Wells: Flgurative without Water
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In biblical literature, wells often symbolize sources of life, sustenance, and spiritual nourishment. However, the concept of "wells without water" is used figuratively to describe entities or individuals that promise much but deliver little, offering the appearance of life-giving sustenance but ultimately failing to provide true spiritual nourishment.

The apostle Peter uses this metaphor in his second epistle to describe false teachers and prophets. In 2 Peter 2:17 , he writes, "These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them." Here, the imagery of "springs without water" underscores the emptiness and deceit of those who lead others astray with false teachings. They appear to offer spiritual refreshment and truth, yet they are devoid of the life-giving substance they promise, leaving their followers spiritually parched and unfulfilled.

This metaphor aligns with the broader biblical theme of discerning true spiritual nourishment from false promises. In the Old Testament, the prophet Jeremiah laments the spiritual state of Israel, comparing their pursuit of false gods to forsaking "the fountain of living water" (Jeremiah 2:13) for broken cisterns that cannot hold water. This imagery highlights the futility and danger of seeking life and fulfillment outside of God's provision.

The concept of "wells without water" also serves as a warning to believers to remain vigilant and discerning. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is presented as the true source of living water. In John 4:14 , He declares, "But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life." This promise contrasts sharply with the empty promises of false teachers, emphasizing the sufficiency and reliability of Christ as the ultimate source of spiritual life and satisfaction.

In the broader context of Christian teaching, the metaphor of "wells without water" challenges believers to evaluate the sources from which they seek spiritual guidance and nourishment. It calls for a reliance on the truth of Scripture and the person of Jesus Christ, who alone can satisfy the deepest spiritual thirst. The imagery serves as a reminder of the importance of sound doctrine and the dangers of being led astray by teachings that lack the substance and truth found in the Word of God.
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Jeremiah 15:18
Why is my pain perpetual, and my wound incurable, which refuses to be healed? will you be altogether to me as a liar, and as waters that fail?
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2 Peter 2:17
These are wells without water, clouds that are carried with a tempest; to whom the mist of darkness is reserved for ever.
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Resources
What is the significance of Dothan in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

How can the light of stars billions of light years away from the earth have reached us if the earth is only thousands of years old? | GotQuestions.org

Who was Isaac in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

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Subtopics

Wells

Wells and Springs

Wells of Jacob

Wells of Solomon

Wells of the Holy Spirit in Saints

Wells of the Mouth of the Righteous

Wells of the Ordinances of the Church

Wells of Uzziah

Wells of Wisdom and Understanding in Man

Wells were a Frequent Cause of Strife

Wells were often Stopped up by Enemies

Wells: (A Fruitful Bough By) of Joseph's Numerous Posterity

Wells: (Drinking from One's Own) of Enjoyment of Domestic

Wells: (Without Water) Hypocrites

Wells: At Haran

Wells: Beer (East of Jordan)

Wells: Beerlahairoi

Wells: Beer-Sheba

Wells: Bethlehem

Wells: Canaan Abounded With

Wells: Elim

Wells: Esek

Wells: First Mention of

Wells: Flgurative of Salvation

Wells: Flgurative without Water

Wells: Frequented by Travellers

Wells: Frequented by Women Who Came to Draw Water

Wells: Frequently Made in the Courts of Houses

Wells: Frequently Made in the Desert

Wells: Frequently Made: Near Encampments

Wells: Frequently Made: Outside Cities

Wells: had Troughs Placed Near for Watering Cattle

Wells: Hagar

Wells: Haran

Wells: Jacob

Wells: Many Supplied from Lebanon

Wells: Names often Given To

Wells: Often Afforded No Water

Wells: Often Covered to Prevent Their Being Filled With Sand

Wells: Often Deep and Difficult to Draw From

Wells: Rehoboth

Wells: Sitnah

Wells: Strangers not to Draw From, Without Permission

Wells: Supplied by Springs

Wells: Supplied by the Rain

Wells: Surrounded by Trees

Wells: The Occasion of Feuds: Between Abraham and Abimelech

Wells: The Occasion of Feuds: Between Isaac and Abimelech

Wells: Water of, Frequently Sold

Related Terms

Watered (28 Occurrences)

Flocks (128 Occurrences)

Flock (242 Occurrences)

Rolled (38 Occurrences)

Shepherds (55 Occurrences)

Thither (119 Occurrences)

Roll (57 Occurrences)

Wells (15 Occurrences)

Sheep (413 Occurrences)

Gathered (384 Occurrences)

Stone (290 Occurrences)

Uncle's (7 Occurrences)

Groats (4 Occurrences)

Well-said (1 Occurrence)

Mother's (102 Occurrences)

Bruised (36 Occurrences)

Collected (55 Occurrences)

Strewed (8 Occurrences)

Rachel (42 Occurrences)

Return (499 Occurrences)

Laban (52 Occurrences)

Scattered (122 Occurrences)

Mouth (534 Occurrences)

Can't (180 Occurrences)

Beside (326 Occurrences)

Thereon (90 Occurrences)

Daughter (320 Occurrences)

Corn (107 Occurrences)

Large (235 Occurrences)

Lying (203 Occurrences)

Field (390 Occurrences)

Covering (191 Occurrences)

Well (2882 Occurrences)

Jacob (361 Occurrences)

Wells: Flgurative of Salvation
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