Lexical Summary zarziph: Drizzle, light rain Original Word: זַרְזִיף Strong's Exhaustive Concordance water By reduplication from an unused root meaning to flow; a pouring rain -- water. NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition a drop, dripping NASB Translation water (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs זַרְזִיף Psalm 72:6 see זרף. [זָרַף] verb probably drip (compare either Arabic Hiph`il יַזְרִיף read in Psalm 72:6 by Hup Bi Che (for זַרְזִיף) followed by אָ֑רֶץ cause to drip, irrigate. זַרְזִיף noun [masculine] drop, dripping (Late Hebrew id.; on form (if Genuine) compare NöM 85, NS 191) — Psalm 72:6 אָ֑רֶץ ׳כִּרְבִיבִים ז as showers, a dripping of the earth, but see foregoing. Topical Lexicon Word OverviewZarzîph (Strong’s Hebrew 2222) designates a gentle, refreshing shower rather than a heavy downpour. Its sole biblical appearance places it within poetic parallelism, where subtle distinctions in rainfall imagery enrich the portrayal of divine blessing. Occurrence Psalm 72:6 – “May he be like rain that falls on freshly cut grass, like spring showers that water the earth”. The verse forms part of a royal psalm that looks beyond Solomon to the Messiah, describing the king’s reign as life-giving precipitation after harvest, when the parched stubble most needs moisture. Ancient Near Eastern Background Israel’s agrarian economy depended on the early (autumn) and latter (spring) rains. Gentle showers such as zarzîph avoided soil erosion, soaked deeply, and encouraged seed germination. Farmers prized them for sustaining pasture between the heavier seasonal rains. The psalmist leverages this climate-based knowledge to frame the king’s rule as vital, restorative, and perfectly timed. Messianic Significance in Psalm 72 1. Character of Rule – The king’s justice (Psalm 72:2-4) parallels rain that nurtures rather than overwhelms. New Testament writers echo the motif: Acts 3:19 links repentance with “refreshing … from the presence of the Lord,” while Revelation 22:1-2 pictures perennial fruitfulness under Messiah’s throne. Theology of Gentle Rain • Provision – Rain testifies to covenant faithfulness (Deuteronomy 11:13-15). Zarzîph underscores God’s nuanced care, supplying precisely what His people require. Historical and Devotional Use Second-Temple liturgy emphasized prayers for rain during Sukkot. Rabbinic commentaries note that a measured shower after harvest signifies God’s approval. Early church fathers cited Psalm 72:6 in Advent homilies, presenting Christ’s incarnation as the gentle descent of grace. Hymnody continues the theme (“Showers of Blessing,” “Like Gentle Rain from Heaven”), inviting congregations to expect revival marked by tenderness rather than tumult. Pastoral Applications • Leadership – Christian servants imitate the Messiah by exercising authority that refreshes rather than crushes (1 Peter 5:2-4). Summary Though appearing only once, zarzîph captures a rich theological tapestry: God’s precise provision, the Messiah’s restorative reign, and the believer’s call to dispense grace with the quiet efficacy of a spring shower. Forms and Transliterations זַרְזִ֥יף זרזיף zar·zîp̄ zarZif zarzîp̄Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Psalm 72:6 HEB: גֵּ֑ז כִּ֝רְבִיבִ֗ים זַרְזִ֥יף אָֽרֶץ׃ NAS: grass, Like showers that water the earth. KJV: grass: as showers [that] water the earth. INT: the mown showers water the earth 1 Occurrence |
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