### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word *dipsáō* (G1372) derives from *dipsos* (δίψος), meaning "thirst." Its core meaning denotes a physical craving for water, a sensation of dryness resulting from the lack of liquid. This literal sense describes a fundamental physiological need. Beyond this primary meaning, *dipsáō* extends significantly into a rich figurative semantic range. In its metaphorical usage, it expresses an intense desire, a profound longing, or a spiritual craving for something essential. This can include a yearning for righteousness, for divine truth, for God Himself, or for the spiritual fulfillment that only He can provide. Thus, *dipsáō* captures both the immediate, physical urgency and the deeper, existential human need.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The occurrences of *dipsáō* in the New Testament beautifully illustrate its dual literal and figurative applications:
* **Literal Thirst:**
* In the context of practical charity, *dipsáō* describes a physical need to be met by compassion: "I was thirsty and you gave me drink" ([[Matthew 25:35]], [[Matthew 25:42]]).
* Jesus' interaction with the Samaritan woman begins with a literal request for water: "Give me a drink" ([[John 4:7]]), and her response likewise concerns avoiding future physical thirst ([[John 4:15]]).
* Perhaps most poignantly, Jesus' cry from the cross, "I thirst" ([[John 19:28]]), underscores His full humanity and identification with suffering.
* Paul lists thirst among the physical hardships endured by the apostles for the gospel ([[1 Corinthians 4:11]]).
* The promise to the redeemed in the new heavens and new earth includes the cessation of physical suffering: "They will hunger no longer, nor thirst anymore" ([[Revelation 7:16]]).
* **Figurative/Spiritual Thirst:**
* The most prominent figurative use is found in the Beatitudes: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied" ([[Matthew 5:6]]). Here, *dipsáō* signifies an intense, consuming desire for moral and spiritual uprightness, a longing for conformity to God's character.
* Jesus powerfully employs the metaphor in John's Gospel, presenting Himself as the ultimate satisfier of spiritual longing: "Whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst" ([[John 6:35]]).
* His public invitation at the Feast of Booths echoes this: "If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink" ([[John 7:37]]). This invites spiritual fulfillment through faith in Him.
* The book of Revelation extends this divine invitation to the thirsty, promising the "spring of the water of life without payment" ([[Revelation 21:6]]), and a final, universal call to "take the water of life without price" ([[Revelation 22:17]]).
Across these contexts, *dipsáō* transitions from a basic human need to a profound spiritual yearning, with Jesus consistently presented as the sole and sufficient source of satisfaction.
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of thirst is intrinsically linked to several other biblical terms and theological ideas:
* **Water (ὕδωρ - `{{G5204}}`):** As the substance that quenches thirst, water frequently serves as a metaphor for the Holy Spirit, eternal life, or divine truth (e.g., [[John 4:10-14]], [[John 7:38-39]]).
* **Living Water (ὕδωρ ζῶν - `{{G5204}}` `{{G2198}}`):** A specific Johannine concept, this refers to the life-giving, Spirit-imparted grace that flows from Christ, satisfying spiritual thirst eternally.
* **Hunger (πεινάω - `{{G3983}}`):** Often paired with thirst, both literally and figuratively, to represent fundamental human needs or desires, especially in [[Matthew 5:6]] and the promises of Revelation.
* **Satisfaction/Fulfillment (χορτάζω - `{{G5526}}`):** The antithesis of thirst, denoting a state of complete contentment and provision, often promised to those whose spiritual thirst is met by Christ.
* **Righteousness (δικαιοσύνη - `{{G1343}}`):** The object of spiritual thirst in [[Matthew 5:6]], highlighting a deep longing for God's moral perfection and His just order.
* **Spirit (πνεῦμα - `{{G4151}}`):** The Holy Spirit is often depicted as the "living water" that flows from believers, quenching spiritual thirst and bringing new life.
### Theological Significance
The word *dipsáō* carries profound theological weight, illuminating several key doctrines:
* **Human Need and Dependency:** *dipsáō* starkly highlights the inherent limitations and dependencies of humanity, both physically and spiritually. It underscores a fundamental void within the human spirit that worldly pursuits cannot satisfy, pointing to an innate need for God.
* **Christ as the Source of Life:** A central theological theme associated with *dipsáō* is Jesus' exclusive claim as the ultimate answer to spiritual thirst. He is the "living water" who offers eternal satisfaction, contrasting sharply with the fleeting nature of worldly provisions. This truth is foundational to Christology in John's Gospel.
* **The Blessedness of Spiritual Longing:** The Beatitude in [[Matthew 5:6]] elevates the spiritual craving for righteousness to a divinely blessed state. It teaches that a deep, active desire for God's character and will is not only commendable but will be divinely satisfied, demonstrating God's responsiveness to sincere spiritual seeking.
* **The Cost and Reward of Discipleship:** The literal thirst experienced by Jesus on the cross and by Paul in his ministry ([[1 Corinthians 4:11]]) signifies the physical suffering and self-denial inherent in following Christ. Yet, this suffering is set against the promise of ultimate, eternal satisfaction.
* **Eschatological Fulfillment:** The promise in Revelation that the redeemed will "thirst no more" ([[Revelation 7:16]], [[Revelation 21:6]]) signifies a future state of complete peace, abundant provision, and perfect communion with God, where all needs and longings are eternally fulfilled.
* **Divine Invitation:** The repeated invitation, "If anyone thirsts, let him come..." ([[John 7:37]], [[Revelation 21:6]], [[Revelation 22:17]]), emphasizes God's gracious, open-ended offer of salvation, spiritual renewal, and eternal life to all who acknowledge their spiritual need and turn to Him.
### Summary
The Greek word *dipsáō* (G1372) encapsulates a wide range of meanings, from the basic physical craving for water to a profound spiritual longing for righteousness and divine truth. In its literal sense, it portrays human vulnerability and the necessity of basic provision, as seen in Jesus' own cry from the cross ([[John 19:28]]) and the call to care for the needy ([[Matthew 25:35]]). More profoundly, *dipsáō* serves as a powerful metaphor for humanity's deepest spiritual yearning. Jesus consistently presents Himself as the sole source of satisfaction for this spiritual thirst, offering "living water" that provides eternal fulfillment and removes the need for any other spiritual quest ([[John 6:35]], [[John 7:37]]). The blessedness of those who "hunger and thirst for righteousness" ([[Matthew 5:6]]) underscores the divine value placed on such spiritual desire and the certainty of its satisfaction. Ultimately, the eschatological promise that the redeemed will "thirst no more" ([[Revelation 7:16]], [[Revelation 21:6]]) points to a future state of complete and eternal satisfaction in God's presence, highlighting the word's journey from an expression of urgent need to a symbol of ultimate divine provision and peace.
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