Lexical Summary raaph: To drip, drop, or distill Original Word: רָעַף Strong's Exhaustive Concordance distil, drop down A primitive root; to drip -- distil, drop (down). NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origina prim. root Definition to trickle, drip NASB Translation drip (4), drip down (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs [רָעַף] verb trickle, drip, synonym of נזל, II. ערף (compare Arabic  flow (of blood), bleed (of the nose)); — Qal Imperfect3masculine plural יִרְעֲפוּ, of clouds Job 36:28 (with עֲלֵי person; "" יִזְּלוּ), with accusative of material טַל Proverbs 3:20; figurative מַעְגָּלֶיךָ יִרְעֲפוּן דָּ֑שֶׁן Psalm 65:12 (i.e. fertilizing rain); subject of moistened ground, נְאוֺת מִדְבָּר, Psalm 65:13. Hiph`il Imperative masculine plural הַרְעִיפוּ Isaiah 45:8 trickle, O heavens, from above (figurative: "" יִּוְּלוּ צֶרֶק). Topical Lexicon Overview The verb רָעַף (Strong’s 7491) paints the picture of liquid descending in gentle yet life-sustaining abundance—whether moisture from clouds, dew from heavens, or, metaphorically, righteousness from God. Across its five occurrences the word serves as a literary bridge between the physical phenomenon of precipitation and the spiritual realities of divine provision and salvation. Occurrences and Literary Context • Job 36:28 – Elihu magnifies God’s governance of weather: “The clouds pour down their moisture, and abundant showers fall on mankind.” The dripping clouds underscore both God’s power and His kindness toward all humanity. Imagery of Dripping and Abundant Provision In each text רָעַף is linked with fertility, growth, and blessing: crops thrive (Psalm 65), animals and people are refreshed (Job), and even spiritual renewal is envisioned (Isaiah). The gradual “drip” highlights God’s steady, reliable care rather than a sporadic or careless largesse. It invites reflection on the sufficiency of His grace—never lacking, never wasteful. Historical Background and Agrarian Dependence Ancient Israel’s survival hinged on seasonal rains following the early-and-latter pattern (Deuteronomy 11:14). The term’s usage in poetry and wisdom literature resonates with hearers who measured prosperity in harvest totals. A cloud that “drips” rather than withholds is a tangible sign that covenant curses (Leviticus 26:19) are lifted and covenant blessings (Deuteronomy 28:12) are active. Theological Significance 1. Divine Sovereignty – Each occurrence attributes precipitation directly to God, reinforcing monotheistic polemic against fertility deities. Messianic and Eschatological Overtones Isaiah’s plea anticipates an eschaton where righteousness and salvation “spring up.” In the New Testament, Jesus identifies Himself as the living water (John 7:37-38), fulfilling the longing voiced by Isaiah. Revelation 22:1-2 extends the imagery into eternity with the river of life nourishing the tree whose leaves heal nations—an ultimate expression of רָעַף in a redeemed cosmos. Practical and Ministry Applications • Prayer: Believers may echo Isaiah 45:8, interceding for moral and spiritual revival in their communities. Related Themes and Cross References Rain: Deuteronomy 11:14; Joel 2:23; James 5:7. Dew: Genesis 27:28; Hosea 14:5. Righteousness from Above: Psalm 85:11; Romans 10:3-4. God’s Paths of Provision: Psalm 23:2-3; Psalm 65:9-13. Forms and Transliterations הַרְעִ֤יפוּ הרעיפו יִ֝רְעֲפ֗וּ יִ֭רְעֲפוּ יִרְעֲפ֥וּן יִרְעֲפוּ־ ירעפו ירעפו־ ירעפון har‘îp̄ū har·‘î·p̄ū harIfu yir‘ăp̄ū yir‘ăp̄ū- yir‘ăp̄ūn yir·‘ă·p̄ū yir·‘ă·p̄ū- yir·‘ă·p̄ūn yiraFu yiraFunLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Job 36:28 HEB: יִזְּל֥וּ שְׁחָקִ֑ים יִ֝רְעֲפ֗וּ עֲלֵ֤י ׀ אָדָ֬ם NAS: pour down, They drip upon man KJV: do drop [and] distil upon man INT: pour the clouds drip upon man Psalm 65:11 Psalm 65:12 Proverbs 3:20 Isaiah 45:8 5 Occurrences |
    |