Topical Encyclopedia Drowning, as a concept and event, appears in various contexts throughout the Bible, often symbolizing judgment, peril, and divine intervention. It is both a literal and metaphorical theme, illustrating the power of God over the natural world and the consequences of disobedience.The Great Flood The most prominent biblical account involving drowning is the Great Flood, as recorded in Genesis 6-9. This event was a divine judgment upon a world filled with violence and corruption. God instructed Noah to build an ark to save his family and pairs of every living creature. Genesis 7:21-23 states, "And every creature that had moved upon the earth perished—birds, livestock, animals, every creature that swarms upon the earth, and all mankind. Of all that was on dry land, everything that had the breath of life in its nostrils died. And every living thing on the face of the earth was wiped out—man and animals and creatures that move along the ground and birds of the air; they were wiped from the earth. Only Noah and those with him in the ark remained." The Red Sea Crossing Another significant instance of drowning is found in the Exodus narrative. As the Israelites fled Egypt, Pharaoh's army pursued them to the Red Sea. God miraculously parted the waters, allowing the Israelites to cross on dry ground. When the Egyptians followed, the waters returned, drowning the entire army. Exodus 14:28 records, "The waters flowed back and covered the chariots and horsemen—the entire army of Pharaoh that had chased the Israelites into the sea. Not one of them survived." Jonah and the Sea The prophet Jonah's experience also involves the threat of drowning. Fleeing from God's command, Jonah was thrown into the sea during a violent storm. Jonah 1:15 recounts, "At this, they picked up Jonah and threw him into the sea, and the raging sea grew calm." Jonah's near-drowning led to his being swallowed by a great fish, where he spent three days and nights, symbolizing death and resurrection. Metaphorical Use Drowning is also used metaphorically in the Bible to describe overwhelming distress or divine judgment. In Psalm 69:1-2 , David cries out, "Save me, O God, for the waters have risen to my neck. I have sunk into the miry depths, where there is no footing; I have drifted into deep waters, where the flood engulfs me." This imagery conveys a sense of being overwhelmed by troubles and seeking God's deliverance. New Testament References In the New Testament, Jesus demonstrates His authority over the natural world, including water. In Matthew 14:29-31 , Peter walks on water towards Jesus but begins to sink when he doubts. "But when he saw the strength of the wind, he was afraid, and beginning to sink, cried out, 'Lord, save me!' Immediately Jesus reached out His hand and took hold of Peter. 'You of little faith,' He said, 'why did you doubt?'" Symbolism and Theology Drowning in biblical theology often symbolizes the consequences of sin and the need for salvation. It serves as a reminder of God's power to judge and to save. The waters that bring death also bring life, as seen in the waters of baptism, which symbolize dying to sin and rising to new life in Christ (Romans 6:3-4). Throughout Scripture, drowning is a powerful motif that underscores the themes of judgment, deliverance, and the sovereignty of God over creation. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Drown.International Standard Bible Encyclopedia DROWNINGdroun'-ing. See PUNISHMENTS. Greek 638. apopnigo -- to choke ... choke, drown. From apo and pnigo; to stifle (by drowning or overgrowth) -- choke. see GREEK apo. see GREEK pnigo. (apepnige) -- 1 Occurrence. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/638.htm - 7k Library Providential Guidance 'de Profundis' The Young Martyr Unbroken Connection Above. Saved and Saving. Life from the Dead Book 2 Footnotes Marvel Not Jehovah What Carey did for Literature and for Humanity Thesaurus Drowning (3 Occurrences)...DROWNING. droun'-ing. See PUNISHMENTS. ...Drowning (3 Occurrences). Matthew 8:25 So they came and woke Him, crying, "Master, save us, we are drowning!" (WEY). ... /d/drowning.htm - 7k Drown (5 Occurrences) Rabbi (51 Occurrences) Drowned (8 Occurrences) Crying (247 Occurrences) Roused (24 Occurrences) Drowsiness (2 Occurrences) Cried (255 Occurrences) Surging (10 Occurrences) Master (346 Occurrences) Resources How can God be good if He drowned babies in Noah's flood? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Moses in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that the Lord is my Shepherd (Psalm 23)? | GotQuestions.org Drowning: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Drowning (3 Occurrences)Matthew 8:25 Mark 4:38 Luke 8:24 Subtopics Related Terms |
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