Deep Dive into מטר

The root mṭr is attested across multiple Semitic languages, including Ugaritic, Arabic, Syriac, Jewish Aramaic/Targumic, Middle Hebrew, Chaldaic, and Pehlevi, often appearing as a cognate meaning "rain." A consistent feature across its evolution is the absence of the basic Qal (Kal) stem in Biblical Hebrew, forcing the root to function primarily as a denominative verb derived from the noun māṭār (rain).

The verbal uses of mṭr are centered around causation and reception, expressed through derived stems. The Hiphil stem is the standard active form, conveying causative action. This stem allows for a wide range of theological uses where God (YHWH) is the frequent subject. Literally, Hiphil means "to cause it to rain," "send rain," or "to pour down rain." Theologically, this causative action extends to divine provision, such as "raining down" necessary supplies like manna or heavenly bread and flesh. Conversely, the Hiphil stem is also used for judgment, describing God causing destructive elements to fall like rain, including fire, brimstone, and hail.

In contrast, the Niphal stem conveys passive action, meaning "to be rained upon" or "to be watered with rain." This describes the experience of the recipient of the precipitation, such as a plot of land. Passive forms also appear in conjectural readings using the Hophal or Pual participles, meaning "rained upon."

The noun māṭār refers to rain as both a process (water falling) and a substance (drops of fresh water). Theologically, rain is a crucial symbol of blessing and necessity, centrally linked to God's relationship with the land of Canaan, serving as a blessing sent or withheld by YHWH.

In the Septuagint (LXX), the verb mṭr is most frequently translated by the Greek word βρέχω, while the noun māṭār is overwhelmingly translated as ὑετός.

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