Dictionary of Bible Themes: 4278 spring of water

4278 spring of water

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 4000 Creation » 4200 Places » 4278 spring of water

Springs of water were important to the life of Israel, providing fresh water for the people. Both God and the gospel are often compared to springs of living water, on account of their life-bringing and refreshing qualities.

The symbolic importance of springs of water to Israel

Living water as a sign of hope and prosperity

Zechariah 14:8 See also Isaiah 12:3; Isaiah 49:10; Jeremiah 31:9

Living water as a source of fertility

Jeremiah 17:8 See also Psalm 1:3

Living water as a sign of God's presence and power

Exodus 17:1-7; Numbers 20:1-11

God as a spring of water

Jeremiah 2:13 See also Jeremiah 17:13

The gospel as a spring of water

John 4:13-14 See also Psalm 42:2; Isaiah 55:1; John 7:37; Revelation 21:6; Revelation 22:17

Other biblical uses of the image of a spring

Proverbs 25:26 spoiling what is good; James 3:9-11 the tongue compared to a spring; 2 Peter 2:17 a dry spring as a symbol of sterility