Water
מַיִם (mayim)
Life, cleansing, and the Spirit — a primary symbol of God's sustaining and renewing power.
Mayim is the Hebrew word for water, one of the Bible's most pervasive symbols. Water represents life, purification, chaos, judgment, and the Holy Spirit's renewing work.
"But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life." — John 4:14 (KJV)
Key Verses
John 4:14
“But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.”Read in context
John 7:38
“He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water.”Read in context
Psalm 42:1
“As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God.”Read in context
Etymology and Original Meaning
Mayim is a Hebrew plural noun for water. In the arid landscape of the ancient Near East, water was the difference between life and death. Wells, springs, and rivers were precious — fought over, carefully maintained, and deeply valued. This physical reality gives water its immense symbolic weight throughout Scripture.
Water as Life and Creation
The Spirit of God moved over the waters at creation (Genesis 1:2). Rivers watered the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:10). Throughout the Old Testament, water represents life and blessing — the psalmist compares the righteous to a tree planted by rivers of water (Psalm 1:3). God promises to pour water on the thirsty land (Isaiah 44:3).
Water as Judgment and Cleansing
Water also symbolizes judgment — the flood (Genesis 6-9) and the Red Sea (Exodus 14). Simultaneously, water cleanses: Naaman was cleansed in the Jordan (2 Kings 5), ritual washings purified priests, and baptism symbolizes dying to sin and rising to new life. Water destroys the old and gives birth to the new.
Living Water and the Spirit
Jesus offered the Samaritan woman 'living water' (John 4:10) — a well springing up to everlasting life. He later declared that rivers of living water would flow from believers, speaking of the Holy Spirit (John 7:38-39). The final chapter of Revelation pictures a river of the water of life flowing from God's throne (Revelation 22:1).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does water symbolize in the Bible?
Water symbolizes life, cleansing, the Holy Spirit, and sometimes judgment. Jesus offered 'living water' — the Holy Spirit — that satisfies the soul's deepest thirst eternally (John 4:14).
What is living water in the Bible?
Living water refers to the Holy Spirit, whom Jesus promised to all who believe (John 7:38-39). Unlike stagnant cisterns, living water flows, refreshes, and gives eternal life.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Water"?
John 4:14 — "But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life" (KJV). It also appears in John 7:38, Psalm 42:1.
Why does the Hebrew word behind "Water" matter?
Mayim is a Hebrew plural noun for water. In the arid landscape of the ancient Near East, water was the difference between life and death. English uses one word, "Water", where the Hebrew מַיִם (mayim) carries the fuller sense: life, cleansing, and the spirit — a primary symbol of god's sustaining and renewing power.
Related Words
Related Reading
Continue your study with related content from across our library:
Water (מַיִם (mayim))
Life, cleansing, and the Spirit — a primary symbol of God's sustaining and renewing power.
Water (מַיִם (mayim))
The substance of life — symbolizing cleansing, sustenance, the Spirit, and chaos overcome.
Strong's H4325 — Water
מַיִם (mayim) • The substance of life — symbolizing cleansing, sustenance, the Spirit, and chaos overcome.
Biblical Meaning of a River in a Dream (KJV)
The Spirit's flow, refreshing, and God's ongoing work.
John 7:37-38 Commentary
In-depth study • Living Water
Strong's H6086 — Tree
עֵץ (etz) • A living, rooted growth — symbolizing life, fruitfulness, wisdom, and the cross.
Where to go next
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