Water is one of the most essential elements of human life. It is also one of the most commonly used symbols in the Bible. Water is used to represent everything from creation and new life to cleansing and redemption. It is also a symbol of judgment and destruction. Whether it is being used to sustain life or bring death, water is a powerful symbol in the Bible.
Water is the most plentiful liquid in the world. There are more than 326 million trillion gallons of water on Earth. This means water is 70% of the Earth’s surface. Your body is made up of 65% water. Water also plays a huge part throughout God’s word, the Bible. As mentioned a total of 722 times in the Bible, water is talked about more often than faith, hope, prayer, and worship.
Why is Water Important in Christianity?
Water is an essential element in Christianity because it is involved in several important rituals. For example, water is used in baptism, which is a key sacrament in the faith. In addition, water plays a significant role in many Bible stories, such as the story of Noah’s Ark. All of these factors underscore the importance of water in Christianity.
Water’s role in the old testament
In the Old Testament, water plays an important role in both the physical and spiritual worlds. Water is needed to live, and it is often used as a symbol of renewal, healing, and starting over. In the spiritual world, water is used as a symbol of cleansing, purification, and new life.
Creation
The Bible is clear that water is essential to life and creation. Water was practically the first gift from God that we ever received. Genesis 1:2 tells us that water was the first thing created. And it wasn’t just any water, but the deep waters of the earth. The Spirit of God hovered over the surface of the waters, showing us that they were special and holy.
Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters." Genesis 1:2
Noah and the Flood
The story of Noah starts with the state of humanity. The level of sin, corruption, and wickedness among humans was overwhelming. The Bible tells us that people thought about doing evil all the time.
God responded to this wickedness by flooding the earth. Noah was righteous, blameless, and obedient in that he “walked with God” (Genesis 6:9). God gave Noah and his three sons the job of building an ark. This ark would lead to the survival of all animals and mankind. Noah’s faith in God salvaged humanity.
“And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.” Genesis 6:12-16
Moses and the Red Sea
Moses went to Pharaoh and told him to let the Israelites, God’s people, go. Pharaoh refused and began the cycle of the ten plagues. The plagues are water turning to blood, frogs, lice, flies, livestock pestilence, boils, hail, locusts, darkness, and the killing of firstborn children. After the final plague, Pharaoh agreed to let the Israelites, God’s people, go. After they had left, Pharaoh had a change of heart and chased after them with his army. With the Pharaoh right behind them and the Red Sea in front of them, Moses lifted up his staff and parted the Red Sea. This allowed the children of Israel to pass through safely to the promised land but drowned Pharaoh and his army.
The parting of the Red Sea is the final event in God delivering His people from slavery in Egypt. This event represents God’s saving power and is the single greatest act of salvation using water in the Bible.
“Then the Lord said to Moses, “Stretch out your hand over the sea so that the waters may flow back over the Egyptians and their chariots and horsemen.” Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and at daybreak, the sea went back to its place. The Egyptians were fleeing toward[c] it, and the Lord swept them into the sea. The water flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had followed the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived. Exodus 14:26-28
Psalm 23
The Bible is full of beautiful and poetic passages, none more so than Psalm 23. This psalm is a powerful reminder of the Lord’s provision and cares for us, even in the midst of difficult times. The imagery of God as a shepherd leading His flock is both comforting and reassuring, and the promise of His presence always being with us is one that we can cling to in hope.
The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever. Psalm 23
Water In the New Testament
The New Testament is full of references to water. Water is a symbol of life and cleansing in the Holy Bible. It is during a baptized, we are identifying with Christ in his death, burial, and resurrection.
Water is essential for physical life, but it also has great spiritual significance. As we drink from the living water that Jesus offers us, we will never thirst again (John 4:14).
but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life. John 4:14
Water to Wine
Water is an essential element for life, and wine is a symbol of luxury. This miracle demonstrates Jesus’s power over nature, and his willingness to provide for his guests. The story also highlights the importance of wine in Jewish culture. In this miracle, Jesus provides not only physical sustenance but also spiritual sustenance.
Found in the Gospel of John, chapter 2, Jesus and his disciples are attending a wedding feast in Cana of Galilee. The host runs out of wine and Mary, the mother of Jesus, tells her son about the situation. Jesus then tells the servants to fill six stone jars with water. He then instructs them to take some of the water to the head waiter.
Bill Day interprets this story as the antitype of Moses’ first public miracle of changing water (the Nile river) into the blood. This establishes a symbolic link between Moses as the first savior of the Jews through their escape from Egypt and Jesus as the spiritual savior.
Water Baptisms
Water is a powerful symbol, used to represent life, cleansing, and new beginnings. Baptism in water is an important part of Christian worship. It is a physical act that symbolizes our spiritual journey with Jesus Christ. When we are baptized, we are cleansed of our sins and made new in Christ. We also publicly declare our faith in Jesus Christ and our commitment to follow him as our Lord and Savior. Water baptism is an essential part of the Christian faith, and it is a beautiful symbol of God’s love for us.
Baptism is one of two commands that Jesus instituted for the church. Just before He returned to Heaven, Jesus informed the church that they are responsible for teaching Jesus’ word, making disciples, and baptizing those disciples.
Christian baptism is the event where a person makes a public declaration of their faith. Being baptized is a person physically saying, “I confess faith in Christ; Jesus has cleansed my soul from sin, and I now have a new life of sanctification.”
Baptism is an outward expression of the inward change in a believer’s life. Baptism is not a requirement to be saved.
“and this water symbolizes baptism that now saves you also—not the removal of dirt from the body but the pledge of a clear conscience toward God.[a] It saves you by the resurrection of Jesus Christ,” 1 Peter 3:21
Walking on Water
In Matthew, we are told of the story of Jesus walking on water. This miracle, seen by the disciples, is something that only God could do. Jesus walking on water was a way of showing his power and authority over nature. It also showed his ability to calm the stormy seas, which was another example of his power.
Women at the Well
John 19-22 tells us the story of when Jesus meets a Samaritan woman about to draw water from a well. At this well of water, Jesus, the son of God, offers the young woman “living water”. This story has profound meaning for women today who face their own thirst in life. Just as the woman at the well was physically thirsty, we can all be thirsty for things like love, attention, and approval. Jesus offered her living water to quench her thirst and He offers us the same today. When we drink from the well of living water, our thirsts are truly satisfied. We don’t have to keep coming back to this world to try to quench our thirsts because only Jesus can do that.
Washing of Feet
The Bible speaks of Jesus washing the feet of his disciples, and many other religious figures have also been known to wash the feet of those they serve.
The act of foot washing is performed with water, and it is a way to cleanse oneself before entering a home. It is a sign of respect and servitude.
Top 8 Bible Verses about Water
The Bible has a lot to say about water. Here are eight of the top verses about water from the Bible.
"And he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb," Revelation 22:1
"For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants," Isaiah 44:3
"But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life," John 4:14
"Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them,” John 7:38
“The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” Psalm 23:1-2
Tremble, earth, at the presence of the Lord, at the presence of the God of Jacob, who turned the rock into a pool, the hard rock into springs of water. Psalm 114:7-8
“The words of the mouth are deep waters, but the fountain of wisdom is a rushing stream. Proverbs 18:4
“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.” Proverbs 20:5
“As water reflects the face, so one’s life reflects the heart.” Proverbs 27:19
“Jesus answered, “Truly, truly, I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit.” John 3:5
“Jesus answered, “Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.” John 4:13-14
“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her to make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word, and to present her to himself as a radiant church, without stain or wrinkle or any other blemish, but holy and blameless.” Ephesians 5:25-27
“Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost.” Revelation 21:6
Bodies of Water in the Bible
There are many bodies of water in the Bible. All of these rivers, seas, and bodies of freshwater played an important role in the history of the Bible and continue to be significant to Christians today.
The most well-known body of water is the Jordan River. Other notable rivers include the Nile, Euphrates, and Tigris.
Each of these rivers has its own significance in the Bible. The Jordan River was where Joshua led the Israelites across into the Promised Land. The Nile is where Moses was hidden as a baby. The Euphrates and Tigris were both major barriers that the Israelites had to cross during their Exodus from captivity.
Health Benefits of Drinking Water
Water is vital to the human body. Every cell, tissue, and organ in the body needs water to function. Clean water flushes out toxins and waste, keeps skin healthy and moisturized, lubricates joints, and regulates body temperature. Not only does water have physical benefits, but it also has mental ones. Drinking a cup of water can improve your mood, increase your energy levels, and improve your mental clarity.
There are countless health benefits to drinking pure water. It is important for our bodies to work right, and it can also help us feel better and think more clearly. If you’re not drinking enough water each day, start doing so and see the positive effects it has on your health!
How Much Water Should You Drink In A Day?
While we all know we need to drink water, most don’t drink enough. Growing up I was told to drink 8 cups a day. I always found that to be an interesting amount. Did they mean an actual measuring cup of cold water (8oz) or a drinking glass of water (16oz)? How can everyone have the same amount of water needed?
Let’s use my wife and me as examples. My wife, Danyelle, is 5’1” to my 6’1” frame. I also am easily 100 pounds heavier than her. Having the same serving recommendation as my wife in anything makes no sense, let alone water. This would be like trying to water a household garden and a farm with the same amount of water. Say goodbye to your crops farmers! That just wouldn’t work.
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine determined that daily fluid intake should be:
About 15.5 cups (3.7 liters) of fluids for men
About 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) of fluids a day for women
These suggestions are a good starting point. They do get a little difficult to follow because everyone has a different height and weight and muscular build. Because there are so many variables, here are a few methods for finding out just how much water you should drink a day.
Water Intake Calculator
Most people love quick answers but hate doing the math. If you want to stay hydrated you should drink 50% of your weight in oz a day.
Your Weight x 0.5 = Daily Water Intake in oz
Are you Dehydrated?
If you listen/look, your body will tell you everything you need to know about it. You just need to know where to look. Next time you are in the bathroom check out the color of your pee. The darker the color the more dehydrated you are. The clearer the color the more hydrated you are.
Can You Drink TOO MUCH Water?
Too much of a good thing can be bad. You can overhydrate, and it’s extremely dangerous. Being overhydrated is called Hyponatremia. This is when your sodium levels become imbalanced. This can lead to headaches, fatigue, muscle weakness, seizures, coma, or death.
The people who suffer from hyponatremia the most? Marathon and ultra runners. One 2002 study found that 13% of Boston Marathon runners experienced symptoms of hyponatremia.
How to Stay Hydrated
One of the main reasons why most people don’t get enough water is that they don’t see it in front of them. Get a giant travel bottle and do the math to know how many bottles you will need to drink a day.
Let’s say your goal weight is 180 pounds. Your travel bottle holds 25 oz. You need to drink 108 oz a day, using method 3. 108÷25= 4.32. You need to drink a little over 4 bottles of your travel bottle a day.
At first, you will need to go to the bathroom a lot. After about 4 days your body will process the water better and this won’t become such a problem.
Also, stop drinking water for about 3 hours before you go to bed. This will help you not need to wake up every few hours during the night to go use the bathroom.
Water in the Bible – Conclusion
Water is a prevalent theme throughout the Bible. It is used as a metaphor for life, death, and rebirth. It is also a symbol of God’s love, grace, and provision. Water is essential to our physical and spiritual well-being. May we never take it for granted but always be thankful for this precious gift.