ῥέω (rheō)
rheō
to flow
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
The verb rheō simply means to flow or run like a liquid. In the New Testament, it appears only once, in John 7:38. Here Jesus speaks of rivers of living water flowing from within a believer. The image is physical and immediate, describing a steady, continuous movement rather than a sudden splash.
Its usage connects to the Old Testament concept of streams, often translating Hebrew words for flowing water. This single occurrence anchors the metaphor in tangible reality. The flow is not static; it suggests an active, outward movement from an inner source, emphasizing vitality and abundance in the spiritual life described by John.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word rheō describes a natural, continuous movement, like a stream finding its way downhill. In John 7:38, Jesus uses this image to describe the life of someone who trusts in Him. He speaks of rivers of living water flowing from within. This is not a quiet puddle but an active current that moves outward.
For your daily walk, this suggests that faith is not meant to be stored away inside you. It is meant to move. When you are connected to Christ, that connection produces life that spills over into your relationships and actions. You do not have to force this flow; it happens as you remain close to Him.
This promise offers comfort when you feel dry or stuck. The source of the water is not your own effort but His Spirit. As you rest in that truth, you can trust that life will continue to move through you, even in small ways, bringing refreshment to those around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- will flow1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- ῥεύσουσιν1×
Key Verses
-
John 7:38
He who believes in me, as the Scripture has said, from within him will flow rivers of living water.”
This verse uses rheō to depict the Spirit's work as an internal source that actively flows outward, rather than remaining static within the believer.