Water is mentioned multiple times in the Bible. Whether you’re looking for comfort, a life source, hope, fertility, purification, or a new beginning, you can find it on its pages. So, if you’re wondering how many times it’s mentioned in the Bible, it’s exactly 722. Why is that so? Continue reading below.
What Does Water Represent Spiritually?
Water is one of the essential elements of life. It not only makes up a large part of our physical bodies but also plays a vital role in our spiritual lives. Water is often used as a symbol of cleansing and purification, and it is widely known that baptism is a Christian rite of passage that involves being submerged in water.
Many cultures also see water as a symbol of rebirth and new beginnings. For example, in Hindu tradition, newborn babies are traditionally given a holy bath in the Ganges River. Water is also often used as a metaphor for the Holy Spirit.
In the Bible, Jesus compares the Holy Spirit to living water, saying that whoever drinks from it will never thirst again. As such, water can be seen as a powerful spiritual force that can cleanse, purify, and renew us.
What Does Flowing Water Symbolize in the Bible?
In the Bible, water is often used as a symbol for cleansing or purification. In the story of Noah’s Ark, the floodwaters are a sign of God’s judgment on the wickedness of humanity.
In the book of Ezekiel, the prophet describes a vision of a river flowing from the temple that brings life to the dry land. This symbolizes God’s spirit bringing new life to his people.
Similarly, in the book of Revelation, John sees a vision of a river of life flowing from the throne of God. This is interpreted as a symbol of eternal life for those Christ has redeemed.
On the other hand, flowing water symbolizes people’s protection in the Bible. In the book of Exodus, the Israelites were saved by God’s grace from slavery through the Red Sea. Lastly, in the book of Joshua, the Jordan River is crossed by the Israelites as they enter the Promised Land, as fulfilled by God’s mercy.
Why Is Water Important to God?
God often uses water as a metaphor for His love and forgiveness. Without water, God might not have created the world. He first said, “Let there be light,” and separated the light from the darkness. Then God said, “Let there be an expanse between the waters to separate water from water.” And so it was. God continued to speak, and His words created everything else—land, plants, animals, and human beings.
Aside from that, water is also a part of God’s judgment and new beginnings. In the story of Noah and the Ark, God used water to judge the wickedness of humankind. He sent a flood that covered the earth and drowned everyone except Noah and his family. After the flood, He promised never to destroy the world with water again by creating a rainbow in the sky.
Is Water the Holy Spirit?
As stated in the Bible, the Holy Spirit is compared to water, and water itself is often used as a metaphor for the Holy Spirit. People are said to have received the Holy Spirit when they drink water. Ezekiel, one of God’s prophets, compared the Holy Spirit to the process of purifying one’s heart. The Bible references water as a metaphor for various positive emotions and outcomes, including contentment and prosperity. In the same way, none of us can experience fulfillment on a spiritual level apart from the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
Bottom Line
The Bible has 722 subtle references to water. Throughout those references, the significance of water, both in the natural world and in the lives of humans, was emphasized. In addition, we discovered that it is frequently employed both as a metaphor for various concepts and as a sign of the regenerative power of God. In the end, it is taken as a symbol of holiness, new beginnings, and even everlasting life.
