Lexical Summary opsimos: Late, latter Original Word: ὄψιμος Strong's Exhaustive Concordance spring rainFrom opse; later, i.e. Vernal (showering) -- latter. see GREEK opse NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom opse Definition the latter rain NASB Translation late (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 3797: ὄψιμοςὄψιμος, ὄψιμον (ὀψέ), late, latter (Homer, Iliad 2, 325; ὀψιμωτατος σπόρος, Xenophon, oec. 17, 4f; ἐν τοῖς ὀψιμοις τῶν ὑδάτων, of the time of subsidence of the waters of the Nile, Diodorus 1, 10; (cf. Lob. ad Phryn., p. 51f)): ὄψιμον ὑετόν, the latter or vernal rain, which falls chiefly in the months of March and April just before the harvest (opposed to the autumnal or πρώϊμος (cf. B. D. under the word Topical Lexicon OverviewStrong’s Greek 3797 points to the “latter rain”—the final, spring rainfall that completes the grain-growing cycle in the eastern Mediterranean. By invoking this image, Scripture links the ordinary rhythm of agriculture with God’s covenant faithfulness, the perseverance of believers, and the consummation of redemptive history. Agricultural and Historical Background From October to April, the land of Israel relies on two distinct rainy seasons. The “early rain” softens hardened ground for plowing and sowing (roughly October–November), while the “latter rain” comes in March–April, swelling the grain heads just before harvest. In an agrarian society without modern irrigation, the latter rain marked the difference between abundance and famine, reminding Israel year after year that “man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD” (Deuteronomy 8:3). Usage in the New Testament Only once does the Greek New Testament employ ὄψιμον. James urges suffering believers to endure with the same quiet confidence as farmers waiting for this decisive rainfall: James 5:7: “Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth—being patient for it—until it receives the early and latter rains.” The word choice is deliberate. James sets the community’s expectation of the parousia alongside a peasant’s expectation of spring showers: both are certain, yet neither can be forced. Perseverance, therefore, is neither passive resignation nor frantic activism but a faith-filled steadiness anchored in God’s appointed timing. Old Testament and Septuagint Parallels The Greek translators of the Hebrew Scriptures adopted ὄψιμος to render מַלְקוֹשׁ (malkōsh), reinforcing the continuity between the Testaments: • Deuteronomy 11:14 These passages consistently present the latter rain as covenant blessing. When Israel walked faithfully, “the early and latter rains” arrived “in their seasons”; when idolatry prevailed, the heavens “withheld” them (Jeremiah 3:3). Thus the term carries an implicit moral dimension: obedience invites refreshing, disobedience invites drought. Theological Significance 1. Assurance of God’s Providence The latter rain testifies that creation remains under God’s benevolent governance (Psalm 147:8). Christians can trust the same providence for daily bread and spiritual fruit. 2. Pattern of Promise and Fulfillment Just as sowing precedes harvesting, so the cross precedes the crown. The time gap between the rains underscores that divine promises unfold in ordered stages, culminating in Christ’s return. 3. Symbol of the Spirit’s Outpouring Joel’s prophecy links the latter rain to eschatological blessing (Joel 2:23, 28-29). Peter applies this to Pentecost (Acts 2:16-18), yet the imagery leaves room for ongoing, Spirit-empowered witness “until the time of restoration of all things” (Acts 3:21). Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Encouraging Perseverance: Congregations facing prolonged trials can be reminded that growth often happens underground, invisible until the “latter rain” of God’s appointed intervention. • Prayer and Intercession: Zechariah 10:1 urges God’s people to “ask the LORD for rain in the season of the latter rain.” Ministry leaders may call believers to corporate prayer for revival, grounded in covenant promises rather than emotional hype. • Teaching Contentment: Farmers cannot manufacture rain; likewise, disciples must resist manipulative techniques that attempt to hasten God’s timetable. Faithfulness in ordinary means—Scripture, prayer, sacrament, service—prepares fields for divine showers. Eschatological Resonance James situates the latter rain immediately before “the coming of the Lord,” hinting that the final display of divine grace will precede the ultimate harvest of judgment and reward (Matthew 13:39). The church, therefore, lives in the tension of “already” refreshed by the Spirit and “not yet” awaiting full redemption. Every annual spring in Israel foreshadows that climactic hour when “the desert will blossom like the rose” (Isaiah 35:1) and “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD” (Habakkuk 2:14). Conclusion Strong’s 3797 encapsulates far more than meteorology. It gathers Israel’s agrarian memory, prophetic anticipation, apostolic exhortation, and Christian hope into one evocative term. The latter rain falls at the precise moment, proves the faithfulness of God, and invites believers to steadfast patience until the fields of the kingdom stand ready for harvest. Forms and Transliterations όψιμα οψιμον όψιμον ὄψιμον όψιμος opsimon ópsimonLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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