Water
מַיִם (mayim)
The substance of life — symbolizing cleansing, sustenance, the Spirit, and chaos overcome.
Mayim is the Hebrew word for water, carrying rich symbolic meaning throughout Scripture. Water represents life, cleansing, the Holy Spirit, and God's power over chaos and death.
"He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water." — John 7:38 (KJV)
Key Verses
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
Revelation 22:1
“And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.”Read in context
Strong's Concordance
Strong's H4325 — Water (מַיִם (mayim))
Browse the full lexicon entry and every KJV verse where מַיִם (mayim) appears.
Open Strong's H4325Etymology and Original Meaning
Mayim means 'water' — always plural in Hebrew, reflecting the dynamic, abundant nature of water. In the arid Near East, water was the most precious substance — the difference between life and death, fertility and famine. This existential reality gives water its theological power: it represents everything the soul needs from God — sustenance, refreshment, cleansing, and life itself.
Water and Creation
Genesis opens with the Spirit hovering over the waters (Genesis 1:2). God separates the waters above from below (1:6-7) and gathers them to reveal dry land (1:9). Water represents primordial chaos that God orders and controls. The flood (Genesis 6-8), the Red Sea (Exodus 14), and the Jordan crossing (Joshua 3) all demonstrate God's sovereignty over water — over chaos itself.
Living Water
Jesus offered the Samaritan woman 'living water' — a spring 'welling up to eternal life' (John 4:10-14). At the feast, He cried, 'If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink' (John 7:37). John explains this referred to the Spirit (7:39). Living water is not stagnant but flowing, not temporary but eternal — the Holy Spirit satisfying the deepest thirst of the human soul.
The River of Life
Revelation concludes with a 'pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God' (22:1). This echoes Ezekiel's temple river (Ezekiel 47:1-12) — water that deepens, widens, and brings life wherever it flows. The story that began with waters of chaos ends with waters of life. God's final world is abundantly, permanently, eternally watered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does water symbolize in the Bible?
Water (mayim) symbolizes life, cleansing, the Holy Spirit, and God's power over chaos. It represents both physical sustenance and spiritual refreshment — everything the soul needs from God.
What is living water in the Bible?
Living water is Jesus' metaphor for the Holy Spirit (John 4:10-14; 7:37-39). Unlike stagnant water, it is flowing, abundant, and eternal — satisfying the deepest thirst of the soul permanently.
Which Bible verse uses the word "Water"?
John 7:38 — "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water" (KJV). It also appears in Isaiah 55:1, Revelation 22:1.
Why does the Hebrew word behind "Water" matter?
Mayim means 'water' — always plural in Hebrew, reflecting the dynamic, abundant nature of water. English uses one word, "Water", where the Hebrew מַיִם (mayim) carries the fuller sense: the substance of life — symbolizing cleansing, sustenance, the spirit, and chaos overcome.
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.
Strong's H6086 — Tree
עֵץ (etz) • A living, rooted growth — symbolizing life, fruitfulness, wisdom, and the cross.
Bible Verses About Living a Holy Life
10 curated KJV verses
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