Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and Importance:Drinking-water, referred to in the Bible as "water" or "living water," is a fundamental necessity for life and a symbol of spiritual sustenance. In the arid regions of the Near East, where the biblical narrative unfolds, access to clean and fresh water was crucial for survival, agriculture, and daily living. Water is frequently mentioned in the Scriptures, both in literal and metaphorical contexts, underscoring its significance in the physical and spiritual realms.
Biblical References:1.
Creation and Provision: The Bible begins with the creation account, where water is one of the first elements mentioned.
Genesis 1:2 states, "Now the earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters." This highlights water's primordial presence and its role in God's creative order.
2.
Wells and Springs: Wells and springs were vital sources of drinking-water in biblical times. The patriarchs often dug wells, which became significant landmarks and sources of life. In
Genesis 26:19-22 , Isaac's servants dug wells and found fresh water, leading to disputes and eventual peace, symbolizing God's provision and blessing.
3.
Symbol of Spiritual Life: Water is frequently used as a metaphor for spiritual life and renewal. In
John 4:10 , Jesus speaks to the Samaritan woman at the well, saying, "If you knew the gift of God and who is asking you for a drink, you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water." Here, "living water" represents the eternal life and spiritual satisfaction found in Christ.
4.
Purification and Cleansing: Water is also associated with purification and cleansing rituals. In the Old Testament, various laws required the use of water for ceremonial cleansing (
Leviticus 14:8-9). This practice foreshadows the spiritual cleansing offered through Jesus Christ, as seen in
Ephesians 5:26 , "to sanctify her, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word."
5.
Judgment and Deliverance: Water serves as both a means of judgment and deliverance. The Great Flood in
Genesis 7-8 demonstrates God's judgment on a sinful world, while the parting of the Red Sea in
Exodus 14 illustrates His deliverance of the Israelites from Egyptian bondage. These events highlight God's sovereignty and the dual nature of water as both a destructive and life-giving force.
6.
Eschatological Imagery: In the prophetic and apocalyptic literature, water is used to depict future blessings and restoration.
Revelation 22:1 describes the river of the water of life, "clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb." This imagery points to the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise of eternal life and the restoration of creation.
Cultural and Historical Context:In ancient Israel, water was a precious commodity, often collected from rain, wells, or natural springs. The scarcity of water in the region made it a symbol of God's provision and a test of faithfulness. The reliance on God for rain and water is evident in the agricultural cycles and religious practices of the Israelites, as seen in
Deuteronomy 11:13-14 , where obedience to God is linked to the provision of rain for the land.
Conclusion:Drinking-water in the Bible is a multifaceted symbol representing physical sustenance, spiritual life, purification, judgment, and divine blessing. Its presence throughout Scripture underscores the essential nature of water in both the physical and spiritual realms, reflecting God's provision and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.
Library
I Might Well Reply as I have done Even if it were a Question of a...
... or aredrinking water to cool their thirst, and wake up with their throats parched
and burning! You exact from me the fulfilment of a promise given in a dream....
The Plagues of Egypt
... that the sacred river, pure and life-giving, became a detestable mass of
rottenness"and with it all their streams and pools, anddrinking water in vessels...
Appendix xvi. On the Jewish views About Demons' and the Demonised...
... demons, of which we shall only mention three: To walk between two palm-trees, [6475]
if the space is wider than four cubits; to borrowdrinking-water; and to...
But Since the Human Being is a Twofold Creature...
... body depends on nourishment, and this is eating and drinking, and in the case of
our eating there is bread and in the case of ourdrinking water sweetened with...
Depravity Lies at the Bottom of Demon-Worship.
... Some woman bydrinking water gets into a frenzy, and loses her senses by the fumes
of frankincense, and you say that she has the gift of prophecy....
The visitation
... They were eating bread and mixing in theirdrinking water drops of balsam which
they had collected on their way. It was very hilly here....
The Scriptures.
... Besides, I am fordrinking water out of my own cistern: what God makes mine by
the evidence of his word and Spirit, that I dare make bold with....
The Social Test of Religion
... Jesus wittily describes the Pharisee filtering out drowned gnats from thedrinking
water, but bolting some camel of a sin without blinking....
Satan's Devices
... Paul, when he continued three days, neither eating bread nordrinking water; and
therefore he speaks by experience, when he says, in the words of the text, "We...
Canaan on Earth
... We want not the getting up of a little feverish passion by appealing to the natural
man; it is thedrinking water of the rain of heaven that does the good....
Thesaurus
Drinking-water (4 Occurrences)Drinking-
water. Drinking-vessels,
Drinking-
water. Drinkoffering .
Multi-Version Concordance
Drinking-
water (4 Occurrences).
...Drinking (114 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 5:23 no longer bedrinkingwater, but a little wine be using, because
of thy stomach and of thine often infirmities; (WBS RSV)....
Fountain (57 Occurrences)
... Or there may be a tiny stream which barely suffices fordrinkingwater, about which
the village women and girls sit and talk waiting their turns to fill their...
Forum (1 Occurrence)
... i.5) offers a lively picture of the discomforts of the trip, mentioning the importunate
inn-keepers and intolerabledrinkingwater at Appii Forum, the gnats...
Drinkoffering
Drinking-vessels (1 Occurrence)
Drinking-vessels. Drinking-trough, Drinking-vessels.Drinking-water .... (BBE JPS).
Drinking-trough, Drinking-vessels.Drinking-water . Reference Bible.
Appii (1 Occurrence)
... i.5) offers a lively picture of the discomforts of the trip, mentioning the importunate
inn-keepers and intolerabledrinkingwater at Appii Forum, the gnats...
Recorded (141 Occurrences)
... on which was recorded the agreement which the Lord made with you, I was on the mountain
for forty days and forty nights without taking food ordrinkingwater....
Tents (284 Occurrences)
... Israel went on from the waste land of Sin, by stages as the Lord gave them orders,
and put up their tents in Rephidim: and there was nodrinking-water for the...
Using (88 Occurrences)
... 1 Timothy 5:23 no longer bedrinkingwater, but a little wine be using, because
of thy stomach and of thine often infirmities; (WBS)....
Resources
Did Jesus change the water into wine or grape juice? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of bitter water in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about underage drinking? | GotQuestions.orgBible Concordance •
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