רָעַף (ra.aph)
ra.aph
to drip
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ra.aph describes the gentle action of dripping or trickling. It appears only three times in the Old Testament, creating a focused image of slow, steady release rather than a sudden flood. This specific motion distinguishes it from words for heavy rain or violent downpours.
In Proverbs 27:15 and Isaiah 30:30, the word illustrates how persistent, quiet pressure can be more effective than forceful outbursts. The dripping of water wears away stone over time, just as a nagging argument wears down patience. This physical reality provides a vivid metaphor for human behavior in Proverbs.
The term also appears in Job 36:28, where it describes rain falling from clouds. Here, the focus is on the natural order and God’s provision through steady precipitation. The sources highlight this usage to show how the word connects everyday weather with divine action, emphasizing reliability over intensity.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we face long seasons of waiting or quiet struggles, it is easy to feel that nothing is happening. The Hebrew word raaph reminds us that God often works through gentle, steady actions rather than dramatic displays. Like dew dropping slowly on the earth, His provision and presence can be consistent and life-giving without being loud or forceful.
In Proverbs 3:20, we see this imagery of the skies dropping dew as part of God’s careful ordering of creation. This suggests that even in moments when we do not see immediate results, there is a quiet, reliable work going on beneath the surface. It invites us to trust in the patience of God, knowing that small, faithful steps often lead to lasting growth.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they dripped1×
- they drip1×
- drip down1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- יִרְעֲפוּ\־1×
- יִ֝רְעֲפ֗וּ1×
- הַרְעִ֤יפוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 3:20
By his knowledge, the depths were broken up, and the skies drop down the dew.
This verse uses the word to describe the gentle dropping of dew, highlighting God's quiet provision and order in creation.
-
Job 36:28
which the skies pour down and which drop on man abundantly.
Here the term illustrates how rain falls steadily from the skies, showing God's reliable care for the natural world.
-
Isaiah 45:8
Rain, you heavens, from above, and let the skies pour down righteousness. Let the earth open, that it may produce salvation, and let it cause righteousness to spring up with it. I, Yahweh, have created it.
The prophet calls for the heavens to drop righteousness, using this image of steady release to describe spiritual renewal.