Word Research
“Waters” in Scripture: Creation, Symbolism & Prophecy
Throughout the Bible, waters, rivers, and seas can be understood in both literal and symbolic contexts. When interpreting prophetic passages, these elements often take on deeper meanings, representing peoples, nations, and tongues rather than physical bodies of water. Below is a breakdown of how they are used in both ways.
Waters, Rivers, and Seas as Literal Elements
In many passages, waters, rivers, and seas are described as natural, physical features of the earth. These references are not prophetic symbols but refer to actual locations and events.
📖 Examples of Literal Waters, Rivers, and Seas:
Genesis 1:10: “And God called the dry land Earth; and the gathering together of the waters called he Seas: and God saw that it was good.”
Genesis 7:17-20: “And the flood was forty days upon the earth; and the waters increased, and bare up the ark, and it was lift up above the earth. And the waters prevailed, and were increased greatly upon the earth; and the ark went upon the face of the waters. And the waters prevailed exceedingly upon the earth; and all the high hills, that were under the whole heaven, were covered. Fifteen cubits upward did the waters prevail; and the mountains were covered.”
Exodus 14:21-22: “And Moses stretched out his hand over the sea; and the LORD caused the sea to go back by a strong east wind all that night, and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided. And the children of Israel went into the midst of the sea upon the dry ground: and the waters were a wall unto them on their right hand, and on their left.”
Joshua 3:15-16: “And as they that bare the ark were come unto Jordan, and the feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water, (for Jordan overfloweth all his banks all the time of harvest,) That the waters which came down from above stood and rose up upon an heap very far from the city Adam, that is beside Zaretan: and those that came down toward the sea of the plain, even the salt sea, failed, and were cut off: and the people passed over right against Jericho.”
Numbers 20:11: “And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.”
Mark 4:39: “And he arose, and rebuked the wind, and said unto the sea, Peace, be still. And the wind ceased, and there was a great calm.”
In these cases, waters are real and tangible—they play a physical role in history and miracles.
Waters, Rivers, and Seas as Symbols in Bible Prophecy
When used in prophetic language, waters, rivers, and seas frequently symbolize large groups of people, nations, or global movements. These representations align with spiritual and political realities rather than natural bodies of water.
📖 Key Verses Where Waters Symbolize Peoples and Nations:
Revelation 17:15: “And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues.”
Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. (Possibly meaning no more rebellious nations, not just literal water)
Psalm 18:16 “He sent from above, he took me, he drew me out of many waters.”
Isaiah 57:20 “But the wicked are like the troubled sea, when it cannot rest, whose waters cast up mire and dirt.“
Isaiah 17:12-13 “Woe to the multitude of many people, which make a noise like the noise of the seas; and to the rushing of nations, that make a rushing like the rushing of mighty waters! The nations shall rush like the rushing of many waters.”
Daniel 7:2-3 “Daniel spake and said, I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the heaven strove upon the great sea. And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.”
Psalm 65:7 “Which stilleth the noise of the seas, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people.”
Jeremiah 51:42 “The sea is come up upon Babylon: she is covered with the multitude of the waves thereof.“
Ezekiel 26:3 “Therefore thus saith the Lord God; Behold, I am against thee, O Tyrus, and will cause many nations to come up against thee, as the sea causeth his waves to come up.”
Jeremiah 46:7-8 “Who is this that cometh up as a flood, whose waters are moved as the rivers? Egypt riseth up like a flood, and his waters are moved like the rivers.”
Why Water and Sea Symbolism Matters in Prophecy
Prophetic Pattern:
🔹 Seas = Nations and global turmoil (Revelation 17:15, Daniel 7:3)
🔹 Rivers = Political or spiritual forces (Isaiah 8:7-8)
🔹 Floods = Overwhelming attacks, invasions, or judgments (Jeremiah 46:7-8)
🔹 Troubled waters = Wickedness and instability (Isaiah 57:20)
- Seas represent unstable, ever-shifting nations and peoples.
- Beasts (kingdoms/empires) arise from the sea (world of nations).
- When God judges a nation, it is often described as being flooded or overtaken by waters.
- This symbolism plays a crucial role in understanding Revelation, Daniel, and end-time prophecy.
Waters In English
Waters
Waters In Hebrew
מים (mayim)
Waters In Greek
ὕδωρ (húdōr)
Word Count
The terms “waters” and “water” are used multiple times throughout the KJV Bible:
“Water” is mentioned approximately 396 times.
“Waters” is mentioned approximately 82 times.