### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **mâṭar**, represented by `{{H4305}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to rain** or to **cause to rain (upon)**. It appears **17 times** across **14 unique verses** in the Bible. The word is used to describe not only literal precipitation but also the act of God supernaturally sending down objects from heaven, whether for judgment or for provision.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4305}}` is used to illustrate God's direct and sovereign action. Before life grew on the earth, the LORD God had not **caused it to rain** upon the earth [[Genesis 2:5]]. It is frequently a tool of divine judgment, as when the LORD **rained** brimstone `{{H1614}}` and fire `{{H784}}` on Sodom and Gomorrah [[Genesis 19:24]], or when He **rained** hail `{{H1259}}` upon Egypt [[Exodus 9:23]]. Conversely, it signifies God's miraculous provision, such as His promise to **rain** bread `{{H3899}}` from heaven for the Israelites [[Exodus 16:4]]. This power is also shown as a targeted act, as when God **caused it to rain** on one city but not another [[Amos 4:7]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words expand upon the concept of things being sent from above:
* `{{H4306}}` **mâṭar** (rain): This is the noun form directly related to the verb. God commands the clouds `{{H5645}}` that they **rain** `{{H4305}}` no **rain** `{{H4306}}` upon a desolate vineyard [[Isaiah 5:6]].
* `{{H1259}}` **bârâd** (hail): This is frequently what God "rains" down in judgment. During the plagues, the LORD **rained** `{{H4305}}` **hail** upon the land of Egypt [[Exodus 9:23]].
* `{{H3899}}` **lechem** (bread): This highlights the use of `{{H4305}}` for provision. God promised Moses, "Behold, I will **rain** `{{H4305}}` **bread** from heaven for you" [[Exodus 16:4]].
* `{{H1614}}` **gophrîyth** (brimstone): Paired with fire, this is another substance "rained" down as a sign of catastrophic judgment upon the wicked `{{H7563}}` [[Psalms 11:6]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4305}}` is significant and often demonstrates God's direct intervention.
* **Divine Judgment:** `{{H4305}}` is often a verb of divine retribution. God "rains" not just water but also instruments of destruction like **snares** `{{H6341}}`, **fire** `{{H784}}`, **brimstone** `{{H1614}}`, and **hail** `{{H1259}}` upon the wicked ([[Psalms 11:6]], [[Genesis 19:24]], [[Exodus 9:23]]).
* **Miraculous Provision:** The word also describes God's power to provide supernaturally. He **rained down manna** `{{H4478}}` upon the Israelites to eat [[Psalms 78:24]], and also **rained** flesh `{{H7607}}` upon them like dust `{{H6083}}` [[Psalms 78:27]].
* **Sovereign Control:** The act of causing to rain demonstrates God's absolute authority over creation and circumstance. He can command clouds not to **rain** [[Isaiah 5:6]], send rain on a specific piece of land while withholding it from another [[Amos 4:7]], and even cause it to **rain** on the wilderness where no person is [[Job 38:26]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4305}}` is far more than a simple meteorological term. It is a powerful verb that scripture uses to depict God's direct intervention in the world. Whether providing **bread** `{{H3899}}` from heaven or unleashing judgment with **fire** `{{H784}}` and **hail** `{{H1259}}`, this term consistently portrays a God who actively and sovereignly controls the forces of nature and the fate of humanity.
TRV