ra.aph describes moisture or abundance descending in drops, from clouds, pastures, or figurative heavens.

The attested use depicts something descending or appearing in drops: clouds release rain or dew in Job 36:28 and Proverbs 3:20, while Psalm 65:12 and Psalm 65:13 apply the imagery to fertile pasture and valley scenes. Isaiah 45:8 uses an imperative addressed to the heavens, with the requested descent paired with righteousness.

1. Dropping from clouds or the land · dominant

   The Qal imperfect plural forms occur with clouds in Job 36:28 and Proverbs 3:20; in Job 36:28 the APB renders the clause “the clouds pour out; they drip upon many a man,” and in Proverbs 3:20 it renders “the clouds drop down dew.” The same form appears in Psalm 65:12 and Psalm 65:13 amid pasture, meadow, and valley abundance; in Psalm 65:12 the APB renders “The pastures of the wilderness drip.”

   Job 36:28Proverbs 3:20Psalm 65:12Psalm 65:13
2. Commanded descent from the heavens · rare

   Isaiah 45:8 has a Hiphil imperative, 2nd masculine plural, addressed to the heavens. In Isaiah 45:8 the APB renders the opening command “Drip down, O heavens, from above,” then joins it to the clouds pouring down righteousness.

   Isaiah 45:8

In the Anselm Project Bible: The APB varies between “Drip down,” “pour out,” “drip,” and “drop down dew.” Because it is a whole-verse translation, these phrases confirm the descending-drop imagery without fixing a separate English equivalent in every clause.