### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek word **ánydros**, represented by `{{G504}}`, is derived from a negative particle and the word for water, literally meaning **waterless** or **dry**. It appears 4 times across 4 unique verses in the Bible. This term is used to convey a state of barrenness, emptiness, and desolation, both in a literal and metaphorical sense.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical text, `{{G504}}` is used to illustrate two primary concepts. First, it describes a desolate environment suitable for demonic forces. In both Matthew and Luke, an `{{G169}}` unclean spirit, after being cast out of a man, is said to wander through **dry** places seeking `{{G372}}` rest but finding none ([[Matthew 12:43]]; [[Luke 11:24]]). Second, it serves as a powerful metaphor for false teachers, describing them as "wells **without water**" [[2 Peter 2:17]] and "clouds... **without water**" [[Jude 1:12]], highlighting their spiritual emptiness and inability to provide life or substance.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the contexts in which `{{G504}}` is used:
* `{{G169}}` **akáthartos** (impure, foul, unclean): This term is consistently paired with `{{G4151}}` "spirit" to describe the demonic entities that inhabit the `{{G504}}` dry places ([[Matthew 12:43]]; [[Luke 11:24]]).
* `{{G3507}}` **nephélē** (a cloud): Used in Jude's condemnation of false teachers, who are like **clouds** that are `{{G504}}` "without water," promising rain but delivering nothing [[Jude 1:12]].
* `{{G4077}}` **pēgḗ** (fountain, well): In 2 Peter, false teachers are called **wells** that are `{{G504}}` "without water," emphasizing their deceptive and unfulfilling nature [[2 Peter 2:17]].
* `{{G372}}` **anápausis** (intermission, rest): This is what the unclean spirit seeks but cannot find in the `{{G504}}` dry places, associating waterless regions with a lack of peace and refuge ([[Matthew 12:43]]; [[Luke 11:24]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{G504}}` is centered on its depiction of spiritual void and danger.
* **Spiritual Barrenness:** By describing false teachers as "clouds without water" and "wells without water," the term symbolizes a profound spiritual emptiness. They have the appearance of being a source of life but are ultimately barren and useless ([[Jude 1:12]]; [[2 Peter 2:17]]).
* **A Demonic Habitat:** The "dry places" are presented as the domain of `{{G169}}` unclean spirits. This imagery links physical desolation with a spiritual state that is hostile, unsettled, and separated from life-giving presence [[Matthew 12:43]].
* **Deception and Unfulfillment:** The word is used to describe things that fail to fulfill their purpose. Clouds that don't bring rain and wells that don't provide water are symbols of false promises and spiritual deception.
### Summary
In summary, `{{G504}}` is more than a term for a lack of water; it is a biblical symbol for desolation, spiritual emptiness, and deception. It characterizes the wandering places of unclean spirits and serves as a stark warning against false teachers who promise substance but are fundamentally barren. The word powerfully contrasts the appearance of life with the reality of a void.
TRV