The term "swimmest" is an archaic form of the verb "swim," which appears in older translations of the Bible. While the Berean Standard Bible does not use this specific form, the concept of swimming is present in the biblical narrative and can be explored through various passages and themes.

Biblical Context and References

Swimming, as an activity, is not frequently mentioned in the Bible, but water and bodies of water play significant roles throughout the Scriptures. The act of swimming can be inferred in certain passages where individuals interact with water, demonstrating human ability and survival instincts.

One of the most notable references to swimming, though not explicitly using the term, is found in the account of Jonah. After being thrown into the sea, Jonah's experience in the water is a pivotal moment that leads to his encounter with the great fish (Jonah 1:15-17). While the text does not describe Jonah swimming, his survival in the sea suggests a struggle with the waters.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul’s shipwreck on the way to Rome provides another implicit reference to swimming. Acts 27:42-44 describes how the soldiers planned to kill the prisoners to prevent their escape by swimming, but the centurion, wanting to save Paul, ordered those who could swim to jump overboard first and get to land. This passage highlights swimming as a means of salvation and survival.

Symbolic and Theological Implications

Water in the Bible often symbolizes chaos, danger, and the unknown, as well as purification and new life. The act of swimming can be seen as a metaphor for navigating the challenges and trials of life with faith and perseverance. Just as swimming requires skill and effort to stay afloat and reach safety, believers are called to rely on their faith to overcome spiritual and moral challenges.

Theologically, swimming can also be associated with baptism, a sacrament that involves immersion in water. Baptism symbolizes the believer's identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. While not directly related to swimming, the immersion aspect of baptism connects to the broader theme of water as a medium of transformation and renewal.

Practical Lessons and Applications

From a practical standpoint, the concept of swimming in the Bible encourages believers to trust in God's provision and protection when facing life's turbulent waters. Just as those who could swim were able to reach safety in Acts 27, Christians are reminded to equip themselves with spiritual disciplines and the Word of God to navigate life's challenges.

Moreover, swimming as a metaphor for spiritual endurance underscores the importance of community and support. In the biblical narrative, individuals often find safety and deliverance through the help and guidance of others, reflecting the communal nature of the Christian faith.

In summary, while the specific term "swimmest" may not appear in modern translations like the Berean Standard Bible, the concept of swimming is woven into the biblical narrative through accounts of survival, faith, and divine intervention. These themes offer rich insights into the spiritual journey and the believer's reliance on God's grace and strength.6824. tsaphah -- an outflow
... Word Origin from tsuph Definition an outflow NASB Word Usage discharge (1). swim.
From tsaphah; an inundation (as covering) -- X swimmest. see HEBREW tsaphah. ...
/hebrew/6824.htm - 6kSwimmest (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Swimmest (1 Occurrence). Ezekiel 32:6 I will also
water with thy blood the land wherein thou swimmest, even ...
/s/swimmest.htm - 6k

Water-courses (9 Occurrences)
... (DBY). Ezekiel 32:6 and I will water with thy blood the land wherein thou swimmest,
even to the mountains; and the water-courses shall be full of thee. (DBY). ...
/w/water-courses.htm - 9k

Channels (10 Occurrences)
... (See JPS). Ezekiel 32:6 I will also water with thy blood the land wherein thou swimmest,
even to the mountains; and the watercourses shall be full of thee. ...
/c/channels.htm - 9k

Swimmer (1 Occurrence)

/s/swimmer.htm - 6k

Swimmeth (1 Occurrence)

/s/swimmeth.htm - 6k

Rivers (81 Occurrences)
... Ezekiel 32:6 I will also water with thy blood the land wherein thou swimmest, even
to the mountains; and the rivers shall be full of thee. (KJV WBS). ...
/r/rivers.htm - 32k

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