Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Significance: Thirst, in the biblical context, often represents both a physical need and a spiritual metaphor. Physically, it refers to the body's craving for water, a fundamental necessity for life. Spiritually, thirst symbolizes a deep yearning for God and His righteousness, reflecting the soul's desire for spiritual fulfillment and communion with the Creator. Old Testament References: In the Old Testament, thirst is frequently mentioned in the context of the Israelites' journey through the wilderness. God provided water miraculously to quench their physical thirst, demonstrating His provision and care. In Exodus 17:6 , God instructs Moses, "Behold, I will stand there before you by the rock at Horeb. When you strike the rock, water will come out of it for the people to drink." This event not only satisfied their immediate need but also served as a testament to God's faithfulness. The Psalms often use thirst as a metaphor for spiritual longing. Psalm 42:1-2 expresses this yearning: "As the deer pants for streams of water, so my soul longs after You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, the living God. When shall I come and appear in God’s presence?" Here, the psalmist equates physical thirst with a deep spiritual desire to be in God's presence. New Testament References: In the New Testament, Jesus addresses both physical and spiritual thirst. In John 4:13-14 , during His conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well, Jesus declares, "Everyone who drinks this water will be thirsty again. 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." Jesus offers Himself as the source of living water, satisfying the deepest spiritual thirst. Furthermore, in John 7:37-38 , Jesus proclaims during the Feast of Tabernacles, "If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink. Whoever believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." This invitation highlights the promise of the Holy Spirit, who indwells believers and fulfills their spiritual needs. Theological Implications: Thirst, as a spiritual metaphor, underscores humanity's inherent need for God. It reflects the soul's recognition of its insufficiency apart from divine grace and the fulfillment found only in a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. The imagery of thirst and water in Scripture points to the essential nature of God's presence and the life-giving power of His Word and Spirit. Practical Application: Believers are encouraged to cultivate a spiritual thirst for God, seeking Him earnestly in prayer, worship, and the study of Scripture. This pursuit leads to a deeper understanding of God's character and a more intimate relationship with Him. As Jesus promised, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness will be filled (Matthew 5:6), emphasizing the blessedness of those who earnestly seek God. Conclusion: While the Bible does not explicitly conclude on the topic of thirst, it consistently presents God as the ultimate source of satisfaction for both physical and spiritual needs. Through Christ, believers are invited to experience the fullness of life that quenches the deepest longings of the soul. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) A sensation of dryness in the throat associated with a craving for liquids, produced by deprivation of drink, or by some other cause (as fear, excitement, etc.) which arrests the secretion of the pharyngeal mucous membrane; hence, the condition producing this sensation.2. (n.) Fig.: A want and eager desire after anything; a craving or longing; -- usually with for, of, or after; as, the thirst for gold. 3. (n.) To feel thirst; to experience a painful or uneasy sensation of the throat or fauces, as for want of drink. 4. (n.) To have a vehement desire. 5. (v. t.) To have a thirst for. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia THIRSTthurst (tsama', verb tsame'; dipsao, dipsos, dipsa): One of the most powerful natural appetities, the craving for water or other drink. Besides its natural significance, thirst is figuratively used of strong spiritual desire. The soul thirsts for God (Psalm 42:2; Psalm 63:1). Jesus meets the soul's thirst with water of life (John 4:13; 6:35; 7:37). It is said of the heavenly bliss, "They shall hunger no more; neither thirst any more" (Revelation 7:16, 17; compare Isaiah 49:10). Greek 1372. dipsao -- to thirst ... to thirst. Part of Speech: Verb Transliteration: dipsao Phonetic Spelling: (dip-sah'-o) Short Definition: I thirst for, desire earnestly Definition: I thirst ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1372.htm - 7k 1373. dipsos -- thirst Strong's Hebrew 6772. tsama -- thirst... 6771, 6772. tsama. 6773 . thirst. Transliteration: tsama Phonetic Spelling: (tsaw-maw') Short Definition: thirst. Word Origin from ... /hebrew/6772.htm - 6k 6773. tsimah -- parched condition 6770. tsame -- to be thirsty 3864. Lubim -- inhab. of N. Africa 5315. nephesh -- a soul, living being, life, self, person, desire ... 6771. tsame -- thirsty 7301. ravah -- to be saturated, drink one's fill Library I Thirst for Love Thirst and Satisfaction The Thirst of God "The Spiritual Thirst (Which was in Him from Without Beginning) is ... Knox Little -- Thirst Satisfied The Divine Hunger and Thirst Whether Pleasure Causes Thirst or Desire for Itself? The Thirst of the Rich Man in Hell Does not Prove the Soul to be ... The Divine Hunger and Thirst. December 14. LM Miss Bremer. Thirst for Living Waters. Thesaurus Thirst (40 Occurrences)... 2. (n.) Fig.: A want and eager desire after anything; a craving or longing; -- usually with for, of, or after; as, the thirst for gold. ...THIRST. ... /t/thirst.htm - 20k Quench (14 Occurrences) Thirsty (38 Occurrences) Thirsted (6 Occurrences) Nakedness (50 Occurrences) Parched (37 Occurrences) Toil (66 Occurrences) Drinketh (33 Occurrences) Drinks (28 Occurrences) Sleepless (2 Occurrences) Resources What does it mean that blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did Jesus say, “I thirst,” from the cross? | GotQuestions.org What did Jesus mean when He said, “I am the Bread of Life” (John 6:35)? | GotQuestions.org Thirst: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Thirst (40 Occurrences)Matthew 5:6 Matthew 25:35 Matthew 25:42 John 4:13 John 4:14 John 4:15 John 6:35 John 7:37 John 19:28 Romans 12:20 1 Corinthians 4:11 2 Corinthians 6:5 2 Corinthians 11:27 1 Peter 2:2 Revelation 7:16 Exodus 17:3 Deuteronomy 8:15 Deuteronomy 28:48 Judges 15:18 2 Chronicles 32:11 Nehemiah 9:15 Nehemiah 9:20 Job 24:11 Psalms 69:21 Psalms 104:11 Proverbs 25:21 Isaiah 5:13 Isaiah 29:8 Isaiah 41:17 Isaiah 48:21 Isaiah 49:10 Isaiah 50:2 Isaiah 65:13 Jeremiah 2:25 Jeremiah 46:10 Jeremiah 48:18 Lamentations 4:4 Hosea 2:3 Amos 8:11 Amos 8:13 Subtopics Thirst: Figurative of the Ardent Desire of the Devout Mind Related Terms |
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