גָּשַׁם (ga.sham)
ga.sham
to rain
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb gasham means simply "to rain." It is a denominal verb, derived directly from the noun for rain (geshem), which gives it a straightforward, concrete sense. In the Bible, it appears only once, in Jeremiah 5:17.
In that single occurrence, the text uses the Hiphil stem to describe God’s action of sending rain upon the land. This usage highlights the word’s theological weight: rain is not just weather, but a deliberate act from God, often associated with blessing and provision. The verb captures the direct relationship between divine will and natural phenomena.
Because it is so rare, gasham does not develop complex nuances or distinct synonyms in Scripture. Its power lies in its simplicity and its specific context as an instrument of God’s care for His people. Translators render it clearly as "rain" or "send rain," preserving the directness of the original Hebrew.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The verb gasham appears only once in Scripture, carrying the simple meaning of "to rain." In Jeremiah 14:22, it is used to ask a profound question about God's unique power over nature. The text contrasts the powerless idols of the nations with Yahweh, who alone can cause the sky to give showers. This single occurrence reminds us that natural events are not random but are under His direct care.
For your faith, this word offers comfort in times of uncertainty. It affirms that the same God who controls the weather also watches over your life. When you feel like waiting for relief or provision, remember that He is the source of all good things. You can trust that He sees your needs and acts with purpose.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [those who] send rain1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַגְשִׁמִ֔ים1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 14:22
Are there any among the vanities of the nations that can cause rain? Or can the sky give showers? Aren’t you he, Yahweh our God? Therefore we will wait for you; for you have made all these things.
This verse uses the Hiphil stem to ask if any false god can cause rain, highlighting God's exclusive power over nature and provision.