### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Greek noun ὕδωρ (G5204), transliterated as *hýdōr*, fundamentally denotes "water." Its etymological connection to ὑετός (G5209), meaning "rain," underscores its primary association with a life-giving, natural element. The semantic range of *hýdōr* in biblical literature extends far beyond its literal meaning, encompassing a rich tapestry of figurative and theological applications. Literally, it refers to the physical substance found in rivers, seas, wells, and rain, essential for life, cleansing, and sustenance. Figuratively, *hýdōr* becomes a powerful metaphor for spiritual life, divine truth, the Holy Spirit, purification from sin, and even judgment or chaos. Its versatility allows it to represent both the destructive power of God's wrath and the refreshing, life-sustaining grace of His presence.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term *hýdōr* appears extensively throughout the Greek New Testament, often reflecting the diverse uses of the Hebrew `{{H4325}}` (mayim) in the Septuagint.
In its literal sense, *hýdōr* is foundational to the biblical narrative:
* **Creation and Sustenance:** The primeval waters are central to the creation account [[Genesis 1:6-10]], and water remains essential for life's continuation.
* **Judgment:** The waters of the great flood symbolize divine judgment and the cleansing of the earth from wickedness [[Genesis 7:17-20]].
* **Miraculous Provision:** God's provision of water in the wilderness [[Exodus 17:6]] and Jesus' miraculous transformation of water into wine [[John 2:7-9]] highlight divine power and care.
* **Ritual Cleansing:** Water is used for ceremonial washing, symbolizing purity and readiness for worship [[Matthew 27:24]], [[John 13:5]].
* **Baptism:** John the Baptist's ministry centered on baptism with water for repentance [[Matthew 3:11]], a practice later adopted by the early church as a sign of identification with Christ.
Metaphorically and theologically, *hýdōr* carries profound significance:
* **Living Water:** Jesus presents Himself as the source of "living water," offering eternal life and satisfaction to those who believe [[John 4:10-14]]. This "living water" is explicitly identified with the Holy Spirit given to believers [[John 7:37-39]].
* **Spiritual Cleansing and Regeneration:** The "washing of water with the word" speaks of the church's purification by Christ [[Ephesians 5:26]], and the "washing of regeneration" points to the Spirit's work in new birth [[Titus 3:5]].
* **Judgment and Chaos:** In Revelation, waters can represent peoples and multitudes [[Revelation 17:15]], but also destructive forces or divine wrath poured out upon the earth [[Revelation 8:10]], [[Revelation 16:4]].
* **Eschatological Life:** In the vision of the New Jerusalem, the "river of the water of life" flows from the throne of God, symbolizing the eternal, life-giving presence of God and Christ, freely available to the redeemed [[Revelation 21:6]], [[Revelation 22:1-2]], [[Revelation 22:17]].
### Related Words & Concepts
The concept of *hýdōr* is intimately connected with several other biblical terms and theological ideas:
* **Hebrew Counterpart:** The primary Hebrew word for water is `{{H4325}}` (mayim), which *hýdōr* consistently translates in the Septuagint, carrying over its rich semantic range.
* **Cognates and Derivatives:** Other Greek words derived from or related to the root of *hýdōr* include `{{G5205}}` (hydragōgéō, to draw water), `{{G5206}}` (hydria, water pot), and `{{G5209}}` (hyetos, rain), reinforcing the core concept of water.
* **Baptism:** The act of `{{G908}}` (baptisma), or immersion, is fundamentally tied to water, symbolizing cleansing, death to sin, and new life in Christ.
* **Spirit:** The `{{G4151}}` (pneuma), or Holy Spirit, is frequently associated with "living water," as the divine agent of spiritual life and renewal.
* **Life:** `{{G2222}}` (zoē), meaning life, is inextricably linked to water, both physically and spiritually, as water is essential for sustenance and the Spirit imparts eternal life.
* **Thirst:** The human `{{G1372}}` (dipsa), or thirst, serves as a powerful metaphor for spiritual longing that can only be quenched by the "living water" offered by Christ.
* **Cleansing:** The concept of `{{G2511}}` (katharismos), or purification, is often depicted through the imagery of water, both ritualistically and spiritually.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of *hýdōr* is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Sovereignty and Provision:** From the primordial waters of creation to the life-giving river in the New Jerusalem, *hýdōr* highlights God's sovereign control over the elements and His unwavering provision for His creation, sustaining both physical and spiritual life.
* **Judgment and Redemption:** Water serves as a dual symbol of God's righteous judgment (the Flood) and His redemptive cleansing (baptism, spiritual washing). It underscores the necessity of purification from sin for fellowship with a holy God.
* **The Person and Work of Christ:** Jesus, as the ultimate source of "living water," fulfills the Old Testament prophecies of spiritual provision. His offer of this water signifies His unique ability to quench humanity's deepest spiritual thirst, providing eternal life and the indwelling Spirit. The blood and water flowing from His side on the cross [[John 19:34]] are often interpreted as symbols of His atoning sacrifice and the cleansing power of the Spirit.
* **The Holy Spirit as Life-Giver:** The identification of "living water" with the Holy Spirit profoundly illustrates the Spirit's role in regeneration, sanctification, and empowering believers for a vibrant spiritual life. The Spirit continually refreshes and sustains the believer.
* **Eschatological Fulfillment:** The imagery of the "river of the water of life" in Revelation points to the ultimate state of blessedness in the new heavens and new earth, where God's presence provides unending satisfaction and eternal life, freely accessible to all who thirst.
### Summary
The Greek word ὕδωρ (G5204), *hýdōr*, meaning "water," is a term of immense biblical and theological depth. While literally referring to the essential liquid for physical existence, its semantic range extends to encompass profound spiritual realities. Throughout Scripture, *hýdōr* functions as a powerful symbol of divine provision, cleansing from sin, judgment, and most significantly, the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit received through faith in Jesus Christ. From the waters of creation and the Flood to the "living water" offered by Christ and the "river of the water of life" in the eschatological vision, *hýdōr* consistently points to God's active involvement in sustaining, purifying, and ultimately bringing eternal life to His people.
TRV