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.

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.

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;

James 5:17 Additional Translations
Clarke's Commentary on the Bible

Elias was a man subject to like passions - This was Elijah, and a consistency between the names of the same persons as expressed in the Old and the New Testaments should be kept up.

The word ὁμοιοπαθης signifies of the same constitution, a human being just as ourselves are. See the same phrase and its explanation in Acts 14:15, and the note there. There was some reason to apprehend that because Elijah was translated, that therefore he was more than human, and if so, his example could be no pattern for us; and as the design of St. James was to excite men to pray, expecting the Divine interference whenever that should be necessary, therefore he tells them that Elijah was a man like themselves, of the same constitution, liable to the same accidents, and needing the same supports.

And he prayed earnestly - Προσευχῃ προσηυξατο· He prayed with prayer; a Hebraism for, he prayed fervently.

That it might not rain - See this history, 1 Kings 17:1, etc.

And it rained not on the earth - Επι της γης· On that land, viz. the land of Judea; for this drought did not extend elsewhere.

Three years and six months - This is the term mentioned by our Lord, Luke 4:25; but this is not specified in the original history. In 1 Kings 18:1, it is said, In the third year the word of the Lord came to Elijah, that is, concerning the rain; but this third year is to be computed from the time of his going to live at Zarephath, which happened many days after the drought began, as is plain from this, that he remained at the brook Cherith till it was dried up, and then went to Zarephath, in the country of Zidon; 1 Kings 17:7-9. Therefore the three years and six months must be computed from his denouncing the drought, at which time that judgment commenced. Macknight.

Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

Elias.

1 Kings 17:1 And Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the inhabitants of Gilead, said to Ahab, As the LORD God of Israel lives, before whom I stand...

Elijah. subject.

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 you these things? We also are men of like passions with you...

and he.

Romans 11:2 God has not cast away his people which he foreknew. Know you not what the scripture said of Elias?...

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...

earnestly. or, in prayer. and it rained not.

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...

James 5:17 Parallel Commentaries
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 YearsAffected 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 YearsTHE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica®.

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