### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **hyetós**, represented by `{{G5205}}`, is a specific term for **rain, especially a shower**. It appears **6 times** across **6 unique verses** in the Bible. This word primarily denotes literal rainfall, often highlighting its role as a necessary element for life and a sign of divine action.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{G5205}}` consistently refers to physical precipitation. It is depicted as a blessing from God essential for agriculture, as in the case of the husbandman who patiently waits for the "early and latter **rain**" to yield fruit [[James 5:7]]. This divine provision is presented as a witness of God's goodness, who "gave us **rain** from heaven" to provide food and gladness [[Acts 14:17]]. The term is also used in a simple narrative context, describing the "present **rain**" that accompanied cold weather [[Acts 28:2]]. Furthermore, control over **rain** is shown to be a sign of supernatural power, whether through prayer, as when heaven "gave **rain**" after Elijah prayed [[James 5:18]], or through the authority given to God's witnesses to "shut heaven, that it **rain** not" [[Revelation 11:6]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help frame the context in which **hyetós** appears:
* `{{G1026}}` **bréchō** (to moisten (especially by a shower):--(send) rain, wash): This is the verb form for raining and is used alongside `{{G5205}}` to describe the act of withholding rain [[Revelation 11:6]].
* `{{G1093}}` **gē** (soil; by extension a region, or the solid part or the whole of the terrene globe): This is the recipient of the **rain**. Scripture describes the **earth** drinking in the **rain** to bring forth life [[Hebrews 6:7]] or receiving **rain** to produce its **fruit** [[James 5:18]].
* `{{G3772}}` **ouranós** (the sky; by extension, heaven (as the abode of God)): This is the source from which the **rain** originates. God gives **rain** "from heaven" [[Acts 14:17]], and it is **heaven** that can be shut to prevent **rain** [[Revelation 11:6]].
* `{{G1325}}` **dídōmi** (to give): This verb emphasizes that **rain** is a gift. The dossier shows that **heaven** "gave" **rain** [[James 5:18]] and that God "gave" **rain** to humanity [[Acts 14:17]].
* `{{G2590}}` **karpós** (fruit (as plucked), literally or figuratively): This is the result that the **rain** helps produce. The "precious **fruit** of the earth" is dependent on receiving the **rain** [[James 5:7]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G5205}}` is tied directly to its role in demonstrating God's character and power.
* **Witness of Divine Provision:** Rain is explicitly used as a universal sign of God's goodness and care for creation. It is one of the ways He leaves Himself not "without witness," providing for all people and filling their hearts with food and gladness [[Acts 14:17]].
* **Symbol of Divine Sovereignty:** The ability to control the **rain** is a clear indicator of God's authority over the natural world. This power can be delegated to his prophets [[Revelation 11:6]] or exercised in response to the prayers of the righteous [[James 5:18]].
* **Condition for Blessing and Fruitfulness:** The Bible uses the earth's response to **rain** as a spiritual metaphor. The **earth** that "drinketh in the **rain**" and is productive "receiveth blessing from God" [[Hebrews 6:7]], illustrating a principle of fruitful reception of God's gifts.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G5205}}` is more than just a meteorological term. While its meaning is consistently literal, **hyetós** serves as a cornerstone for illustrating fundamental biblical truths. It functions as a tangible symbol of God's common grace, a measure of His absolute sovereignty over creation, and a powerful analogy for the relationship between divine blessing and spiritual fruitfulness.
TRV