### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ópsimos**, represented by `{{G3797}}`, means **later** or **vernal (showering)** and is translated in the Bible as **latter**. It appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse**, where it plays a key role in an agricultural metaphor about patience and divine timing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single appearance of `{{G3797}}` is in [[James 5:7]]. The verse calls the **brethren** `{{G80}}` to **be patient** `{{G3114}}` until the **coming** `{{G3952}}` of the **Lord** `{{G2962}}`. It uses the example of the **husbandman** `{{G1092}}` who waits for the **precious** `{{G5093}}` **fruit** `{{G2590}}` of the **earth** `{{G1093}}`. This waiting continues until he receives the "early and **latter** rain." Here, **ópsimos** signifies the final, crucial showers necessary to bring the harvest to full maturity, symbolizing the completion of a required season of endurance.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context help clarify its meaning:
* `{{G4406}}` **prṓïmos** (early): This is the direct counterpart to `ópsimos` within the same verse, defined as **autumnal (showering, the first of the rainy season)**. Its use alongside `ópsimos` highlights the complete process of waiting through an entire agricultural season [[James 5:7]].
* `{{G5205}}` **hyetós** (rain): As the noun modified by `ópsimos`, this word means **rain, especially a shower**. The arrival of rain is depicted as a blessing from God necessary for growth, as seen when the earth brings forth fruit after it "drinketh in the **rain**" [[Hebrews 6:7]].
* `{{G1092}}` **geōrgós** (husbandman): Defined as a **land-worker, i.e. farmer**, this is the one who patiently waits. The term is also used theologically in [[John 15:1]], where the Father is described as the **husbandman** `{{G1092}}`, adding depth to the metaphor of spiritual cultivation.
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G3797}}` is drawn from its metaphorical role in illustrating Christian virtue.
* **Patient Endurance:** The "latter rain" represents the fulfillment that comes after a long period of waiting. The passage commands believers to **be patient** `{{G3114}}`, modeling the husbandman who "hath long patience" for the harvest to come [[James 5:7]].
* **Hope in the Lord's Coming:** The agricultural illustration directly serves the exhortation to be patient "unto the **coming** `{{G3952}}` of the **Lord** `{{G2962}}`." The arrival of the latter rain is thus analogous to the events preceding Christ's return, for which believers are to wait with steadfast hearts [[James 5:8]].
* **Dependence on Divine Timing:** The farmer waits for the rain; he does not create it. This illustrates a dependence on a process outside of human control, pointing to a trust in God's provision and timing to bring forth the **precious** `{{G5093}}` **fruit** `{{G2590}}`.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G3797}}` is far more than an agricultural term. Though used only once, **ópsimos** serves as a potent symbol for the final stage of a process that requires faith and endurance. It anchors a key biblical metaphor for the Christian life: to wait patiently through all seasons, trusting in God's provision until the final harvest at the coming of the Lord.
TRV