The Greek word bréchō, represented by G1026, is a primary verb defined as to moisten, especially by a shower, and is translated as (send) rain or wash. It appears 8 times across 6 unique verses, carrying a dual meaning that encompasses both natural weather and profound personal actions.
In scripture, G1026 is most frequently used to describe the act of raining. It illustrates God's common grace, as He "sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust" Matthew 5:45. The term also appears in the context of divine judgment, as it rained fire and brimstone from heaven in the days of Lot Luke 17:29. In a different context, the word signifies a personal act of worship and repentance, as when a weeping woman "began to wash his feet with tears" Luke 7:38. The power over rain is also a theme, seen when Elias prayed that it might not rain James 5:17 and when the two witnesses in Revelation are given power to shut heaven so it does not rain Revelation 11:6.
Several related words are used alongside G1026, particularly in the account of the woman washing Jesus' feet, which adds depth to the scene:
- G2799 klaíō (to sob, i.e. wail aloud): This word describes the act of weeping that produced the tears used to wash Jesus' feet Luke 7:38.
- G1144 dákry (a tear): These tears are the very substance with which the woman washed his feet, highlighting an act of deep emotion and humility (Luke 7:38, Luke 7:44).
- G1591 ekmássō (to wipe dry): This action follows the washing, as the woman wiped his feet with her hair, completing her act of devotion (Luke 7:38, Luke 7:44).
- G218 aleíphō (to oil (with perfume)): After washing and wiping his feet, she anointed them, adding another layer of honor and reverence to her actions Luke 7:38.
The theological significance of G1026 is expressed in its varied applications:
- Divine Provision: The word is used to describe God's impartial care for all creation, as he sends rain on both the righteous and the unrighteous Matthew 5:45.
- Divine Judgment: It serves as a verb for divine retribution, where God rained fire and brimstone upon Sodom, destroying them all Luke 17:29.
- Prophetic Power: The control of rain is presented as a sign of authority from God, granted to figures like Elias and the two prophetic witnesses (James 5:17, Revelation 11:6).
- Humble Worship: The act of using tears to wash feet elevates the word from a simple utility to an expression of profound repentance and love, contrasted by Jesus with his host's failure to provide even water Luke 7:44.
In summary, G1026 is a versatile verb that connects the vast, impersonal power of nature with intimate, personal acts of devotion. While it commonly refers to literal rain as an instrument of God's provision, judgment, or prophetic power, its use in the context of a woman washing Jesus' feet with her tears gives it a deeply personal and spiritual weight. The word illustrates how a common physical action can signify profound theological truths.
TRV