a primitive root; to shower violently; (cause to) rain.
Transliteration:gâsham
Pronunciation:gaw-sham'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew verb H1652 (גָּשַׁם, *gâsham*) is a primitive root signifying the act of raining. Its core meaning extends beyond a simple downpour, carrying an inherent emphasis on intensity or violence in the showering. This suggests a substantial, forceful precipitation rather than a light drizzle. The root can be understood as "to shower violently" or "to cause to rain," implying a powerful, often divinely orchestrated, act of sending or withholding rain. It describes the dynamic process of rain falling from the heavens, often with significant impact.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The verbal form of H1652 is relatively rare in the Hebrew Bible, appearing primarily in contexts related to divine judgment or the withholding of blessing. Its scarcity, however, underscores its potency in these specific instances.
1. **[[Ezekiel 22:24]]**: "Son of man, say to her: 'You are a land that is not cleansed or rained on (גֻּשְׁמָה, *gushmah*, Niphal perfect) in the day of indignation.'" Here, the Niphal passive participle indicates that the land (Jerusalem/Israel) *was not caused to be rained upon* by God. The absence of rain is presented as a metaphor for spiritual barrenness and a clear sign of divine displeasure. The lack of cleansing rain signifies a land defiled by sin, unpurified by God's grace or judgment.
2. **[[Amos 4:7]]**: "And also I have withheld the rain (הִגְשַׁמְתִּי, *higshamti*, Hiphil perfect) from you, when there were yet three months to the harvest." In this passage, God explicitly states His direct action: "I caused not to rain" or "I withheld the rain." The Hiphil causative stem highlights God's active role in preventing rain. This is presented as one of a series of disciplinary measures intended to bring Israel to repentance for their disobedience. The withholding of rain, a vital resource for an agrarian society, was a severe form of judgment directly impacting their livelihood and survival.
In both occurrences, H1652 is used in the negative, emphasizing the *absence* of rain as a punitive act of God. This highlights God's sovereign control over the natural world and His use of meteorological phenomena as instruments of His righteous judgment.
### Related Words & Concepts
The verb H1652 is closely related to several key terms and concepts in biblical theology:
* **H1653 (גֶּשֶׁם, *geshem*)**: This is the noun form directly derived from H1652, meaning "rain," "shower," or "torrent." It is far more common than the verb and often refers to the physical phenomenon of rain, frequently in contexts of blessing or judgment.
* **H4305 (מָטָר, *matar*)**: Another common Hebrew word for "rain," which can also function as a verb "to rain." While often used interchangeably with `{{H1653}}`, `{{H1652}}`/`{{H1653}}` often carries a stronger connotation of intensity or a specific, heavy downpour, whereas `{{H4305}}` can refer to rain more generally.
* **Divine Sovereignty over Nature**: The use of H1652 underscores the foundational biblical truth that God alone controls the elements. He sends rain or withholds it according to His will, demonstrating His power over creation ([[Deuteronomy 11:14]], [[Job 5:10]]).
* **Covenant Blessings and Curses**: Rain, or its absence, is a recurring motif in the covenant established between God and Israel. Abundant rain is a sign of blessing and faithfulness ([[Leviticus 26:4]], [[Deuteronomy 28:12]]), while drought is a curse for disobedience ([[Leviticus 26:19]], [[Deuteronomy 28:24]]). The use of H1652 in contexts of withholding rain directly aligns with these covenant curses.
* **Fertility and Barrenness**: Rain is essential for agricultural fertility. Its absence, as conveyed by H1652, leads to barrenness, both literally in the land and metaphorically in the spiritual state of the people.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of H1652 lies primarily in its powerful portrayal of God's absolute sovereignty and His active engagement in the affairs of humanity, particularly through judgment.
1. **God as Sovereign Creator and Sustainer**: The ability to "cause to rain" or "withhold rain" unequivocally establishes Yahweh as the supreme God, the source of all life and sustenance. This directly challenged the pagan deities, such as Baal, who were worshipped as gods of fertility and rain in Canaanite religion. By demonstrating His sole control over rain, God proved His unique power and exposed the impotence of idols.
2. **Divine Judgment and Discipline**: The most prominent theological import of H1652 is its association with divine judgment. In both [[Ezekiel 22:24]] and [[Amos 4:7]], the withholding of rain is a deliberate, punitive act by God against His disobedient people. This serves as a tangible consequence of their covenant unfaithfulness, designed to prompt repentance and a return to Him. The "violent" aspect of the root, even when used in negation, implies a decisive and impactful divine action.
3. **Spiritual Barrenness**: The physical drought conveyed by H1652 often parallels a spiritual barrenness. A land "not rained on" or "not cleansed" ([[Ezekiel 22:24]]) signifies a people devoid of God's life-giving presence, unpurified by His truth, and unable to bear spiritual fruit.
### Summary
The Hebrew verb H1652 (גָּשַׁם, *gâsham*) signifies the act of raining, often with an emphasis on intensity or a forceful shower. Though rare in its verbal form, its occurrences in [[Ezekiel 22:24]] and [[Amos 4:7]] are highly significant. In both instances, H1652 describes God's deliberate *withholding* of rain as a direct act of divine judgment against His disobedient people. This underscores God's absolute sovereignty over creation, demonstrating His power to bless or to judge through the control of essential resources like rain. Theologically, H1652 affirms Yahweh's unique status as the true God, in contrast to pagan deities, and highlights the covenantal implications of obedience and disobedience, where the presence or absence of rain serves as a tangible manifestation of divine favor or displeasure. While the related noun `{{H1653}}` (rain) is more common, the verbal form `{{H1652}}` specifically emphasizes the powerful, active role of God in causing or withholding this vital element.
TRV