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.

ZECHARIAH 10:1KJV
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Zechariah 10:1 (KJV)

What does Zechariah 10:1 mean?

Zechariah 10:1 tells the people to ask the LORD for rain when it is the season for the “latter rain,” promising that the LORD will provide clouds and showers so that everyone will have grass in the field. The verse encourages turning to God for needed blessings, especially at the right time, and assures that God is able and willing to provide.

Zechariah, speaking to the people of Israel after their return from exile, urges them to rely on the LORD (not idols or false sources) for what they need, especially for rain that was crucial for crops. The “latter rain” refers to the spring rains in Israel’s climate, which were essential for a good harvest. The verse fits into a section where God promises to restore and bless His people if they seek Him.

The Hebrew behind Zechariah 10:1

  • “Rain” (מָטָר, maṭar) and “showers” (גֶּשֶׁם, geshem) are both used here. “Maṭar” is a general word for rain, while “geshem” often means heavy, abundant rain. This highlights God’s ability to give not just enough, but an abundance.
  • “Clouds” (חֲזִיזִים, ḥazizim) is sometimes translated as “lightnings” or “bright clouds.” The word suggests the storm clouds that bring rain, emphasizing the visible sign of God’s answer.
  • “Grass” (עֵשֶׂב, ‘esev) in the field is a symbol of life and provision for everyone, showing that God’s blessing is meant for all people, not just a select few.

Why Zechariah 10:1 matters

  • Zechariah 10:1 corrects the idea that blessings like rain come automatically or from other sources, stressing that they come from the LORD when people ask.
  • The verse connects to the wider message of Zechariah, which calls the people to trust God for restoration and provision after hardship.
  • The focus on the “latter rain” ties the promise to real, practical needs of the community, showing that God cares about everyday necessities, not just spiritual matters.

Where else these words appear

“clouds” Hebrew H2385 · used in 3 verses

  • Job 28:26 When he made a decree for the rain, and a way for the lightning of the thunder:
  • Job 38:25 Who hath divided a watercourse for the overflowing of waters, or a way for the lightning of thunder;

“rain” Hebrew H4456 · used in 8 verses

  • Deuteronomy 11:14 That I will give you the rain of your land in his due season, the first rain and the latter rain, that thou mayest gather in thy corn, and thy wine, and thine oil.
  • Proverbs 16:15 In the light of the king's countenance is life; and his favour is as a cloud of the latter rain.
  • Jeremiah 5:24 Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest.

“grass” Hebrew H6212 · used in 32 verses

  • Genesis 1:11 And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.
  • Exodus 10:15 For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they did eat every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left: and there remained not any green thing in the trees, or in the herbs of the field, through all the land of Egypt.
  • Psalms 104:14 He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth;

“showers” Hebrew H1653 · used in 33 verses

  • Genesis 7:12 And the rain was upon the earth forty days and forty nights.
  • Ezra 10:13 But the people are many, and it is a time of much rain, and we are not able to stand without, neither is this a work of one day or two: for we are many that have transgressed in this thing.
  • Jeremiah 5:24 Neither say they in their heart, Let us now fear the LORD our God, that giveth rain, both the former and the latter, in his season: he reserveth unto us the appointed weeks of the harvest.