Devine Scripture

James 5:18

What does James 5:18 mean?

A plain-English look at James 5:18 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What James 5:18 means

Elijah prayed again, and God sent rain, and the earth produced fruit. The long drought ended when the prophet sought the Lord, showing that prayer not only withholds judgment but also restores blessing. The sequence highlights God’s sovereignty—He gives the rain—and human participation—Elijah prayed. Fruitfulness after barrenness pictures what God can do in afflicted lives and communities through persevering intercession. This brief conclusion to the example encourages continued asking: if God can bring weather and harvest under His response to prayer, He can renew situations that seem dried up, restoring health, faith, and fellowship where there was loss.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

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

KJV

King James Version · 1611

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

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

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

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

And he made another prayer, and the heaven sent down rain and the earth gave her fruit.

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

and again he did pray, and the heaven did give rain, and the land did bring forth her fruit.

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

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

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

and again he prayed, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth caused its fruit to spring forth.

Context

Completing the example begun in verse 17, verse 18 shows the positive turn: rain and fruit follow prayer. This reinforces the practical section on prayer (vv. 13–18), affirming that such practices are effectual, not symbolic only. The chapter then moves in verses 19–20 to one more expression of restorative ministry—bringing back those who stray—linking answered prayer for healing with active pursuit of the wandering, both aiming at renewed life.

v.17Elijah 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.

v.18This passage

v.19My brethren, if any among you err from the truth, and one convert him;

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 14:17

    And yet he left not himself without witness, in that he did good and gave you from heaven rains and fruitful seasons, filling your hearts with food and gladness.

  • Jeremiah 14:22

    Are there any among the vanities of the nations that can cause rain? or can the heavens give showers? art not thou he, O Jehovah our God? therefore we will wait for thee; for thou hast made all these things.

  • 1 Kings 18:18

    And he answered, I have not troubled Israel; but thou, and thy father’s house, in that ye have forsaken the commandments of Jehovah, and thou hast followed the Baalim.

  • 1 Kings 18:42

    So Ahab went up to eat and to drink. And Elijah went up to the top of Carmel; and he bowed himself down upon the earth, and put his face between his knees.

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