This post will explore the symbolism of what rain means spiritually
If you’ve ever been curious and asked, “What Does Rain Mean Spiritually?” …then you are in for a treat! 🍬
Rain is one of the essential elements of life, but it also has a spiritual element.
The presence of rain can be calming and refreshing, or it can bring destruction and pain. There is an element of duality in the symbolism of rain.
From a Christian perspective, rain has many spiritual meanings as well.
In this article, I will discuss the following:
- Rain in African culture
- What rain means in Judaism
- Christian insights on what rain means spiritually
- Explore verses from the Bible that reference rain.
By understanding the symbolism of this natural phenomenon, we can gain insight into our faith and how to view it in God’s grand design for His people.
Ready? Let’s go!
Why I’m writing this post on “what does rain mean spiritually?”
I went through a setback a few days ago, but instead of sulking…I declared a powerful verse.
The verse is 1 Kings 18:41, which reads, “And Elijah said to Ahab, ‘Go up, eat and drink; for there is the sound of abundance of rain.'”
This verse has been very meaningful to me during this season that I’m in.
I called my accountability partner and rhetorically asked her, “Wow, do you hear the rain? Do you smell it?”
I started to visualize my blessings, and I began thanking God.
This powerful verse in the book of Kings reminds us that God’s grace can be seen even during difficult times.
When I think about this verse and the sound of the abundance of rain, it serves as a reminder that we should cling to the hope and anticipation of blessing!
If you are in a season of setbacks…start to declare… “There is a sound of abundance of rain!”
The rains in magnificent Africa (Storytime)
The rains in Africa are a sight to behold.
When I was young, the nimbus clouds, which are dark grey rain clouds, were a signal of the abundance of rain.
We would see them forming and rolling in over the horizon, and we knew it was time to start preparing for the wet weather.
My mom would yell from the farm house in our native language, “It’s about to rain! Come into the house!”
We would light a fire and make some chai or bone broth to keep us warm, then stare outside and gaze at the sky. Soon enough, there would be thunder and lightning. Then a great downpour. We had been expecting this long-awaited blessing for months, and now it was finally here!
The African Savannah has different kinds of weather- short rains, long rains, and the dry season. These seasons dictate wildebeest migration across the Mara into Serengeti…and farming!
Life was always more enjoyable after the rains had come, as it meant that our crops would be able to flourish and bring us much-needed sustenance during leaner months.
Mischief...😜
As a curious child, the rain also presented an opportunity for me to do mischievous activities.
My parents would often be told of my “sightings” all over the farm…The neighbors would gleefully report, “We saw your daughter sliding down the muddy hill next to the dairy cows. Her hair is also full of blackjacks!”
So if you can’t tell already, the rain in African culture is seen as an auspicious sign that signifies abundance, joy, and growth. It is indeed a gift from above – a blessing from God!
Don’t get me started on the double rainbows that are a common occurrence in Africa!
For this reason, I always feel nostalgic about the rain, even while in America.
And so, no matter how many rainy days come and go, I will always love the beautiful rains.
P.S. In my tribe, we have special names for children born during the rainy seasons. The name for a boy born in this season is “Kiprop,” and the girl is “Cherop.” The suffix “Rop” is from “Ropta,” which means rain!
Ok, enough of the cultural lessons I always sneak in my blog posts, LOL.
Moving Writing along…
Hebrew meaning of rain (symbolism)
The Hebrew word for rain is “matar.”
In Judaism, the rain was seen as a sign of divine blessing. God promises to provide plentiful rains in return for obedience and faithfulness to his covenant, symbolizing life and fertility. Rain was also a sign of judgment from God when it was withheld or sent excessively.
In modern-day Jewish culture, rain continues to have a prominent role in religious ceremonies and blessings. On the first night of Sukkot (the Festival of Booths), Jews recite prayers thanking God for sending the seasonal rains that make agriculture possible.
During Passover, Jews include a special prayer for the dew, which also helps sustain agricultural yield. Rain is often seen as an agent of renewal and cleansing, washing away the previous year and providing a fresh start.
Additionally, rain is seen as an opportunity to reflect on how we can improve our relationship with God and each other. Rain is thus intertwined with Jewish teachings of faith and morality.
P.S.📧I read an interesting piece on 18doors.org, a website celebrating Jewish interfaith relationships. They talk about the joy and importance of rain or water during Sukkot. You can read more about it here. (Read after this post, LOL). I also read a sweet piece about the prayers said during Sukkot. This is on another website that I frequent- my Jewish Learning.
15 Best Insights: the spiritual meaning of rain in the Bible
1. Rain expresses God’s presence, care, and provision for all creation
In Genesis 2:5-6 we read that “when no plant of the field was yet in the earth and no herb of the field had yet sprung up—for the Lord God had not caused it to rain on the earth, and there was no one to till the ground; but a stream would rise from the earth, and water the whole face of the ground.”
This passage shows how God provided water without rain before Adam’s creation. This verse passage is so powerful. It indicates creative authority, and I marvel at how mighty our God is.
2. Rain is a symbol of transition and seasons
Deuteronomy 11:14 says, “He will give your land rain in its season, the early rain and the later rain, that you may gather in your grain and your wine and your oil.”
Jeremiah 5:24, “They do not say to themselves, ‘Let us revere the Lord our God. It is he who gives us the autumn rains and the spring rains at the proper time. It is he who assures us of the regular weeks of harvest.”
This shows us that the Lord knows everything about seasons and times, and we need to rely on Him for guidance and discernment as we make decisions.
3. The power of God’s word to bring growth and abundance
In Isaiah 55:10-11 we read, “For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater, so shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”
Here, rain is seen as a symbol of the power of God’s word to bring growth and abundance.
4. Expression of judgment and mercy
Genesis 7:11-12 says, “In the six hundredth year of Noah’s life, on the seventeenth day of the second month—on that day all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the windows of heaven were opened. And rain fell on the earth forty days and forty nights”.
This passage shows how God used the rain to execute His judgment on mankind for their wickedness, but at the same time, He showed mercy because those who were righteous were spared from destruction under Noah’s ark.
Psalms 11:6 states that “upon the wicked He will rain snares; fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest” – referring to God’s wrath/judgement against those who reject Him and stand in opposition to His truth.
5. Sustenance
Psalm 147:8, we read, “He covers the heavens with clouds; he prepares rain for the earth; he makes grass grow on the hills.”
This verse shows us how the Lord uses rain to sustain His creatures and that it is a part of His perfect plan for creation.
6. God’s favor and blessing
Rain is often mentioned in scripture as a symbol of God’s favor and blessing.
Psalm 65:9-10 says, “You visit the earth and water it, you greatly enrich it; the river of God is full of water; you provide their grain, for so you have prepared it.”
Here, rain is seen as an act of God’s love and a sign of His faithfulness to us.
7. Glory of God
Yep, rain is an expression of the power and glory of God.
Psalm 29:3-4 says, “The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters. The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is majestic.”
This passage shows how powerful and majestic God’s voice can be when combined with thundering water in the form of rain. Rain is thus a reminder that our Creator is mighty and worthy of all praise and worship.
8. Spiritual growth and renewal
In addition, rain can signify spiritual growth and renewal. The prophet Joel proclaimed that “the Lord will pour out His Spirit on all people” (Joel 2:28).
As Christians grow in their faith, they are filled with God’s power and presence through the Holy Spirit—just like refreshing droplets of rain after a dry season.
9. Trouble and adversity from an enemy
On the other hand, rain can also represent trouble and adversity from an enemy.
Job 24:8, it is written that “they are wet with the showers of the mountains,” — referring to those who have been driven away by their enemies and forced to dwell in desolate places.
The psalmist prayed for God’s deliverance from “the mighty waters” of his adversaries and enemies (Psalm 144:7). Thus, rain in a dream may signify distress from our spiritual opponents.
10. Hope for a new beginning
Rain can also symbolize hope for a new beginning, as expressed in Ezekiel 34:26, which says that “I will make them and the places all around My hill a blessing; and I will cause showers to come down in their season.”
The imagery of rain is used here to speak of new beginnings—God can take something dry and barren, like a desert, and bring it back to life with nourishing waters from Heaven.
11. Comfort and protection from danger
Rain also speaks of comfort and protection from danger as found in Isaiah 4:5-6, which reads, “Then the Lord will create over all of Mount Zion and over those who assemble there a cloud of smoke by day and a glow of flaming fire by night; over everything the glory will be a canopy. It will be a shelter and shade from the heat of the day, and a refuge and hiding place from the storm and rain.“
This passage can represent the protection that we receive from God when we place our trust in Him.
12. Cleansing and renewal
Rain can also symbolize God’s mercy and ability to wash away sin, just as He did with the flood in Noah’s time. From a Christian perspective, rain symbolizes cleansing and renewal—God has promised to cleanse us from our sins if we turn away from them and seek His face (Psalm 51:7).
Thus, rain in a dream may signify purification and forgiveness, available to all who repent and come to Christ for salvation.
13. A reminder of God’s faithful presence during times of trouble and storms
Psalm 107:28-31 speaks of how the Lord calms the sea and brings stillness to its stormy waves, while Mark 4:39 recounts Jesus calming a great storm with just His voice.
Even in situations when we feel overwhelmed by life’s difficulties, Isaiah 25:4-5 assures us that God will protect us from any trouble and guard us with His unfailing love. Therefore, rain symbolizes our ever-present Father, who promises to be with us through it all.
14. Joy and celebration
Rain can symbolize joy and celebration, as seen in Psalm 98:8, which states that “Let the floods clap their hands; let the hills sing together for joy,” – referring to those who are filled with delight at God’s goodness and faithfulness.
15. God’s love & grace
Rain can serve as a reminder of grace/unmerited favor toward all of God’s children. It is an echo of the truth that we are freely loved and accepted by God no matter who we are or what mistakes we have made.
In Matthew 5:45, Jesus taught, “He makes His sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.”
This is a powerful illustration of how our loving Father lovingly showers us with mercy, regardless of our past deeds or misdeeds. We are truly blessed to be recipients of such unwavering love!
Biblical meaning of rain in a dream
Some people can have dreams and immediately ask, “What does standing in the rain mean spiritually?” “Was the rain in my dream a sign of a blessing?”
I’ll answer from a Christian perspective…
If we closely follow the Biblical dream interpretation of “rain,” we must understand that it depends on the context.
So I would say, “context is king.”
Let’s explore four meanings based on the 15 points I mentioned earlier:
a) Clear rains:
They are a positive sign, and they indicate blessing, renewal, cleansing, and refreshment. It symbolizes God’s divine presence in our lives.
It is seen as a reminder of His goodness and faithfulness to us.
b) Dirty rains:
On the other hand, dirty rain can be interpreted as a warning against our enemies. This could be spiritual or physical enemies – and that we should be wary of them and their intentions.
It also serves as a reminder to stay humble before God. Why? so that He will continue to protect us from harm.
c) Dry and scorched land:
This can symbolize a dry season…be it physically, spiritually or financially etc.
This could mean that a person is going through a period where they feel their life is lacking in some way.
It can also indicate a time when the individual feels distant from God or disconnected from His plans for their life. Such a dream may prompt them to seek more time with God and ask Him what He wants them to do during this time.
d) Embankments bursting & flood gates breaking:
These are often symbolic of abundance, overflow, and breakthroughs in one’s life.
This could mean that the person is entering a new season of breakthrough in their spiritual journey, filled with plenty and provision from God.
Additionally, it may also indicate that blessings are coming their way, and they need to prepare for it by being thankful and obedient to God.
This dream can be seen as a reminder to stay focused on what God has called them to do, even if it looks impossible at the moment.
P.S. I once dreamed of embankments bursting and floodgates opening! This dream ushered the physical beginning of a season of blessing and abundance!
If you want to understand dream interpretation, please read my post, that includes a free printable.
And that’s it, folks, my answer to the question, “What Does Rain Mean Spiritually?”
This was such a sweet piece to write. I’m literally smiling ear to ear.
I hope you can see that rain is an integral part of life and an expression of divine grace in Christianity.
Rain is not just a source of life but an emblem of God’s faithfulness to His promise to bless us.
As we bask in anticipation of blessing or the abundance of rain, may we be filled with joy and praise Him, who has given such a fantastic gift to mankind.
In WWE’s Rock (Dwayne Johnson) voice, “Do you smelllllllllll the abundance of rain?”
If you understand my joke in the line above, please comment, and let’s become friends. LOL, because you get my humor. Hahaha.
The icing on the cake🎂: Here is a throwback song by Michael W. Smith. I pray that the almighty God opens the floodgates of heaven upon your life!
Hugs!
