Old Testament
Psalms 72:6
Read the Bible in clear, modern English—easy to understand, faithful to the meaning, and written for everyday readers.
He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass, like showers that water the earth.
Compare translations
He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers that water the earth.
What Psalms 72:6 means
Plain-English insight for readers
This verse uses the imagery of rain to describe the positive impact of a righteous leader. Just as rain refreshes and nourishes mown grass, a good ruler brings life and sustenance to the people. The comparison to showers emphasizes the abundance and necessity of this leadership. In ancient agrarian societies, rain was vital for crops and survival, symbolizing hope and renewal. The verse suggests that the presence of a just king will lead to prosperity and flourishing, much like how rain revitalizes the earth. It highlights the importance of divine guidance in leadership, indicating that true success comes from a leader who is compassionate and cares for the well-being of their people. This imagery reassures the faithful that God’s blessings will flow through such leaders, bringing peace and growth.
How to apply Psalms 72:6 to your life
In our lives, we can seek to embody the qualities of a righteous leader by being supportive and nurturing to those around us. Whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, we should strive to uplift others, providing encouragement and care, much like the refreshing rain.
Curated for this public verse page. Psalms Summary
Explore more of the Bible
Learn the Bible through its people and places
Get to know the people in Scripture through illustrated stories, and explore the places where they lived and traveled.
Illustrated scene from Daniel's story: Faithful at the King's Table (Daniel 1:1–21)
Meet the people of the Bible
Follow their lives in order, with illustrated scenes and Bible passages that tell their stories.
Daniel
Photo: Bukvoed, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY 4.0. Source. Location: Burj Beitin, Beitin, Ramallah and al-Bireh Governorate, West Bank. Resized for the web.
Explore the places of the Bible
See where biblical events happened, why each place matters, and what archaeology helps us understand.
Bethel
Where Jacob dreamed of a stairway to heaven and met God.
Get full access with one subscription
Explore the people and places of the Bible. Read summaries of every book, with images and clear explanations covering every chapter. Access all these features and our Bible study tools with one subscription.
See PlansAsk AI about Psalms 72:6
Ask a question about this verse and get a clear answer, with Bible references you can read for yourself.
Every Bible book, explained chapter by chapter
Explore summaries of every book of the Bible, with images and easy-to-understand explanations covering every chapter.
Keep studying Psalms 72:6
Related Bible verses
Key themes
Related topics
At a Glance — the Book of Psalms
- Author
- David, Asaph, the sons of Korah, Solomon, and others
- Written
- Around 1000-500 BC
- Genre
- Poetry and worship
- Original Audience
- Worshipers of Israel
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Psalms 72:6 mean?
Psalms 72:6 uses the imagery of rain to illustrate how a righteous leader positively impacts their people. Just as rain nourishes and revives grass, a good ruler brings life and sustenance to the community.
What is the significance of rain in Psalms 72:6?
In Psalms 72:6, rain symbolizes the blessings and nourishment that a just leader provides. It emphasizes the importance of compassionate leadership in fostering growth and prosperity among the people.
What does 'mown grass' represent in this verse?
In this verse, 'mown grass' represents the people or community that a leader serves. The imagery suggests that just as grass needs rain to thrive, people need a righteous leader to flourish.
How does Psalms 72:6 relate to leadership qualities?
Psalms 72:6 highlights the qualities of a righteous leader, such as compassion and care for the well-being of others. It suggests that effective leadership leads to the prosperity and flourishing of the community.
Daily Verse — straight to your inbox
A verse and a 2-sentence plain-English explanation, every morning. Free. Unsubscribe anytime.