King James Version

What Does Zechariah 10:1 Mean?

Zechariah 10:1 in the King James Version says “Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of r...” — study this verse from Zechariah chapter 10 with commentary, cross-references, and original Hebrew word analysis.

“Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field. bright: or, lightnings”

Zechariah 10:1 · KJV

Context

1

Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain; so the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain, to every one grass in the field. bright: or, lightnings

2

For the idols have spoken vanity, and the diviners have seen a lie, and have told false dreams; they comfort in vain: therefore they went their way as a flock, they were troubled, because there was no shepherd. idols: Heb. teraphims were: or, answered that, etc

3

Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats: for the LORD of hosts hath visited his flock the house of Judah, and hath made them as his goodly horse in the battle. punished: Heb. visited upon

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Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
Ask ye of the LORD rain in the time of the latter rain (שַׁאֲלוּ מֵיְהוָה מָטָר בְּעֵת מַלְקוֹשׁ)—malkosh refers to spring rains (March-April) essential for harvest maturation, contrasted with yoreh (autumn/early rain). James 5:7 uses identical agricultural metaphor for patient endurance. Prayer for rain isn't mere pragmatism; it's covenant theology—acknowledging God as sovereign provider (Deuteronomy 11:13-14).

So the LORD shall make bright clouds, and give them showers of rain—chaziz (lightning/bright clouds) accompanies life-giving rain. To every one grass in the field (לְאִישׁ עֵשֶׂב בַּשָּׂדֶה)—individual provision, 'to each person,' emphasizes God's personal care. Unlike Baal fertility cults (which Israel continually apostatized toward), Yahweh alone controls weather and harvest. Prayer is required because covenant relationship, not magical manipulation, governs blessing.

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Historical & Cultural Context

In agrarian ancient Israel, rainfall meant survival. Without the latter rains, crops failed and famine followed. Zechariah's audience, rebuilding post-exilic Jerusalem, needed assurance that God would bless their agricultural efforts. This verse counters any temptation to return to Canaanite fertility religion.

Reflection Questions

  1. What modern equivalents of 'rain' (provision) do you need to actively ask God for rather than assuming as automatic?
  2. How does praying for daily needs reinforce dependence on God rather than self-sufficiency?
  3. What's the difference between treating God as cosmic vending machine versus covenant partner in prayer?

Original Language Analysis

Hebrew · 15 words
שַׁאֲל֨וּ1 of 15

“Ask”

H7592

to inquire; by implication, to request; by extension, to demand

יְהוָ֖ה2 of 15

“so the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

וּמְטַר3 of 15

“of rain”

H4306

rain

בְּעֵ֣ת4 of 15

“in the time”

H6256

time, especially (adverb with preposition) now, when, etc

מַלְק֔וֹשׁ5 of 15

“of the latter rain”

H4456

the spring rain; figuratively, eloquence

יְהוָ֖ה6 of 15

“so the LORD”

H3068

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

עֹשֶׂ֣ה7 of 15

“shall make”

H6213

to do or make, in the broadest sense and widest application

חֲזִיזִ֑ים8 of 15

“bright clouds”

H2385

a flash of lightning

וּמְטַר9 of 15

“of rain”

H4306

rain

גֶּ֙שֶׁם֙10 of 15

“them showers”

H1653

a shower

יִתֵּ֣ן11 of 15

“and give”

H5414

to give, used with greatest latitude of application (put, make, etc.)

לָהֶ֔ם12 of 15
H1992

they (only used when emphatic)

לְאִ֖ישׁ13 of 15

“to every one”

H376

a man as an individual or a male person; often used as an adjunct to a more definite term (and in such cases frequently not expressed in translation)

עֵ֥שֶׂב14 of 15

“grass”

H6212

grass (or any tender shoot)

בַּשָּׂדֶֽה׃15 of 15

“in the field”

H7704

a field (as flat)

Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of Zechariah. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

Zechariah 10:1 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to Zechariah 10:1 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

James 5:16-18Matthew 7:7-8Isaiah 44:3John 16:23James 5:7Isaiah 30:23

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