שְׂעִירִים (sa.ir)
sa.ir
rain
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew word sa’irim appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Deuteronomy 32:2 within Moses’ final song. It is translated as "raindrops" or "rain showers," describing the gentle, life-giving precipitation that falls upon the earth. This single occurrence anchors its meaning in a context of blessing and sustenance rather than stormy destruction.
Its etymology connects it to the noun for "goat" (sa’ir), likely because raindrops were visually likened to the small, clustered hairs on a goat’s skin or perhaps due to the association of goats with mountainous regions where mist and dew are common. The imagery suggests something abundant yet soft, falling steadily to nourish the land.
Translators consistently render it as "rain" or "showers," capturing the sense of a refreshing downpour. In Deuteronomy 32:2, Moses compares his teaching to this rain, emphasizing its ability to penetrate deeply and bring growth to those who hear it. The word carries no negative connotation here; instead, it stands as a symbol of divine provision and the quiet power of God’s word to sustain life.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Moses compares his teaching to gentle rain in Deuteronomy 32:2. This image reminds us that God’s word does not always arrive with thunder or force. Instead, it often comes like a steady shower, quietly soaking into the soil of our hearts. Over time, this consistent presence helps truth take root and grow.
You may find comfort in knowing that spiritual growth is rarely sudden. Like plants responding to moisture, we change gradually as we listen. This perspective frees us from expecting immediate results. It invites us to trust the quiet, persistent work of God’s voice in our daily lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- like/ showers of rain1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כִּ/שְׂעִירִ֣ם1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 32:2
My doctrine will drop as the rain. My speech will condense as the dew, as the misty rain on the tender grass, as the showers on the herb.
Moses uses this rare word to describe how his instruction would fall gently and life-givingly upon the people, much like rain on tender grass.