### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **rhéō**, represented by `{{G4482}}`, is a primary verb meaning **to flow**. Although it is a foundational term describing the movement of water, it appears only **1 time** in **1 unique verse** in the Bible, making its single usage highly significant.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The sole appearance of `{{G4482}}` is in [[John 7:38]], where Jesus makes a profound statement: "He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall **flow** rivers of living water." In this context, the act of flowing is presented as a direct result of believing in Christ. It is a promised supernatural outflow from within a believer, an experience foretold by scripture.
### Related Words & Concepts
The meaning of `{{G4482}}` is illuminated by the words surrounding it in its only scriptural context:
* `{{G4100}}` **pisteúō** (to have faith): This is the essential condition for the outflow. The promise is for "he that believeth," linking faith directly to the experience of this spiritual flow [[John 7:38]].
* `{{G4215}}` **potamós** (a current, brook or freshet): This word clarifies that the flow is not a trickle but abundant, like **rivers**. It describes the magnitude of what comes from the believer [[John 7:38]].
* `{{G2198}}` **záō** (to live): This specifies the nature of the water that flows. It is **living** water, indicating a dynamic, life-giving quality. This term is also used to describe the "living God" [[2 Corinthians 6:16]].
* `{{G5204}}` **hýdōr** (water): This identifies the substance that flows. Used figuratively here, **water** represents spiritual life, as seen in the promise of a "river of water of life" [[Revelation 22:1]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G4482}}` is concentrated in its single, powerful application.
* **The Result of Faith:** The act to **flow** is not a human effort but a divine consequence of faith `{{G4100}}` in Jesus Christ. It is portrayed as a promised spiritual reality for every believer [[John 7:38]].
* **A Fulfillment of Scripture:** Jesus prefaces this promise by stating it is "as the scripture `{{G1124}}` hath said `{{G2036}}`." This firmly grounds the believer's internal experience in the authority and prophetic fulfillment of God's word [[John 7:38]].
* **The Source of Abundant Life:** The outflow is described as "rivers `{{G4215}}` of living `{{G2198}}` water `{{G5204}}`." This imagery points to an inexhaustible, internal source of spiritual life and vitality provided by God to the believer, a theme echoed in Jesus's identity as "the resurrection, and the life" [[John 11:25]].
### Summary
In summary, while **rhéō** `{{G4482}}` is one of the rarest verbs in the New Testament, its lone appearance in [[John 7:38]] is theologically rich. It does not merely describe a physical current but illustrates the spiritual reality of an abundant, life-giving outflow from within a person whose faith is placed in Christ. The word encapsulates a core promise of the Christian faith: that belief results in an internal, overflowing source of divine life, as foretold by scripture.
TRV