Bible Encyclopedias
Avail

International Standard Bible Encyclopedia

a -vāl ´ שׁוה , shāwāh , "to be equal," hence "to be enough," "to avail"): Used in the sense of "satisfy" (Esther 5:13 ). Queen Esther's exceptional favor availed not to satisfy Haman, because of his insane jealousy of his rival Mordecai. Ἰσχύω , ischúō , "to be strong.," translated also "prevail" (Revelation 12:8 ); with a negative signifies incompetence, e.g. the impossibility of redemptivc merit or power in an outward ceremony or act (Galatians 5:6; Galatians 6:15 the King James Version): "neither circumcision availcth anything," contrasted with the efficacy of faith "in Christ Jesus." Used also to express the efficacy of prayer ( James 5:16 ).