The meaning of “ὕδωρ”
Understanding hýdōr reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
water. - water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively
ὕδωρ
water. - water (as if rainy) literally or figuratively
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Matthew 14:28 | “And Peter answered him and said, Lord, if it be thou, bid me come unto thee on the water.” Word: ὕδωρ (hýdōr) | |
| Luke 8:25 | “And he said unto them, Where is your faith? And they being afraid wondered, saying one to another, What manner of man is this! for he commandeth even the winds and water, and they obey him.” Word: ὕδωρ (hýdōr) | |
| Acts 8:39 | “And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the Lord caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing.” Word: ὕδωρ (hýdōr) | |
| Hebrews 10:22 | “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water.” Word: ὕδωρ (hýdōr) | |
| 1 Peter 3:20 | “Which sometime were disobedient, when once the longsuffering of God waited in the days of Noah, while the ark was a preparing, wherein few, that is, eight souls were saved by water.” Word: ὕδωρ (hýdōr) |
Theological Word Study: Water
Old Testament Usage
Meaning: Water, waters
The Hebrew mayim (מַיִם) means water—essential for life and symbol of cleansing and blessing. God promised to 'pour water upon him that is thirsty' (Isaiah 44:3) and provide 'living waters' (Jeremiah 2:13).
New Testament Usage
Meaning: Water
The Greek hudor (ὕδωρ) denotes water. Jesus offered 'living water' to the Samaritan woman (John 4:10), and proclaimed 'If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink' (John 7:37).