In biblical contexts, the term "runnels" refers to small streams or rivulets of water. While the specific word "runnels" does not appear in the Berean Standard Bible , the concept is closely related to the imagery of water as a life-giving and purifying force, which is prevalent throughout Scripture. Water is often used symbolically to represent the Holy Spirit, cleansing, and the sustenance provided by God.

Biblical Imagery of Water

Water is a significant motif in the Bible, symbolizing life, purification, and divine provision. In Genesis, the creation narrative begins with the Spirit of God hovering over the waters (Genesis 1:2), indicating the foundational role of water in God's creative work. The Garden of Eden is described as being nourished by a river that divides into four headwaters (Genesis 2:10), illustrating the abundance and life-giving properties of water.

Spiritual Significance

In the New Testament, Jesus refers to Himself as the source of "living water." In His conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well, He declares, "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" (John 4:14). This passage highlights the spiritual sustenance and eternal life that Jesus offers, akin to a perpetual runnel of divine grace flowing into the believer's life.

Cleansing and Renewal

Water is also a symbol of cleansing and renewal. In the Old Testament, the ritual use of water for purification is evident in the laws given to Israel. The priests were required to wash themselves before approaching the altar (Exodus 30:18-21), signifying the need for purity in the presence of God. This theme is echoed in the New Testament, where baptism represents the washing away of sin and the believer's new life in Christ (Acts 22:16).

Prophetic Imagery

The prophets often used water imagery to convey messages of hope and restoration. In Isaiah, the promise of God's provision is likened to streams in the desert: "For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out My Spirit on your offspring, and My blessing on your descendants" (Isaiah 44:3). This prophetic vision underscores the transformative power of God's Spirit, bringing life and renewal to barren places.

Eschatological Vision

The book of Revelation culminates in a vision of the New Jerusalem, where the "river of the water of life" flows from the throne of God and the Lamb (Revelation 22:1). This eschatological image represents the ultimate fulfillment of God's promise to sustain and nurture His people, with the runnels of divine grace flowing eternally in the restored creation.

In summary, while the term "runnels" itself is not explicitly found in the BSB, the concept is deeply embedded in the biblical narrative through the pervasive and powerful imagery of water. This imagery serves as a reminder of God's provision, the cleansing power of His Spirit, and the promise of eternal life through Jesus Christ.

The Hermit and the Boy
... As though amid the spiteful flash of petty runnels turbid with shallow mud,
he heard the far-off voices of the great sea of eternity. ...
/.../chapter v the hermit and.htm

Letter R
... Located 1781 * Ruger, Morgan "Received 1829 * Rumph, Christian "Received 1807 *
Rumph, Jacob "Received 1808, Died 1813 * Runnels, William "Received ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bangs/an alphabetical list of m e preachers/letter r.htm

Runnels (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Runnels (2 Occurrences). Genesis 30:38 He set the
rods which he had peeled opposite the flocks in the gutters ...
/r/runnels.htm - 7k

Runner (5 Occurrences)

/r/runner.htm - 9k

Runagate

/r/runagate.htm - 6k

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