Psalms 72:6
Psalms 72:6 in Multiple Translations
May he be like rain that falls on freshly cut grass, like spring showers that water the earth.
He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.
He will come down like rain upon the mown grass, As showers that water the earth.
May he come down like rain on the cut grass; like showers watering the earth.
May his reign be like rain falling on new grass, like showers that water the earth.
He shall come downe like the rayne vpon the mowen grasse, and as the showres that water the earth.
He cometh down as rain on mown grass, As showers — sprinkling the earth.
He will come down like rain on the mown grass, as showers that water the earth.
He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.
Therefore pride hath held them fast: they are covered with their iniquity and their wickedness.
I desire that my rule will be enjoyed by the people [SIM] like they enjoy rain on growing crops, like they enjoy showers that fall on the land.
Berean Amplified Bible — Psalms 72:6
BAB
Word Study
Hover over any word to see its amplified meaning. Click a word to explore its full definition and translation comparisons.
Amplified text is generated using scripting to tie together English translations for comparison. Always refer to the core BSB translation and original Hebrew/Greek text for accuracy. Anomalies may occur.
Psalms 72:6 Interlinear (Deep Study)
BIB
HEB
יֵ֭רֵד
כְּ/מָטָ֣ר
עַל
גֵּ֑ז
כִּ֝/רְבִיבִ֗ים
זַרְזִ֥יף
אָֽרֶץ
יֵ֭רֵד
yârad
H3381
to go down
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
כְּ/מָטָ֣ר
mâṭar
H4306
rain
Prep | N-ms
עַל
ʻal
H5921
upon
Prep
גֵּ֑ז
gêz
H1488
fleece
N-ms
כִּ֝/רְבִיבִ֗ים
râbîyb
H7241
shower
Prep | N-mp
זַרְזִ֥יף
zarzîyph
H2222
to drip
N-ms
אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
land
N-cs
Hebrew Word Study
Select any word above to explore its original meaning, root, and usage across Scripture.
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Hebrew Word Reference — Psalms 72:6
יֵ֭רֵד
yârad
H3381
"to go down"
V-Qal-Imperf-3ms
To go down or descend, like going to a lower place or falling. It appears in Genesis and Exodus, describing people and things moving downwards.
Definition: 1) to go down, descend, decline, march down, sink down 1a) (Qal) 1a1) to go or come down 1a2) to sink 1a3) to be prostrated 1a4) to come down (of revelation) 1b) (Hiphil) 1b1) to bring down 1b2) to send down 1b3) to take down 1b4) to lay prostrate 1b5) to let down 1c) (Hophal) 1c1) to be brought down 1c2) to be taken down
Usage: Occurs in 345 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] abundantly, bring down, carry down, cast down, (cause to) come(-ing) down, fall (down), get down, go(-ing) down(-ward), hang down, [idiom] indeed, let down, light (down), put down (off), (cause to, let) run down, sink, subdue, take down. See also: Genesis 11:5; Judges 3:28; 2 Kings 1:15.
כְּ/מָטָ֣ר
mâṭar
H4306
"rain"
Prep | N-ms
This noun simply means rain, describing the water that falls from the sky. It is a common weather phenomenon in the Bible, often used to symbolize God's blessing or judgment. Rain is essential for life and growth in the biblical world.
Definition: rain
Usage: Occurs in 36 OT verses. KJV: rain. See also: Exodus 9:33; 2 Chronicles 7:13; Psalms 72:6.
עַל
ʻal
H5921
"upon"
Prep
This Hebrew word means on or above something, like a physical object or a situation. It can also imply a sense of responsibility or accountability, as in being on behalf of someone.
Definition: prep 1) upon, on the ground of, according to, on account of, on behalf of, concerning, beside, in addition to, together with, beyond, above, over, by, on to, towards, to, against 1a) upon, on the ground of, on the basis of, on account of, because of, therefore, on behalf of, for the sake of, for, with, in spite of, notwithstanding, concerning, in the matter of, as regards 1b) above, beyond, over (of excess) 1c) above, over (of elevation or pre-eminence) 1d) upon, to, over to, unto, in addition to, together with, with (of addition) 1e) over (of suspension or extension) 1f) by, adjoining, next, at, over, around (of contiguity or proximity) 1g) down upon, upon, on, from, up upon, up to, towards, over towards, to, against (with verbs of motion) 1h) to (as a dative)
Usage: Occurs in 4493 OT verses. KJV: above, according to(-ly), after, (as) against, among, and, [idiom] as, at, because of, beside (the rest of), between, beyond the time, [idiom] both and, by (reason of), [idiom] had the charge of, concerning for, in (that), (forth, out) of, (from) (off), (up-) on, over, than, through(-out), to, touching, [idiom] with. See also: Genesis 1:2; Genesis 24:13; Genesis 41:33.
גֵּ֑ז
gêz
H1488
"fleece"
N-ms
This word refers to a fleece, the woolly coat of a sheep, or mown grass. Gideon used a fleece to test God in Judges 6. It can also mean a shearing or mowing.
Definition: 1) a shearing, mowing 1a) shearing, that sheared off 1b) a mowing, mown grass
Usage: Occurs in 4 OT verses. KJV: fleece, mowing, mown grass. See also: Deuteronomy 18:4; Psalms 72:6; Amos 7:1.
כִּ֝/רְבִיבִ֗ים
râbîyb
H7241
"shower"
Prep | N-mp
Describes a heavy rain shower that brings fertility and abundance, also used figuratively to describe a strong prophetic influence.
Definition: 1) copious showers, heavy showers 1a) as bringing fertility 1b) of prophetic influence (fig)
Usage: Occurs in 6 OT verses. KJV: shower. See also: Deuteronomy 32:2; Jeremiah 3:3; Psalms 65:11.
זַרְזִ֥יף
zarzîyph
H2222
"to drip"
N-ms
This word describes a pouring rain, or a drop of water, and is translated as water in the KJV.
Definition: v 1) drip 1a) (Hiph) to cause to drip
Usage: Occurs in 1 OT verses. KJV: water. See also: Psalms 72:6.
אָֽרֶץ
ʼerets
H776
"land"
N-cs
The land or earth refers to the soil or ground, and can also mean a country, territory, or region. In the Bible, it is used to describe the earth and its inhabitants, and is often translated as 'land' or 'country'.
Definition: : soil 1) land, earth 1a) earth 1a1) whole earth (as opposed to a part) 1a2) earth (as opposed to heaven) 1a3) earth (inhabitants) 1b) land 1b1) country, territory 1b2) district, region 1b3) tribal territory 1b4) piece of ground 1b5) land of Canaan, Israel 1b6) inhabitants of land 1b7) Sheol, land without return, (under) world 1b8) city (-state) 1c) ground, surface of the earth 1c1) ground 1c2) soil 1d) (in phrases) 1d1) people of the land 1d2) space or distance of country (in measurements of distance) 1d3) level or plain country 1d4) land of the living 1d5) end(s) of the earth 1e) (almost wholly late in usage) 1e1) lands, countries 1e1a) often in contrast to Canaan
Usage: Occurs in 2190 OT verses. KJV: [idiom] common, country, earth, field, ground, land, [idiom] natins, way, [phrase] wilderness, world. See also: Genesis 1:1; Genesis 18:18; Genesis 42:13.
Study Notes — Psalms 72:6
Show Verse Quote Highlights
- Context
- Cross References
- Psalms 72:6 Summary
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Reflection Questions
- Gill's Exposition on Psalms 72:6
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 72:6
- Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 72:6
- Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 72:6
- Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 72:6
- Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 72:6
- Cambridge Bible on Psalms 72:6
- Barnes' Notes on Psalms 72:6
- Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 72:6
- Sermons on Psalms 72:6
Context — Endow the King with Your Justice
4May he vindicate the afflicted among the people; may he save the children of the needy and crush the oppressor.
5May they fear him as long as the sun shines, as long as the moon remains, through all generations.
6May he be like rain that falls on freshly cut grass, like spring showers that water the earth.
7May the righteous flourish in his days and prosperity abound until the moon is no more. 8May he rule from sea to sea, and from the Euphrates to the ends of the earth.Cross References
| Reference | Text (BSB) | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hosea 6:3 | So let us know— let us press on to know the LORD. As surely as the sun rises, He will appear; He will come to us like the rain, like the spring showers that water the earth. |
| 2 | Deuteronomy 32:2 | Let my teaching fall like rain and my speech settle like dew, like gentle rain on new grass, like showers on tender plants. |
| 3 | 2 Samuel 23:4 | is like the light of the morning at sunrise of a cloudless dawn, the glistening after the rain on the sprouting grass of the earth.’ |
| 4 | Hosea 14:5–7 | I will be like the dew to Israel; he will blossom like the lily and take root like the cedars of Lebanon. His shoots will sprout, and his splendor will be like the olive tree, his fragrance like the cedars of Lebanon. They will return and dwell in his shade; they will grow grain and blossom like the vine. His renown will be like the wine of Lebanon. |
| 5 | Isaiah 14:3–5 | On the day that the LORD gives you rest from your pain and torment, and from the hard labor into which you were forced, you will sing this song of contempt against the king of Babylon: How the oppressor has ceased, and how his fury has ended! The LORD has broken the staff of the wicked, the scepter of the rulers. |
| 6 | Psalms 65:10 | You soak its furrows and level its ridges; You soften it with showers and bless its growth. |
| 7 | Ezekiel 34:23–26 | I will appoint over them one shepherd, My servant David, and he will feed them. He will feed them and be their shepherd. I, the LORD, will be their God, and My servant David will be a prince among them. I, the LORD, have spoken. I will make with them a covenant of peace and rid the land of wild animals, so that they may dwell securely in the wilderness and sleep in the forest. I will make them and the places around My hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season—showers of blessing. |
| 8 | Proverbs 16:15 | When a king’s face brightens, there is life; his favor is like a rain cloud in spring. |
| 9 | Isaiah 5:6 | I will make it a wasteland, neither pruned nor cultivated, and thorns and briers will grow up. I will command the clouds that rain shall not fall on it.” |
| 10 | Proverbs 19:12 | A king’s rage is like the roar of a lion, but his favor is like dew on the grass. |
Psalms 72:6 Summary
This verse, Psalms 72:6, is a beautiful picture of what it means for a leader to be a blessing to their people. Just like rain brings life and nourishment to the earth, a good leader brings refreshment and hope to those they serve. As we think about this verse, we can be reminded of the importance of seeking leaders who will bring life and nourishment to their people, rather than seeking power or control for themselves, as seen in Matthew 20:25-28, where Jesus teaches about servant leadership. By looking to leaders who are like rain that falls on freshly cut grass, we can experience the blessings of God, as promised in Psalms 37:3-4, where we are told to trust in God and do good, and He will give us the desires of our heart.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it mean for a leader to be like rain that falls on freshly cut grass?
This phrase, found in Psalms 72:6, is a metaphor for a leader who brings refreshment and nourishment to their people, much like the rain brings life to the earth, as seen in Isaiah 55:10-11, where God's word is compared to rain that brings forth life.
How does this verse relate to the rest of the psalm?
Psalms 72:6 is part of a larger prayer for a king, asking God to bless and guide him, that he might be a just and righteous ruler, as described in verses 4-5, where the king is asked to vindicate the afflicted and save the children of the needy.
Is this verse only talking about a physical king, or can it be applied to other leaders?
While the context of Psalms 72 is a prayer for a physical king, the principles of leadership described in this verse can be applied to any leader, including spiritual leaders, as seen in 1 Timothy 3:1-7, where the qualities of a spiritual leader are described.
What does the phrase 'like spring showers that water the earth' add to our understanding of the verse?
This phrase adds the idea of timing and seasonality, suggesting that the leader's refreshment and nourishment are not just occasional, but regular and recurring, much like the spring showers that come at the right time to bring life to the earth, as seen in Deuteronomy 11:14, where God promises to send the spring and autumn rains at the right time.
Reflection Questions
- What are some ways that I have experienced refreshment and nourishment from God, like rain on freshly cut grass?
- How can I, as a leader or influence in my sphere, be like rain that falls on freshly cut grass, bringing life and nourishment to those around me?
- What are some areas of my life where I am like freshly cut grass, in need of refreshment and nourishment, and how can I seek that from God?
- How does this verse challenge my understanding of leadership and my role as a leader, whether in my family, community, or church?
Gill's Exposition on Psalms 72:6
He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass,.... That is, the King and King's Son, the Messiah, whose coming is compared to rain, and showers of it; see Hosea 6:3; and may be understood of his
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on Psalms 72:6
He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth. He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass.
Matthew Poole's Commentary on Psalms 72:6
Come down, to wit, by the influences of his government upon his people under him. But this phrase doth much better agree to Christ, who was yet to come, and who did come down from heaven, and brought or sent down from heaven his doctrine, which is oft compared to rain, and the sweet and powerful influences of his Spirit. Rain upon the mown grass; which it both refresheth and improveth, or causeth to grow and flourish, and therefore was very acceptable, especially in Canaan, where rain was more scarce and more necessary than in many other places, because of the scorching heat, and the natural dryness of the soil, and the want of rivers to overflow or water the land.
Trapp's Commentary on Psalms 72:6
Psalms 72:6 He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers [that] water the earth.Ver. 6. He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass] That is, he shall be very dear to us, and much delighted in. See Job 29:23, As showers that water the earth] This is chiefly fulfilled in Christ, who, by raining down righteousness, maketh his Church to grow and flourish.
Ellicott's Commentary on Psalms 72:6
(6) He shall come down.—The rule of the monarch is to be beneficent as the rain refreshing the earth, and covering it with blessings as with verdure. Under a similar image, David’s last words (2 Samuel 23:4) describe a good government. Mown grass.—The Hebrew word means “a shearing,” and is used of a fleece (Judges 6:37; so here, LXX., Vulg., and Prayer Book version); of a hay crop (Amos 7:1). The reference here may be either to a “mown field,” on which a shower would cause fresh grass to sprout, or to meadow grass ready for mowing.
Adam Clarke's Commentary on Psalms 72:6
Verse 6. He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass] The word גז gez, which we translate mown grass, more properly means pastured grass or pastured land; for the dew of the night is intended to restore the grass which has been eaten in the course of the day. This very idea the Chaldee has seized, and renders the place thus: "He shall descend gently, like rain upon the grass which has been eaten by the locust." But there seems to be a reference to the thick night dews which in summer fall on the pasturages, and become the means of restoring the grass consumed in the day-time by the cattle. This is finely expressed by the most accomplished of all poets and agriculturists: - Et quantum longis carpent armenta diebus, Exigua tantum gelidus ros nocte reponet. VIRG. Geor. ii., ver. 201. "For what the day devours, the nightly dew Shall to the morn by pearly drops renew." DRYDEN. Or to leave poetry, which always says too much or too little, the plain prose is: - "And as much as the flocks crop in the long days, So much shall the cold dew restore in one short night." As showers that water the earth.] The influence of the doctrine and Spirit of Christ on the soul of man shall be as grateful, as refreshing, and as fructifying, as the nightly dews on the cropped fields, and the vernal showers on the cultivated lands. Without his influence all tillage is vain; without him there can neither be seed nor fruit.
Cambridge Bible on Psalms 72:6
6. He shall come down &c.] A condensed comparison, for, ‘he shall be like rain coming down.’ The simile may have been suggested by the ‘last words of David,’ 2 Samuel 23:4 : cp. Proverbs 16:15; Hosea 6:3; Micah 5:7. the mown grass] The meadow which has been mown, and which needs rain to start the aftermath (Amos 7:1). The P.B.V. into a fleece of wool is an amplification of the rendering of LXX, Vulg., Symm., Jer., upon a fleece. The Heb. word means a shorn fleece or a mown meadow; probably the Ancient Versions meant fleece metaphorically of the meadow: Coverdale’s paraphrase a fleece of wool may have been prompted by the recollection of the dew on Gideon’s fleece.
Barnes' Notes on Psalms 72:6
He shall come down - That is, The influence of his reign will be like fertilising showers. The word” he” in this place might have been “it,” referring to his reign, or to the influence of his government.
Whedon's Commentary on Psalms 72:6
6. He shall come down like rain—Giving life to vegetation and beauty to the earth. See Deuteronomy 32:2. Elsewhere David uses the same figure, which fully applies only to Christ. 2 Samuel 23:4
Sermons on Psalms 72:6
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
The Awakening of 1859 in Britain and Elsewhere by J. Edwin Orr | In this sermon transcript, the speaker discusses the revival of religion in South Africa and the Eastern Hemisphere in 1859. They highlight the positive changes that have occurred |
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(Daniel) Daniel in the Lion's Den by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the story of Daniel in the lion's den. He begins by discussing the prosperity of Daniel, who was chosen as one of the 120 princes over the k |
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Xxii. to Mr Hugh Mackail, Minister of the Gospel at Irvine by Samuel Rutherford | Samuel Rutherford expresses gratitude for the spiritual revival he has experienced, comparing it to rain on mown grass and the dew of herbs. He finds security in his current circum |
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Lawn Care by Charles E. Cowman | Charles E. Cowman preaches about the analogy of God's work in our lives to a King mowing His lawns, symbolizing the trials and challenges we face that shape and refine us. Just as |
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On the Design of the Gospel by Thomas Reade | Thomas Reade preaches on the design of the Gospel, highlighting the dreadful change sin has brought upon man, the glorious purpose of the Gospel to reveal God's infinite perfection |
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Letter 188. by James Bourne | James Bourne reflects on the inevitability of afflictions in life, sharing personal struggles with fear, bodily afflictions, and the constant battle against Satan's deceptions. Des |
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The Doctrine Which Drops as the Rain, and the Speech Which Distills as the Dew by J.C. Philpot | J.C. Philpot preaches on Deuteronomy 32:2, highlighting the consequences of unbelief and rebellion as seen in the Israelites' 40 years of wandering in the wilderness. He emphasizes |