Follow the theme of the Messiah through the pages of the Bible. You're almost done! Uncover the meaning of the biblical idea of holiness. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google This helps us understand why the images of the tree of life and the water of life are combined in John’s description of the renewed creation (Revelation 22:1-2). Explore key biblical words in both Hebrew and Greek. They are both images of God’s own life and love made available to his creation. Revelation 22:17 “The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” Let the one who hears say, “Come!” And let the one who is thirsty come, and the one who desires the water of life drink freely.” 16. Picture a desert in your mind—not a dessert like an ice-cream sundae—a dry, barren wasteland with rolling sand dunes and nothing green for miles other than an occasional cactus. People find the surprise of living water at wells (like Abraham, Isaac, or Jacob in Genesis 21:22-33, 26:18-25, or 29:1-11), springs in the desert (like Hagar in Genesis 16:7 and 21:15-21), or oases in the wilderness (Exodus 15:22-27). Today’s big question: what is the water of life? Ὕδωρ ζωῆς is a metaphor with two meanings: literally “flowing water” as in a river, and figuratively “living water.” “Whereas ordinary water sustains life for a while (“flowing water”), the water God provides gives life forever (“living water”). This life-giving water of salvation was prophesied throughout Scripture—even by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, who said, “ Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled ” (Matthew 5:6). Explore the generous love of God in the Bible. Delve into the theme of water of life in the Bible. Are you drinking from that fountain, or are you parched and thirsty? The prophets often used water as a picture of salvation, as we see in today’s verse and a number of other times in the book of Isaiah alone (e.g., Isaiah 12:3). Explore the meaning of the word gospel in the Bible. And so the story of the Bible ends the way it begins, but in the new creation, the water of life is emerging “from the throne of God from the lamb” (Revelation 22:1). In the beginning of the Bible, God transforms a desolate wilderness into a garden through a stream that waters the ground and brings life wherever it goes. John 7:37-39 expands on this: On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink. That kind of desert is pictured in today’s verse. Whether literal or figurative, the river of the water of life represents the eternal life flowing from God to all of His people. Ultimately, this promise finds its fulfillment in Jesus and the salvation offered through His blood. Ultimately, this promise finds its fulfillment in Jesus and the salvation offered through His blood. : DVD Set, Demolishing Supposed Bible Contradictions Volume 1, Uncovering the Real Nativity: Single copy. Privacy Policy and This water that Jesus speaks of can in no way be literal water. In these references, the term Water of Life refers to the Holy Spirit. Water of Life for a Thirsty People. Verse Concepts. A good way to find out, like usual, is to look at some passages and glean from what they have to say. As an Amazon Associate, if you use the link above, we receive a small percentage from qualifying purchases. The woman was understandably confused, so she asked how and where Jesus would get this living water. Learn more about the tree of life in the Bible. Explore the theme of seventh day rest and Sabbath in the Bible. Bible Answer: Jesus uses water in a symbolic sense in John 4:14. Videos and overviews for every book of the New Testament. Your gift helps support the core AiG ministry, fund a new exhibit coming to the Creation Museum, launch Answers Bible Curriculum homeschool, and more. The prophets often used water as a picture of salvation, as we see in today’s verse and a number of other times in the book of Isaiah alone (e.g., Isaiah 12:3 ). … Today’s big idea: Jesus Christ is the only source of living water, which is eternal life. Revelation, Baker Exegetical Commentary on the New Testament, Tabernacle Prefigured: Cosmic Mountain Ideology in Genesis and Exodus, That He Might Be Revealed: Water Imagery and the Identity of Jesus in the Gospel of John, The Symbol of Water in the Gospel of John. John 4:14. After the humans foolishly rebel and find themselves exiled from the garden, life outside the garden is not easy (Genesis 3:17-19). They are both images of God’s own life and love made available to his creation.