Living Water: ὕδωρ (Strong’s G5204: hydor) Flows with Divine Life

Strong’s G5204: From a primitive root; water in its natural state and metaphorically as a symbol of spiritual life and cleansing. Used extensively in Scripture for both physical needs and spiritual realities, particularly in baptism and as a symbol of the Holy Spirit.

U- Unveiling the Word

The word ὕδωρ carries profound significance throughout Scripture, representing both physical sustenance and spiritual truth. In its literal sense, it denotes water in its natural state – essential for life and cleansing. However, its theological significance extends far deeper, symbolizing spiritual cleansing in baptism, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and eternal life flowing from the Messiah. The early church fathers extensively used this word in their teachings about baptism and spiritual regeneration. They saw in it the connection between physical water’s life-giving properties and the spiritual life given by God. Today, this word continues to remind us of both our physical dependence on water and our deeper spiritual need for the “living water” that only the Messiah can provide.

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N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: ὕδωρ, hydor, /HOO-dor/
• Detailed pronunciation: HOO (as in “who”) – dor (as in “door”)
• Part of Speech: Noun

Etymology:

• From Proto-Indo-European *wódr̥ (water)
• Root word with no prefixes or suffixes
• Forms basis for many compound words like hydrology
• Cognate with Latin “unda” and English “water”

D – Defining Meanings

• Primary meanings:

1. Water in its natural state
2. Drinking water
3. Water for washing/cleansing
4. Living water (metaphorically)
5. Baptismal water

For compound words: Not applicable as this is a primitive root word

Translation Options:

1. “Water” – basic meaning for most contexts
2. “Waters” – when referring to bodies of water
3. “Living water” – in metaphorical spiritual contexts

E – Exploring Similar Words

• πηγή (pege) /pay-GAY/ – spring or fountain See G4077
• ποταμός (potamos) /pot-am-OS/ – river or flood See G4215
• θάλασσα (thalassa) /thal-AS-sah/ – sea See G2281

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

Noun Features:

• Case: Nominative, Accusative, Genitive, Dative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Neuter
• Declension: Third (with irregular forms)

Examples:

• ὕδωρ (nominative/accusative singular)
• ὕδατος (genitive singular)
• ὕδατι (dative singular)
• ὕδατα (nominative/accusative plural)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG highlights both the literal and metaphorical uses of ὕδωρ, emphasizing its significance in baptismal contexts. Thayer’s explores its various uses from natural water to spiritual symbolism. LSJ provides extensive documentation of its use in classical Greek literature across many contexts. Vine’s emphasizes its spiritual significance, particularly in John’s Gospel. Moulton and Milligan note its common usage in papyri for both practical and religious purposes. The lexicons collectively demonstrate that ὕδωρ carries rich theological significance while maintaining its practical meaning as an essential element for life.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
Matthew 3:11: “I indeed baptize you with [ὕδωρ] water unto repentance: but he that cometh after me is mightier than I.”

Additional References:
Matthew 3:16
John 3:5
John 4:10
John 4:14
John 7:38
Acts 8:36
Acts 10:47
Ephesians 5:26
Hebrews 10:22

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

The richness of ὕδωρ in Scripture reveals God’s provision for both physical and spiritual life. From the waters of creation to the living water offered by the Messiah, this word connects our basic need for physical sustenance with our deeper spiritual thirst. The good news is that just as water sustains physical life, the Messiah offers living water that satisfies our spiritual thirst eternally. Through baptism, this water symbolizes our death to sin and resurrection to new life in Him, while the promise of living water points to the eternal life He freely gives.

D – Did You Know?

1. This word appears in the oldest known Greek inscriptions
2. It forms the root of over 100 English words beginning with “hydro-“
3. In John’s Gospel, it appears more times than in any other New Testament book

Strong’s G5204: From a primitive root; water in its natural state and metaphorically as a symbol of spiritual life and cleansing. Used extensively in Scripture for both physical needs and spiritual realities, particularly in baptism and as a symbol of the Holy Spirit.

Part of speech: Noun (Neuter)

Tags: water, baptism, cleansing, living water, Holy Spirit, John’s Gospel, purification, spiritual life, creation, salvation, regeneration, eternal life, physical needs, spiritual thirst, divine provision​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​