### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **nâhâr**, represented by `{{H5104}}`, is a common term for a **river** or **stream**. According to its usage statistics, it appears **120 times** across **109 unique verses** in the Bible. Its base definition includes not only literal bodies of water like the Nile and Euphrates but also figurative concepts such as prosperity and overwhelming floods. This word serves as a crucial element in both the geography and theology of the scriptures.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical narratives, `{{H5104}}` denotes significant geographical and spiritual locations. It is used to identify major rivers like the Euphrates, which formed a boundary in God's covenant with Abram [[Genesis 15:18]], and the river Chebar, where Ezekiel received divine visions while among the captives [[Ezekiel 1:1]]. The term is also translated as "flood" to refer to the great river separating the Israelites' ancestral homeland, as when Joshua references the fathers who served other gods "on the other side of the flood" [[Joshua 24:14-15]]. Figuratively, a **river** can represent God's blessing, such as peace extended "like a river" [[Isaiah 66:12]], or a destructive force, as when an enemy comes in "like a flood" [[Isaiah 59:19]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help define the scope of water bodies in the Bible:
* `{{H2975}}` **yᵉʼôr** (river, stream): This word, of Egyptian origin, often refers specifically to the Nile or Tigris. It is used alongside `{{H5104}}` in describing the waters of Egypt that were turned to blood [[Exodus 7:19]].
* `{{H5158}}` **nachal** (stream, brook): Often a winter torrent or the valley it runs through, this term is used to describe a "flowing stream" in parallel with the "river" of peace God promises [[Isaiah 66:12]].
* `{{H6388}}` **peleg** (rill, river, stream): This term for a small channel of water is used to describe the "streams" of the **river** that makes the city of God glad [[Psalms 46:4]].
* `{{H3220}}` **yâm** (sea): As a large body of water, it often appears in contrast or conjunction with `{{H5104}}` to define the full extent of a territory, such as a dominion stretching "from sea even to sea, and from the **river** even to the ends of the earth" [[Zechariah 9:10]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H5104}}` is demonstrated through its various symbolic applications:
* **Divine Provision:** God promises to create **rivers** in the desert, symbolizing His miraculous ability to provide for His people in desolate places and turn wilderness into a place of life ([[Isaiah 41:18]], [[Isaiah 43:19]]).
* **Covenant Boundaries:** The word is foundational to the geography of God's promises, defining the borders of the land given to Abraham's seed from the **river** of Egypt to the Euphrates [[Genesis 15:18]]. It also marks the line of exile for a disobedient Israel [[1 Kings 14:15]].
* **Symbol of Peace and Prosperity:** Righteousness and peace are metaphorically depicted as being as abundant and steady as a **river** [[Isaiah 48:18]]. In contrast, the absence of prosperity is to not see "the floods, the brooks of honey and butter" [[Job 20:17]].
* **Manifestation of God's Power:** The **floods** can lift their voice, personifying the power of nature that is subject to God [[Psalms 93:3]]. God's power is displayed when He dries up rivers [[Nahum 1:4]], cleaves the earth with them [[Habakkuk 3:9]], or turns them into a wilderness [[Isaiah 50:2]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5104}}` is a term with deep significance beyond its literal meaning of a river. It acts as a geographical marker defining nations, covenant lands, and places of exile. At the same time, it serves as a powerful symbol for God's character, representing His life-giving provision, His promised peace, the overwhelming force of His judgment, and the sites of profound spiritual encounters.
TRV