מַלְקוֹשׁ (mal.qosh)
mal.qosh
spring rain
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun malqosh refers specifically to the spring rains that fall in March and April, bringing moisture just in time for the final ripening of grain and fruit. In the agricultural landscape of ancient Palestine, these late-season showers were essential for maturing the crops before the dry summer heat set in.
Because of this vital role, the word carries strong theological weight as a symbol of God’s timely provision and faithfulness. Prophets like Jeremiah and Zechariah use it to illustrate how God restores His people when they return to Him, while Proverbs employs it metaphorically to describe how a gentle answer can calm anger, likening such wisdom to life-giving rain on thirsty earth.
The term appears eight times in the Old Testament, concentrated in books that emphasize covenant relationship and divine care. Translators typically render it as "spring rain" or "latter rain," preserving the distinction from the earlier autumn rains (yom) that prepare the soil for planting.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word malqosh describes the vital spring rains that arrive in March and April, just as grain and fruit are ripening in ancient Palestine. These late showers were not a luxury but a necessity for survival, turning dry earth into life before the summer heat arrived. In Scripture, this natural phenomenon becomes a powerful picture of God’s timely care. He does not provide only when we plant; He sustains us until the harvest is complete.
When we face seasons where progress seems stalled or resources feel scarce, this word reminds us that provision often comes at the very moment it is needed most. Jeremiah and Zechariah use this imagery to show how God restores His people when they return to Him. It is a promise that our spiritual growth, like the crop, depends on His faithful timing rather than our own strength.
This rain falls on the earth regardless of its worthiness, offering grace where it is needed most. We can trust that the same God who waters the fields also watches over our lives. May you find comfort in knowing that your Father provides exactly what you need for the next stage of your journey.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ spring rain4×
- spring rain2×
- like/ [the] spring rain1×
- for/ spring rain1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וּ/מַלְק֖וֹשׁ3×
- מַלְקֽוֹשׁ\׃1×
- מַלְק֔וֹשׁ1×
- לְ/מַלְקֽוֹשׁ\׃1×
- כְּ/מַלְק֖וֹשׁ1×
- וּ/מַלְק֑וֹשׁ1×
Key Verses
-
Hosea 6:3
Let’s acknowledge Yahweh. Let’s press on to know Yahweh. As surely as the sun rises, Yahweh will appear. He will come to us like the rain, like the spring rain that waters the earth.”
This verse uses the spring rain as a metaphor for God’s sudden and refreshing presence, encouraging believers to pursue knowledge of Him with expectation.
-
Jeremiah 5:24
They don’t say in their heart, ‘Let’s now fear Yahweh our God, who gives rain, both the former and the latter, in its season, who preserves to us the appointed weeks of the harvest.’
Here the word highlights God’s role as the sustainer of creation, reminding us that even our daily needs are held in His appointed seasons.
-
Proverbs 16:15
In the light of the king’s face is life. His favor is like a cloud of the spring rain.
The metaphor extends to human relationships, showing how gentle favor can bring life and relief just as rain brings life to dry soil.