
Elijah 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.

Weymouth New Testament
Elijah was a man with a nature similar to ours, and he earnestly prayed that there might be no rain: and no rain fell on the land for three years and six months.
Majority Text Translations
Majority Standard Bible
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.

World English Bible
Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and it didn’t rain on the earth for three years and six months.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
Elijah was a similar-feeling man as us, and with prayer he prayed—not to rain, and it did not rain on the land three years and six months;

Berean Literal Bible
Elijah was a man of like nature to us, and with prayer he prayed for it not to rain, and it did not rain upon the land three years and six months.

Young's Literal Translation
Elijah was a man like affected as we, and with prayer he did pray -- not to rain, and it did not rain upon the land three years and six months;

Smith's Literal Translation
Elias was a man having similar feelings with us, and in prayer he prayed for it not to rain: and it rained not upon the earth for three years and six months.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
Elias was a man passible like unto us: and with prayer he prayed that it might not rain upon the earth, and it rained not for three years and six months.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Elijah was a mortal man like us, and in prayer he prayed that it would not rain upon the earth. And it did not rain for three years and six months.

New American Bible
Elijah was a human being like us; yet he prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain upon the land.

New Revised Standard Version
Elijah was a human being like us, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
Even Elijah, who was a weak man like ourselves, prayed earnestly that it might not rain upon the land, and it did not rain for three years and six months.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
Elijah was a man subject to suffering like we, and he prayed that it would not rain on the land, and it did not come down for 3 years and six months;
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
Elijah was a man with passions like our own; and he earnestly prayed that it might not rain; and it did not rain on the land for three years and six months.

Godbey New Testament
Elijah was a man of like suffering to us, and he prayed with prayer that it might not rain, and it rained not upon the earth during three years and six months;

Haweis New Testament
Elias was a man of like feelings with us, and he prayed fervently that it should not rain; and there fell no rain on the earth during three years and six months.

Mace New Testament
Elias was only a man, as we are; however, having ardently prayed, that it might not rain, it did not rain in that country for three years and a half:

Weymouth New Testament
Elijah was a man with a nature similar to ours, and he earnestly prayed that there might be no rain: and no rain fell on the land for three years and six months.

Worrell New Testament
Elijah was a man of like nature with us; and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and it rained not on the earth for three years and six months;

Worsley New Testament
Elias was a man of like passions with us, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain, and it rained not upon the land for three years and six months:

Additional Translations ...
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Context
The Prayer of Faith
…16Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail. 17Elijah 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. 18Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth yielded its crops.…
Cross References
Elijah was a man just like us.

1 Kings 19:4-5
while he himself went a day’s journey into the wilderness. He sat down under a broom tree and prayed that he might die. “I have had enough, LORD,” he said. “Take my life, for I am no better than my fathers.” / Then he lay down under the broom tree and fell asleep. Suddenly an angel touched him and said, “Get up and eat.”

1 Kings 19:10
“I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of Hosts,” he replied, “but the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well.”

1 Kings 19:14
“I have been very zealous for the LORD, the God of Hosts,” he replied, “but the Israelites have forsaken Your covenant, torn down Your altars, and killed Your prophets with the sword. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well.”
He prayed earnestly that it would not rain,

1 Kings 17:1
Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was among the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As surely as the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there will be neither dew nor rain in these years except at my word!”

1 Kings 18:41-45
And Elijah said to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink, for there is the sound of a heavy rain.” / So Ahab went up to eat and drink. But Elijah climbed to the summit of Carmel, bent down on the ground, and put his face between his knees. / “Go and look toward the sea,” he said to his servant. So the servant went and looked, and he said, “There is nothing there.” Seven times Elijah said, “Go back.” …

1 Kings 18:36-37
At the time of the evening sacrifice, Elijah the prophet approached the altar and said, “O LORD, God of Abraham, Isaac, and Israel, let it be known this day that You are God in Israel and that I am Your servant and have done all these things at Your command. / Answer me, O LORD! Answer me, so that this people will know that You, the LORD, are God, and that You have turned their hearts back again.”
and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.

Luke 4:25
But I tell you truthfully that there were many widows in Israel in the time of Elijah, when the sky was shut for three and a half years and great famine swept over all the land.

1 Kings 17:7
Some time later, however, the brook dried up because there had been no rain in the land.

1 Kings 18:1
After a long time, in the third year of the drought, the word of the LORD came to Elijah: “Go and present yourself to Ahab, and I will send rain upon the face of the earth.”
Hebrews 11:33-34
who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, / quenched the raging fire, and escaped the edge of the sword; who gained strength from weakness, became mighty in battle, and put foreign armies to flight.

2 Kings 1:10-12
Elijah answered the captain, “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men.” And fire came down from heaven and consumed the captain and his fifty men. / So the king sent to Elijah another captain with his fifty men. And the captain said to Elijah, “Man of God, the king declares, ‘Come down at once!’” / Again Elijah replied, “If I am a man of God, may fire come down from heaven and consume you and your fifty men.” And the fire of God came down from heaven and consumed the captain and his fifty men.

Matthew 17:3
Suddenly Moses and Elijah appeared before them, talking with Jesus.

Romans 11:2-4
God did not reject His people, whom He foreknew. Do you not know what the Scripture says about Elijah, how he appealed to God against Israel: / “Lord, they have killed Your prophets and torn down Your altars. I am the only one left, and they are seeking my life as well”? / And what was the divine reply to him? “I have reserved for Myself seven thousand men who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”

1 Kings 19:8
So he got up and ate and drank. And strengthened by that food, he walked forty days and forty nights until he reached Horeb, the mountain of God.

1 Kings 19:15-18
Then the LORD said to him, “Go back by the way you came, and go to the Desert of Damascus. When you arrive, you are to anoint Hazael as king over Aram. / You are also to anoint Jehu son of Nimshi as king over Israel and Elisha son of Shaphat from Abel-meholah to succeed you as prophet. / Then Jehu will put to death whoever escapes the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death whoever escapes the sword of Jehu. …

2 Kings 2:11
As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire with horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up into heaven in a whirlwind.


Treasury of Scripture

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.

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.

Elijah.

Acts 10:26
But Peter took him up, saying, Stand up; I myself also am a man.

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:

and he.

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,

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.

earnestly.

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;

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Affected Blood Earnestly Earth Elias Elijah Eli'jah Fell Fervently Flesh Half Months Nature Ours Ourselves Passions Prayed Prayer Rain Rained Similar Six Space Strong Subject Three Years
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Affected Blood Earnestly Earth Elias Elijah Eli'jah Fell Fervently Flesh Half Months Nature Ours Ourselves Passions Prayed Prayer Rain Rained Similar Six Space Strong Subject Three Years
James 5
1. Rich oppressors are to fear God's vengeance.
7. We ought to be patient in afflictions, after the example of the prophets, and Job;
12. to forbear swearing;
13. to pray in adversity, to sing in prosperity;
14. to acknowledge mutually our several faults, to pray one for another;
19. and to correct a straying brother.










(追記) (追記ここまで)

Elijah was a man just like us.
Elijah, a prophet in the Old Testament, is often seen as a larger-than-life figure due to his miraculous deeds and powerful ministry. However, this phrase emphasizes his humanity, reminding believers that he shared the same nature and limitations as any other person. This is significant because it underscores the accessibility of God's power through prayer to all believers, not just to prophets or those with special callings. Elijah's story is primarily found in 1 Kings 17-19, where he confronts the idolatry of Israel under King Ahab and Queen Jezebel. His humanity is evident in moments of fear and doubt, such as when he flees from Jezebel (1 Kings 19:3-4).

He prayed earnestly that it would not rain,
Elijah's earnest prayer is a demonstration of his deep faith and reliance on God. The context of this prayer is found in 1 Kings 17:1, where Elijah declares to Ahab that there will be no rain except at his word. This prayer was not a personal vendetta but a divine judgment against Israel for their idolatry and turning away from God. The earnestness of his prayer reflects a fervent and sincere heart, aligning with the biblical principle that the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective (James 5:16).

and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years.
The drought lasted for three and a half years, a period that holds symbolic significance in biblical prophecy and eschatology. This timeframe is echoed in the New Testament, particularly in Revelation 11:2-3, where it is associated with periods of trial and divine judgment. The drought was a direct challenge to Baal, the Canaanite storm god, demonstrating the supremacy of the God of Israel. This event also prefigures the ministry of Jesus Christ, who, like Elijah, performed miracles and called people to repentance. The drought's end, marked by Elijah's prayer for rain in 1 Kings 18:41-45, signifies God's mercy and the restoration that follows repentance.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Elijah
A prophet in the Old Testament known for his powerful prayers and miracles. He played a significant role during the reign of King Ahab in Israel, confronting idolatry and calling the nation back to God.

2. Israel
The land where Elijah ministered, often turning away from God during the reign of Ahab and Jezebel, leading to divine judgment and calls for repentance.

3. King Ahab
The king of Israel during Elijah's time, known for his wickedness and promotion of Baal worship, which led to God's judgment through drought.

4. Drought
A significant event in Elijah's ministry, where he prayed for a drought as a judgment against Israel's idolatry, demonstrating God's power and authority.

5. Mount Carmel
The site of Elijah's confrontation with the prophets of Baal, where God answered Elijah's prayer with fire, proving His supremacy over false gods.
Teaching Points
The Power of Prayer
Elijah's example shows that prayer is a powerful tool for believers. His earnest prayer led to significant natural and spiritual outcomes, demonstrating that God listens to and acts upon the prayers of His people.

Humanity and Faith
Despite being a prophet, Elijah was "a man just like us," indicating that extraordinary faith and prayer are accessible to all believers, not just spiritual leaders.

Righteousness and Effectiveness
The effectiveness of Elijah's prayer was tied to his righteousness and alignment with God's will. Believers are encouraged to live righteously and seek God's will in their prayers.

Perseverance in Prayer
Elijah's persistent prayer life, even in the face of opposition, serves as a model for believers to remain steadfast and faithful in their prayer lives.

God's Sovereignty
The drought and subsequent rain were under God's control, reminding believers of His sovereignty over nature and history, and His ability to use circumstances for His purposes.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1. What is the meaning of James 5:17?

2. How does Elijah's prayer life in James 5:17 inspire your own prayer practices?

3. What does James 5:17 teach about the power of prayer for believers today?

4. How can you apply Elijah's example to strengthen your faith and patience?

5. What Old Testament events connect with Elijah's story in James 5:17?

6. How can you cultivate a prayer life that mirrors Elijah's fervency and faith?

7. How does James 5:17 illustrate the power of prayer in a believer's life?

8. Why is Elijah's human nature emphasized in James 5:17?

9. What does James 5:17 teach about the relationship between faith and action?

10. What are the top 10 Lessons from James 5?

What Does James 5:17 Mean
Elijah was a man just like us

• James reminds us that Elijah was “a man with a nature like ours” (James 5:17). He was not an angel, superhero, or flawless saint—just an ordinary human who served an extraordinary God.

• 1 Kings 17–19 shows Elijah’s highs (calling down fire, 1 Kings 18:36-39) and lows (fleeing in fear, 1 Kings 19:3-4). His victories and struggles mirror our own, affirming that God works through everyday people (cf. Acts 14:15; Hebrews 11:32-34).

• By highlighting Elijah’s humanity, James encourages believers that the same God who answered Elijah’s prayers stands ready to hear ours (Psalm 34:15; Hebrews 4:16).

He prayed earnestly that it would not rain

• Elijah’s “earnest” prayer (literally “he prayed with prayer”) points to deep persistence and faith (Luke 18:1-8).

• 1 Kings 17:1 reveals the specific prayer: “As surely as the LORD…there will be neither dew nor rain except at my word.” He prayed in line with God’s covenant warnings against idolatry (Deuteronomy 11:16-17), showing how Scripture shapes effective prayer (John 15:7).

• Elijah’s focus was God’s glory, not personal comfort (1 Kings 18:18). James uses this to illustrate that righteous, God-centered petitions have real impact (James 5:16).

and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years

• God honored Elijah’s request: “And there was a severe famine in Samaria” (1 Kings 18:2). Luke 4:25 and Revelation 11:6 confirm the same duration—three and a half years—underscoring the historical reality.

• The drought displayed both judgment and mercy—turning hearts back to the LORD (1 Kings 18:37-39).

• James links Elijah’s answered prayer to the promise that “the prayer of a righteous man has great power to prevail” (James 5:16). If God shut the heavens in response to one believer’s faith, He can certainly move in our circumstances today (Mark 11:24).

summary

Elijah’s story shows that ordinary believers who align their requests with God’s will and persist in faith can see extraordinary answers. James cites Elijah to assure us that our prayers, offered with righteous hearts and steadfast trust, are powerful tools in God’s hands to accomplish His purposes.

(17) Elias.--James supplies a lacuna in the story of Elijah. In 1Kings 17:1, the prophet simply and sternly tells Ahab "there shall not be dew nor rain these years, but according to my word." Further on (1Kings 18:41-46) "there is a sound of abundance of rain." In our Epistle we read that Elias "prayed earnestly"--literally, prayed in his prayer, a Hebraistic form of emphasis (see margin). He asked for drought, and it lasted three years and a half, so that "there was a sore famine in Samaria." He prayed once more, and "the heaven was black with clouds and wind, and there was a great rain," and thus again "the Lord hearkened unto the voice of a man." Yet Elijah was no demi-god; we even learn how he shrank from his prophet's yoke, and longed to die. No one therefore may despair in his petitions but rather let his "requests be made known unto God;" for "men ought always to pray, and not to faint" (Luke 18:1).

It rained not on the earth.--This Orientalism need not be a snare to the most literal of readers. The punishment, because of Ahab and Jezebel, fell on their own kingdom, and not the whole world. In a similar hyperbole Obadiah told Elijah, concerning this very famine, "there is no nation, or kingdom, whither my lord hath not sent to seek thee" (1Kings 18:10).

Verses 17, 18. - Illustration of the last statement of ver. 16, from the case of Elijah, "a righteous man" under the old covenant, but one "of like passions with us," and therefore one from whose case it is lawful to argue to our own. Subject to like passions as we are. Ὁμοιοπαθὴς ἡμῖν: simply "of like passions with us;" cf. Acts 14:15, where it is used in just the same way. In the LXX. only in Wisd. 7:3. He prayed earnestly. Προσευχῇ προσηύξατο: a Hebraism, not infrequent in the New Testament (see Luke 22:15; John 3:29; Acts 4:17; Acts 5:28; Acts 23:14), in imitation of the Hebrew dissolute infinitive (cf. Winer, p. 584). For the incident alluded to by St. James, see 1 Kings 17:1; 1 Kings 18:1; but note

(1) that we are never told that the famine was in consequence of Elijah's prayer; and

(2) nothing is said of the duration of time (three years and a half) during which it rained not upon the earth. All we read is that "after many days the word of the Lord came to Elijah in the third year;" but there is no clear indication from what period this "third year" is dated. With regard to

(1), it may have been St. James's own inference from the narrative, or may have been due to tradition. With regard to . . .

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
Elijah
Ἠλίας (Ēlias)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2243: Elijah, the prophet. Of Hebrew origin; Helias, an Israelite.

was
ἦν (ēn)
Verb - Imperfect Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1510: I am, exist. The first person singular present indicative; a prolonged form of a primary and defective verb; I exist.

a man
ἄνθρωπος (anthrōpos)
Noun - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 444: A man, one of the human race. From aner and ops; man-faced, i.e. A human being.

just like
ὁμοιοπαθὴς (homoiopathēs)
Adjective - Nominative Masculine Singular
Strong's 3663: From homoios and the alternate of pascho; similarly affected.

us.
ἡμῖν (hēmin)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Dative 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

He prayed earnestly
προσευχῇ (proseuchē)
Noun - Dative Feminine Singular
Strong's 4335: From proseuchomai; prayer; by implication, an oratory.

[that it would] not
μὴ (mē)
Adverb
Strong's 3361: Not, lest. A primary particle of qualified negation; not, lest; also (whereas ou expects an affirmative one) whether.

rain,
βρέξαι (brexai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 1026: To moisten, rain, send rain. A primary verb; to moisten.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

it did not rain
ἔβρεξεν (ebrexen)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Active - 3rd Person Singular
Strong's 1026: To moisten, rain, send rain. A primary verb; to moisten.

on
ἐπὶ (epi)
Preposition
Strong's 1909: On, to, against, on the basis of, at.

the
τῆς (tēs)
Article - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

land
γῆς (gēs)
Noun - Genitive Feminine Singular
Strong's 1093: Contracted from a primary word; soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe.

for three
τρεῖς (treis)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5140: Three. Or neuter tria a primary number; 'three'.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

[a half]
ἕξ (hex)
Adjective - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1803: Six. A primary numeral; six.

years.
ἐνιαυτοὺς (eniautous)
Noun - Accusative Masculine Plural
Strong's 1763: A year, cycle of time. Prolongation from a primary enos; a year.


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NT Letters: James 5:17 Elijah was a man with a nature (Ja Jas. Jam)

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