Lexical Summary ri: Strife, dispute, controversy, quarrel Original Word: רִי Strong's Exhaustive Concordance watering From ravah; irrigation, i.e. A shower -- watering. see HEBREW ravah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ravah Definition moisture NASB Translation moisture (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs בְּרִי Job 37:11 see רִי below רוה. רִי noun [masculine] moisture (for *רְוִי Sta§ 117 c, or *רִוְיְ Köii. 1, 64; compare 11. כִּי); — absolute בְּרִי יַטְרִיחַ עָ֑ב Job 37:11. Topical Lexicon Summary of Meaning “Ri” expresses the idea of rich, saturating moisture—a fullness that soaks clouds and prepares them to dispense rain. The single biblical use captures the moment when God makes the clouds heavy with water, illustrating His power to provide life-giving refreshment to the earth. Biblical Occurrence Job 37:11 “He loads the clouds with moisture; He scatters His lightning through them.” In the closing speeches of Elihu, the word portrays the Lord’s direct control over weather. The imagery pairs abundance (“loads the clouds”) with divine initiative (“He scatters”), underscoring that every drop of rain originates in God’s purposeful governance. Theological Themes 1. God’s Sovereignty in Creation Job 37 presents thunder, wind, snow, and rain as instruments in the Creator’s hand. “Ri” highlights that even the unseen weight inside a cloud responds to His command (compare Job 37:6; Psalms 147:8). 2. Divine Provision and Mercy In an agrarian society, saturating rain spelled survival. “Ri” therefore becomes a token of the Lord’s covenant faithfulness to “water the earth and make it bear and sprout” (Isaiah 55:10-11). 3. Judgment and Blessing Interwoven The same clouds that pour refreshment can unleash hail or lightning (Job 37:13). Abundance may comfort the righteous or confront the wicked, reminding readers that God’s gifts come with accountability. Historical and Cultural Background Job’s setting—likely in the semi-arid regions east of the Jordan—heightened sensitivity to seasonal rains. Ancient hearers knew that a cloud’s visible mass signaled an awaited downpour. Elihu’s reference would have evoked anticipation, awe, and dependence on God, reinforcing lessons about humility amid suffering. Practical Ministry Application • Encouragement in Dry Seasons Just as God invisibly prepares clouds with “ri,” He often works unseen in the believer’s trials, storing up grace that will break forth in due season (Galatians 6:9). • Call to Worship the Creator Observing a rainstorm can prompt thanksgiving rather than secular explanations alone (Jeremiah 10:13). Congregations may incorporate Job 37:11 into prayers for both physical and spiritual refreshment. • Stewardship of Resources Because rainfall is depicted as a divine trust, communities are urged to honor God by managing water responsibly and by sharing abundance with those in need (Proverbs 11:25). Connections with the New Testament • Living Water Imagery The fullness behind “ri” foreshadows Jesus’ offer of “rivers of living water” to those who believe (John 7:38). Both stress divine origin and sufficiency. • Revelation’s Heavenly Clouds Clouds accompany the return of Christ (Revelation 1:7). The God who once loaded them with rain will one day ride them in judgment and deliverance, uniting themes of provision and consummation. Related Hebrew Words • “Geshem” (Strong’s 1653) – heavy rain Each term fills out Israel’s vocabulary of precipitation, but “ri” uniquely points to the internal, preparatory saturation of the clouds themselves. Conclusion Though brief, “ri” enriches the biblical portrayal of God’s intimate rule over nature. It invites readers to see every nourishing shower as a personal act of the Creator, fostering trust, reverence, and hope. Forms and Transliterations בְּ֭רִי ברי bə·rî Beri bərîLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts |
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