βροχή (brochē)
brochē
rain
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The noun brochē refers to rain, specifically describing a heavy shower or violent storm rather than a gentle drizzle. In the New Testament, it appears only twice, both in Matthew 7:25 and 27 within Jesus’ parable of the two builders. The sources note that this word carries a sense of intensity, akin to a besprinkling or soaking wetting that overwhelms the ground.
Its usage highlights the destructive power of nature when structures lack a solid foundation. While the English word "rain" can sound neutral, brochē implies a forceful downpour capable of washing away weak earth. This distinction helps readers visualize why the house built on sand collapses under such specific weather conditions, emphasizing the need for enduring stability.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Greek word brochē describes more than just a light shower; it refers to a heavy, soaking downpour or violent storm. In Jesus’ parable of the two builders, this specific type of rain is what tests the foundation of each house. It represents the intense pressures and unpredictable storms of life that can overwhelm those who lack stability.
When you face difficult seasons, it helps to remember that the storm itself is not the problem—the foundation is. The house built on the rock did not collapse because the rain stopped; it stood firm despite the brochē beating against it. This reminds us that our security does not come from avoiding trouble, but from being rooted in something unshakable.
Trusting in Christ means building your life on a solid base that can withstand the heaviest storms. You do not need to fear the coming rain when your hope is anchored in His enduring truth and love.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- rain2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- βροχὴ2×
Key Verses
-
Matthew 7:25
The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it didn’t fall, for it was founded on the rock.
This verse shows how brochē, combined with floods and winds, fails to destroy a house founded on rock, highlighting the stability of a life built on Christ.
-
Matthew 7:27
The rain came down, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat on that house; and it fell—and its fall was great.”
Here the same intense rain causes a great fall for the house on sand, illustrating the inevitable collapse of a life lacking spiritual depth.