מַיִם

מַיִם

water; figuratively, juice; by euphemism, urine, semen

Definition

The Hebrew word מַיִם (mayim) primarily means 'water' in its most basic, literal sense, referring to the liquid essential for life, as seen in the creation narrative (Genesis 1:2, 6-10). It also carries significant figurative meanings, representing life-giving sustenance, such as juice from grapes (Numbers 6:3), and is used euphemistically for bodily fluids like urine (2 Kings 18:27) and semen (Leviticus 15:16). In a broader symbolic context, it can denote chaos, judgment, or purification, as in the waters of the flood (Genesis 7:7) or ritual washing (Exodus 30:18).

Biblical Usage

מַיִם is used over 500 times across all genres of the Old Testament, making it one of the most common nouns. It appears frequently in narrative contexts describing physical water sources like springs, rivers, and rain (e.g., Genesis 21:19, 1 Kings 18:41). It is central to legal and ritual texts for purification (Leviticus 11:36) and in poetic and prophetic books as a powerful metaphor for turmoil, blessing, or divine judgment (Psalm 69:1-2, Isaiah 43:2, Jeremiah 47:2). Its usage spans from the primordial waters in Genesis to the river of life in Ezekiel's visions (Ezekiel 47:1-12).

Etymology

The word מַיִם is grammatically a dual form (ending in -ayim), which typically indicates a pair, but it is used almost exclusively as a singular noun for 'water.' This duality may reflect the ancient Near Eastern concept of water existing in two fundamental states or realms: the waters above and the waters below (Genesis 1:7). It is derived from a primitive root, with cognates in other Semitic languages like Ugaritic (my) and Arabic (māʾ), all meaning 'water.'

Semantic Range

Water (מַיִם) is profoundly theological in the Hebrew Bible. It is an agent of both creation and destruction, seen at the world's beginning (Genesis 1:2) and in the flood narrative (Genesis 7). It symbolizes God's provision and blessing (Psalm 23:2), spiritual cleansing (Ezekiel 36:25), and the chaos from which God brings order. In prophetic literature, living water represents God's Spirit and future salvation (Isaiah 12:3, 44:3). Understanding this range enriches reading, revealing water as a dynamic symbol of life, judgment, and renewal central to God's interaction with creation and humanity. In the arid climate of the ancient Near East, מַיִם was not a mundane resource but a precious and sometimes scarce commodity essential for survival. Its control and availability were directly tied to life, prosperity, and divine favor. This cultural reality amplifies its metaphorical power in scripture—thirst and drought signify judgment and distance from God, while abundant water signifies His presence and blessing. Ritual uses of water for purification (e.g., mikveh) were deeply embedded in Israelite worship and daily life, emphasizing spiritual cleanliness. נָהָר (nahar, H5104) — a river or flowing stream, emphasizing a permanent, channeled watercourse. שֶׁלֶג (sheleg, H7950) — snow, a specific, solid form of water. תְּהוֹם (tehom, H8415) — the deep or abyss, often referring to primordial or chaotic waters. מַעְיָן (ma'yan, H4599) — a spring or fountain, a source of fresh water.

Word Details