The term "swam" is not directly mentioned in the Bible; however, the concept of swimming or moving through water can be inferred from various biblical narratives and contexts. In the ancient Near Eastern context, large bodies of water often symbolized chaos and danger, yet they also represented God's power and provision.

Biblical Context and Symbolism

1. Creation and Order: In Genesis 1, God creates the heavens and the earth, and the waters are separated to bring order out of chaos. While the act of swimming is not described, the control over water is a testament to God's sovereignty. The separation of waters (Genesis 1:6-10) establishes boundaries, allowing for the creation of dry land.

2. The Red Sea Crossing: One of the most significant water-related events in the Bible is the crossing of the Red Sea (Exodus 14). The Israelites, led by Moses, pass through the sea on dry ground as God parts the waters. This miraculous event does not involve swimming but highlights God's deliverance and power over the natural elements. The Egyptians, who pursue the Israelites, are engulfed by the waters, demonstrating the peril of the sea without divine intervention.

3. The Jordan River: Similar to the Red Sea, the crossing of the Jordan River by the Israelites (Joshua 3) is another instance where God parts the waters. The priests carrying the Ark of the Covenant step into the river, and the waters are halted, allowing the people to cross on dry ground. This event underscores God's continued guidance and provision as the Israelites enter the Promised Land.

4. Jonah and the Great Fish: The account of Jonah involves a direct encounter with the sea. Jonah, fleeing from God's command, is thrown into the sea and swallowed by a great fish (Jonah 1:15-17). While Jonah does not swim, his experience in the water signifies God's control over creation and His ability to use even the sea to fulfill His purposes.

5. New Testament References: In the New Testament, water continues to play a significant role. Jesus walks on water (Matthew 14:22-33), demonstrating His authority over nature. The Sea of Galilee, a central location in Jesus' ministry, is the site of many miracles and teachings. While swimming is not explicitly mentioned, the disciples' experiences on the water often reveal their faith and reliance on Jesus.

Theological Implications

The biblical narratives involving water often emphasize themes of salvation, judgment, and divine authority. Water serves as both a means of deliverance and a symbol of chaos that only God can control. The absence of swimming in these accounts may reflect the ancient understanding of water as a domain requiring divine intervention rather than human mastery.

Practical Considerations

In biblical times, swimming was not a common skill, and large bodies of water were often viewed with trepidation. The Israelites, primarily a land-based people, would have had limited interaction with swimming as a recreational or survival skill. The focus in Scripture remains on God's miraculous interventions rather than human ability to navigate water independently.

Conclusion

While the act of swimming is not explicitly detailed in the Bible, the overarching narrative of God's interaction with water highlights His power and provision. The biblical accounts involving water serve as reminders of God's sovereignty and the need for faith in His deliverance.1. (v.) imp. of Swim.

2. (imp.) of Swim.

Narrow Escapes. Is Thrown from a Horse. Has Pneumonia. Nearly ...
... I swam across once, and, after resting a moment, started back. ... But when I would
not take hold of him, he let me go and swam off and left me. ...
/.../chapter x narrow escapes is.htm

Terribly in Earnest.
... passengers. A man who was swimming in the water swam up to one of the
life-boats that was full and seized it with his hand. They ...
/.../moody/moodys anecdotes and illustrations/terribly in earnest.htm

A Remarkable Premonition Fulfilled
... in the channel of the river. I swam back with all speed and, seeing him sink
again, dived down after him. When I was near the bottom ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/a remarkable premonition fulfilled.htm

Andromeda
... waters a monster, Bred of the slime, like the worms which are bred from the slime
of the Nile- bank, Shapeless, a terror to see; and by night it swam out to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/andromeda and other poems/andromeda.htm

(On the Mysteries. V. )
... As for example, Judas having entered into the temptation of the love of money, swam
not through it, but was overwhelmed and was strangled [2506] both in body ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture xxiii on the mysteries.htm

The Adventures of Saint George of England.
... There were beautiful lakes of the clearest water, full of fish of strange shapes
and gorgeous hues, which swam up to the surface, and gazed with curious eyes ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter three the adventures of.htm

The Adventures of Saint Patrick of Ireland.
... The maidens started, like frightened deer, at the sound; and then, seeing the faithful
Terence as he looked over the rock, they swam towards him, putting out ...
/.../kingston/the seven champions of christendom/chapter nine the adventures of.htm

Glorious Predestination
... He was a man of many trials; he went from one tribulation to another for Christ's
sake; he swam through many seas of affliction to serve the church. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 18 1872/glorious predestination.htm

An Account of the Several Annual Conferences, and of the General ...
... He says, ". "Wednesday 5. This morning we again swam the river," (namely, Laurel
River,) "and the west fork thereof. My little horse was ready to fail. ...
/.../chapter 3 an account of 2.htm

A Short Home Mission Sermon.
... it. He was an honest man, for he mourned over the fact that it was borrowed.
"It has sunk to rise no more;" and yet it swam! Why ...
//christianbookshelf.org/champness/broken bread/iv a short home mission.htm

Swam (1 Occurrence)
...Swam (1 Occurrence). Acts 27:42 And the soldiers' counsel was that they should kill
the prisoners, lest any one having swam out should escape, (YLT). ...
/s/swam.htm - 6k

Swallows (6 Occurrences)

/s/swallows.htm - 8k

Escaping (13 Occurrences)
... Escaping (13 Occurrences). Acts 27:42 And the soldiers' counsel was that they should
kill the prisoners, lest any one having swam out should escape, (See NIV). ...
/e/escaping.htm - 10k

Swamp (1 Occurrence)

/s/swamp.htm - 7k

Swam: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus