ὄμβρος

From the study of Sirach 49:9

Range of meaning

A heavy shower, rainstorm or thunderstorm: rain as a strong, sudden force. It is distinct from ὑετός, the usual word for rain in general.

Against the English

KJV and Brenton say "under the figure of the rain". The words "the figure of" are added by the translators to make it a metaphor in Ezekiel's preaching. WEB's "in rainstorm" is closer to the Greek but leaves the sense open.

Used elsewhere in the period

Luke 12:54: "a rainstorm (ombros) is coming". Deuteronomy 32:2 in the Septuagint: Moses' teaching falls "like a shower on the grass". Ezekiel's storm oracles (13:11–13 against false prophets, 38:22 against Gog) carry the same idea of judgment by downpour, though the Septuagint uses different Greek words there.

From the study of Luke 12:54

Range of meaning

Heavy rain, a rainstorm, a downpour. It can also mean a thunderstorm, or (poetically) any flood of water. It differs from the more common ὑετός (hyetos, 'rain' in general) by stressing how heavy and sudden the rain is.

Against the English

Most English versions say 'shower' (KJV, BSB, WEB, YLT and most modern versions). The NIV's 'It's going to rain' is more neutral. Today 'shower' usually suggests a brief, light rain, which undersells the word.

How it drifted

In older English 'shower' could mean a heavy fall of rain (or of arrows, blows, and so on). The KJV choice was reasonable in 1611. Modern weather-forecast English has since narrowed 'shower' to light, passing rain.

Used elsewhere in the period

From Homer onward, Greek uses ὄμβρος for storm rain, often paired with snow or hail. In the Greek Old Testament (the Septuagint), Deut 32:2 compares Moses' teaching to ὄμβρος on grass, and Wisdom 16:16 lists ὄμβροι with strange rains and hail among the plagues on Egypt. Nowhere else in the New Testament.