ge.shem denotes precipitation falling from the sky, whether awaited for the land, seasonal, abundant, withheld, or destructive.

The term consistently denotes precipitation from the sky: it may be absent from the land, arrive in season to support growth, or fall with overwhelming force. The same concrete phenomenon also supplies comparison language, as when a cloud returns after it or a divine coming is compared with it.

1. Precipitation falling on the land · dominant

   The masculine singular absolute form occurs where water falls or is expected to fall from the sky: in Genesis 7:12 the APB renders precipitation falling on the earth for forty days and nights, while in Jeremiah 14:4 it renders its absence as leaving the land dismayed. In Isaiah 55:10 it comes down from heaven and waters the earth; in Amos 4:7 it falls on one area but not another; and in Ezekiel 13:11 and Ezekiel 38:22 it is described as overflowing or torrential in scenes of destruction.

   Genesis 7:12Jeremiah 14:4Isaiah 55:10Amos 4:7Ezekiel 13:11Ezekiel 38:22

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB most often presents the term with “rain,” including its absence, seasonal arrival, and heavy fall. In some clauses it uses broader weather wording such as “showers,” “rains,” or “torrential rain”; These are presentations of the verse rather than fixed translations of the term.