πρώϊμος (prōimos)
prōimos
early rain
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The adjective prōimos means "early," specifically describing the first rains that arrive in autumn to soften the ground for planting. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in James 5:7, where believers are urged to be patient like farmers waiting for this vital precipitation.
This term highlights a distinct seasonal pattern in Palestine, where the early rain typically falls from October onward. The imagery connects spiritual endurance with agricultural necessity, as these initial showers are essential for the crop’s survival before the later harvest rains arrive in spring.
James uses this concrete reality to illustrate the Christian hope of Christ’s return. Just as a farmer trusts the timing of the early rain despite not controlling the weather, believers are called to steadfastly wait for the Lord’s coming with patience and perseverance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word prōimos refers to the early autumn rains in Palestine, which soften the hard ground so seeds can take root. In James 5:7, this natural event becomes a picture of spiritual patience. Just as farmers cannot force the rain to fall, we often face seasons where God’s work seems slow or hidden from view.
This imagery invites us to trust God’s timing rather than rushing ahead of His plan. The early rain is essential for survival, yet it comes at a specific time beyond human control. Waiting for Christ’s return requires this same quiet confidence, knowing that God’s promises are as reliable as the seasons themselves.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] early1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- πρόϊμον1×
Key Verses
-
James 5:7
Be patient therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. Behold, the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient over it, until it receives the early and late rain.
This is the only New Testament occurrence of prōimos, where James uses the early rain to illustrate the patience believers must show while waiting for Christ's return.