### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **yôwreh**, represented by `{{H3138}}`, refers to the **first rain** or **former (rain)**. It is defined as a sprinkling or autumnal shower. This specific term appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses**, highlighting its role in the critical early stages of the agricultural season.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical usage, `{{H3138}}` is always presented as a direct gift from God, essential for the land's productivity. In Deuteronomy, God promises to "give you the rain of your land in his due season, the **first rain** and the latter rain," enabling the people to gather their corn, wine, and oil [[Deuteronomy 11:14]]. Similarly, Jeremiah chastises the people for not fearing the Lord who gives "rain, both the **former** and the latter, in his season" and ensures the weeks of the harvest [[Jeremiah 5:24]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the context of seasonal rains and God's provision:
* `{{H4456}}` **malqôwsh** (latter rain): This term for the spring rain is the direct counterpart to **yôwreh**. It appears alongside `{{H3138}}` in both of its occurrences, signifying the full cycle of seasonal rains required for a successful harvest ([[Deuteronomy 11:14]], [[Jeremiah 5:24]]).
* `{{H4306}}` **mâṭar** (rain): This is a general term for rain. In [[Deuteronomy 11:14]], God promises to give **mâṭar**, which is then specified as the **yôwreh** (first rain) and the **malqôwsh** (latter rain).
* `{{H1653}}` **geshem** (shower): This word for a shower or rain is used in [[Jeremiah 5:24]] to describe the precipitation God provides, which includes both the **former** and the latter rains.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H3138}}` is centered on God's sovereignty and provision.
* **Divine Provider:** Both occurrences explicitly state that it is God who "giveth" `{{H5414}}` the former rain. This identifies Him as the ultimate source of the life-giving water necessary for sustenance ([[Deuteronomy 11:14]], [[Jeremiah 5:24]]).
* **Seasonal Faithfulness:** The rain is promised "in his season" `{{H6256}}`, underscoring God's reliable ordering of the natural world to bless His people. The arrival of the **yôwreh** was a sign of God's continuing faithfulness.
* **Basis for Harvest:** The first rain is directly linked to agricultural prosperity. Its arrival initiates the growing season, which culminates in the "appointed weeks of the harvest" [[Jeremiah 5:24]] and the gathering of produce [[Deuteronomy 11:14]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H3138}}` **yôwreh** is a precise term for the vital first rains of the season. Though used sparingly, it plays a key role in illustrating the dependence of the people on God's provision. Paired with the latter rain, it represents the complete cycle of blessing God provides, establishing Him as the faithful sustainer who sends the rain in its proper time to ensure the harvest.
TRV