Effectual Prayer
TextsWhat is the meaning of Effectual Prayer in the Bible?
The phrase appears in James 5:16 within the King James Version, translating the Greek adjective 'energes', which conveys the meaning of being active, powerful, or effective in producing a result.
TEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding the original Greek term 'energes' clarifies that the biblical instruction emphasizes the active power and fruitfulness of prayer rather than a specific theological mechanism, allowing readers to appreciate the linguistic nuance between the archaic English 'effectual' and the dynamic action implied in the source text.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Manuscript & Literary Context: Notice how Effectual Prayer functions as an authoritative historical witness connecting earlier prophetic promises with scripture's broader fulfillment.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Effectual Prayer in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Effectual Prayer clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
James 5:16
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Effectual Prayer." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/effectual-prayer/