### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **sâʻîyr**, represented by `{{H8164}}`, refers to **small rain**. It is a very specific term, appearing only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the entire Bible. Its singular use provides a distinct and poetic metaphor for divine communication.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{H8164}}` is in [[Deuteronomy 32:2]], where God's teaching is compared to different forms of life-giving water. The verse likens His "doctrine" and "speech" to rain, dew, showers, and **small rain**. In this context, the **small rain** falls upon the "tender herb," illustrating that God's instruction is gentle and nourishing, intended to foster growth in those who receive it.
### Related Words & Concepts
The word **sâʻîyr** is used alongside several other terms for precipitation, creating a powerful cumulative image:
* `{{H4306}}` **mâṭar** (rain): This is a general term for **rain**, used in parallel to establish the theme of God's word as a source of sustenance [[Deuteronomy 32:2]].
* `{{H2919}}` **ṭal** (dew): Signifying **dew**, this word is used to describe the gentle, pervasive nature of God's speech, which distills quietly and brings life [[Deuteronomy 32:2]].
* `{{H7241}}` **râbîyb** (showers): Described as **showers**, this word is paired with **sâʻîyr** to complete the imagery of life-giving water for vegetation, falling upon the "grass" [[Deuteronomy 32:2]].
* `{{H1877}}` **desheʼ** (tender herb): This refers to a sprout or **(tender) herb**. It is the object that receives the **small rain**, emphasizing that God's teaching is suited for nurturing what is young and tender [[Deuteronomy 32:2]].
### Theological Significance
While appearing only once, the theological weight of `{{H8164}}` is concentrated in its powerful metaphorical use.
* **Nourishing Doctrine:** The primary point is that divine doctrine `{{H3948}}` is not harsh or overwhelming but life-giving, like a **small rain** that cultivates growth [[Deuteronomy 32:2]].
* **Gentle Revelation:** By being grouped with "dew" `{{H2919}}` and distinguished from heavier "rain" `{{H4306}}` or "showers" `{{H7241}}`, it highlights a gentle aspect of God's communication, which is designed to be absorbed by His people.
* **Divine Sustenance:** The imagery connects God's word directly to the sustenance of life, positioning His speech as essential for spiritual vitality, just as precipitation is for the "tender herb" `{{H1877}}`.
### Summary
In summary, **sâʻîyr** `{{H8164}}` provides a precise and evocative image within a single, powerful verse. Though rare, its meaning of **small rain** is crucial to the metaphor in [[Deuteronomy 32:2]]. It paints a picture of God's word as a gentle, nourishing force perfectly suited to cultivate spiritual life, contributing to a rich biblical theme of divine teaching as life-giving water.
TRV