ὕδωρ (hudōr, hudatos)

The Greek noun hudōr refers simply to water in its physical form, whether from rivers, springs, or the sea. In the New Testament it appears 71 times, with notable frequency in the Gospel of John and Revelation. It serves as a basic term for this essential element, appearing in contexts ranging from Jesus walking on the Sea of Galilee (Matthew 14:28-29) to the water drawn by the Samaritan woman at Jacob’s well (John 4:7).

Beyond its literal sense, hudōr carries significant metaphorical weight. John the Baptist contrasts his own baptism with water against the coming one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire (Matthew 3:11). Jesus expands this imagery by speaking of "living water" that becomes a spring within believers, pointing to spiritual refreshment rather than physical hydration (John 4:10-11). This dual usage—physical necessity and spiritual symbol—anchors the word’s theological depth.

Translators typically render hudōr as "water," preserving its straightforward nature while allowing context to reveal deeper meanings. The word appears in diverse settings, from the wedding at Cana where water turned to wine (John 2:9) to the final vision of the New Jerusalem flowing with the water of life (Revelation 22:1). Its consistent presence underscores water’s role as both a tangible reality and a powerful symbol of divine grace throughout Scripture.