### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **sâchûw**, represented by `{{H7813}}`, means **to swim in** or a pond for swimming. It appears only **1 time** in the entire Bible, making its single appearance in the book of Ezekiel particularly significant. Its sole use describes a body of water so deep that it cannot be crossed by wading, only by swimming.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The single biblical context for `{{H7813}}` is found in Ezekiel's vision of a life-giving river flowing from the temple [[Ezekiel 47:5]]. In this vision, a man with a measuring line measures a **thousand** `{{H505}}` cubits, and the **river** `{{H5158}}` has become so deep that the prophet **could** `{{H3201}}` not **pass over** `{{H5674}}` it. The **waters** `{{H4325}}` had **risen** `{{H1342}}`, becoming "waters **to swim in**," a river that was impassable.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words from its context illuminate the meaning of `{{H7813}}`:
* `{{H4325}}` **mayim** (water): This is the essential element being described. Scripture uses it to symbolize life, cleansing, and divine blessing, as when God promises to pour **water** on the thirsty [[Isaiah 44:3]].
* `{{H5158}}` **nachal** (river, stream): This word defines the setting. In the vision, the **river** is the conduit of divine life flowing from the sanctuary. It can also refer to a torrent or a valley, often associated with God's provision and righteousness [[Amos 5:24]].
* `{{H1342}}` **gâʼâh** (to be risen): This verb describes the state of the waters, which have mounted up and increased. It signifies a swelling or rising that is beyond normal levels, also used to describe God who has **triumphed** gloriously [[Exodus 15:1]].
* `{{H5674}}` **ʻâbar** (to cross over): This word is used twice in [[Ezekiel 47:5]] to emphasize that the river could not be crossed by foot. Its impassibility highlights the depth and power of the water, a barrier that God himself helps his people **pass through** in other contexts [[Isaiah 43:2]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H7813}}` is derived entirely from its unique context in Ezekiel's vision.
* **Immersive Blessing:** The progression to "waters to swim in" illustrates a divine blessing that is no longer something one can simply walk through or control. It demands full immersion and surrender, signifying an overwhelming experience of God's presence and life.
* **Divine Immeasurability:** The river becomes a powerful symbol of God's work, which cannot be fully **measured** `{{H4058}}` or contained by human standards. It grows beyond what can be waded through, becoming a **river** `{{H5158}}` that cannot be **passed over** `{{H5674}}`, pointing to the infinite and unstoppable nature of God's plan.
* **From Provision to Abundance:** The image moves beyond simple provision, like a drinkable brook, to one of overwhelming abundance. This river is not just for sustenance but represents a reality so vast it can only be experienced by being fully enveloped in it, as seen in the promise of a "river of thy pleasures" [[Psalms 36:8]].
### Summary
In summary, while `{{H7813}}` is one of the rarest words in the Old Testament, its single use offers a profound image. It marks the transition point in Ezekiel's vision where the river of God becomes so abundant that human effort is insufficient. The term **sâchûw** captures a call to move beyond merely observing God's blessing and to fully immerse oneself in the immeasurable, life-giving flow of His presence.
TRV