In the context of the Bible, the term "swimmer" is not frequently mentioned, but the concept of swimming and water navigation appears in various passages, often symbolizing survival, escape, or divine intervention. The act of swimming can be seen as a metaphor for perseverance and faith, as individuals navigate through the challenges and trials of life.

Biblical References:

1. Isaiah 25:11 : "He will spread out his hands within it, as a swimmer spreads out his hands to swim. God will bring down their pride together with the trickery of their hands." This verse uses the imagery of a swimmer to describe God's actions against Moab, symbolizing the effort and determination involved in overcoming obstacles. The swimmer's motion is likened to God's decisive intervention, emphasizing His power and authority.

2. Ezekiel 47:5 : "Then he measured off another thousand cubits, but now it was a river that I could not cross, because the water had risen and was deep enough to swim in—a river that could not be crossed on foot." This passage is part of Ezekiel's vision of the river flowing from the temple, symbolizing the abundance and life-giving power of God's presence. The depth of the water, requiring swimming, signifies the overwhelming and transformative nature of divine blessings.

Symbolism and Themes:

· Perseverance and Faith: Swimming in biblical narratives often represents the struggle and effort required to overcome life's challenges. Just as a swimmer must trust in their ability to stay afloat and reach their destination, believers are called to trust in God's guidance and strength.

· Divine Intervention: The act of swimming can also symbolize God's intervention in human affairs. As seen in Isaiah 25:11, the imagery of a swimmer is used to depict God's active role in bringing about justice and humbling the proud.

· Transformation and Renewal: In Ezekiel's vision, the river that becomes deep enough to swim in represents the transformative power of God's presence. The act of swimming through these waters can be seen as a journey of spiritual renewal and growth.

Cultural and Historical Context:

In ancient times, swimming was not a common skill among the Israelites, as they were primarily a land-based people. The Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River were significant bodies of water in their geography, but swimming was not a prevalent activity. Thus, when swimming is mentioned or alluded to in the Bible, it often carries a sense of rarity and significance, highlighting the extraordinary nature of the events or visions described.

Practical Application:

For believers today, the concept of swimming can serve as a metaphor for navigating the spiritual journey. Just as a swimmer must rely on their skills and endurance, Christians are encouraged to rely on their faith and the strength provided by God to overcome the trials and tribulations of life. The imagery of swimming through deep waters can inspire believers to trust in God's provision and to remain steadfast in their spiritual walk.1. (n.) One who swims.

2. (n.) A protuberance on the leg of a horse.

3. (n.) A swimming bird; one of the natatores.

7811. sachah -- to swim
... Short Definition: swim. Word Origin a prim. root Definition to swim NASB
Word Usage swim (2), swimmer (1). make to swim. A primitive ...
/hebrew/7811.htm - 5k

Thus Far I have Made Answer About My Crimes, and Indeed in Defence ...
... His love for me is like that which a man who has been carried away by the tempest
and nearly drowned in deep water feels for the strong swimmer at whose foot ...
/.../1 thus far i have.htm

A Warning to Believers
... himself. No man seems now able to keep his head above water with the faint
swimmer strokes which our forefathers used to give. We ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/a warning to believers.htm

January 2. "I Will Cause You to Walk in My Statutes" (Eze. xxxvi. ...
... condition is one where life is spontaneous and flows without effort, like the deep
floods of Ezekiel's river, where the struggles of the swimmer ceased, and he ...
/.../simpson/days of heaven upon earth /january 2 i will cause.htm

"I do Indeed Live by Preaching!"
... Just at that time, John Hanson, who was an excellent swimmer, persuaded my
husband to go into the water on the far side of the town. ...
/.../wesley/the journal of john wesley/i do indeed live by.htm

The King --Continued.
... He is all but sinking, but he can still shriek (so one of the words might be rendered)
"like some strong swimmer in his agony." And it is enough. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/x the kingcontinued.htm

A Cleansed Way
... the dividing boundary between childhood and youth, when parental authority is weakened,
and the leading-strings are loosened, and the young swimmer is as it ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/a cleansed way.htm

Narrow Escapes. Is Thrown from a Horse. Has Pneumonia. Nearly ...
... fifth time. As I did so, a strong young man, Sparks by name, a good swimmer,
caught me by the left arm near the shoulder. He told ...
/.../chapter x narrow escapes is.htm

Death and Growth
... forgetting altogether that swift, sudden, stealthy, skinny hand that, if I might
go back to my former metaphor, is put out to lay hold of the swimmer and then ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/death and growth.htm

The Noviceship
... He was like a swimmer who has been fighting his way through nasty, choppy, little
waves, going ahead surely, but with great difficulty, and who comes at last ...
/.../chapter xiii the noviceship.htm

The Disciple, -- Master, what is the Real Meaning of Service? is ...
... As to become a good swimmer it is useless to receive instruction unless one enters
the water and strikes out for oneself, and only by constantly practising ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/singh/at the masters feet/section i the disciple 4.htm

Swimmer (1 Occurrence)
... 2. (n.) A protuberance on the leg of a horse. 3. (n.) A swimming bird; one of
the natatores. Multi-Version Concordance Swimmer (1 Occurrence). ...
/s/swimmer.htm - 6k

Swim (8 Occurrences)

/s/swim.htm - 9k

Machinations (1 Occurrence)
... Isaiah 25:11 And he spread out his hands in its midst, As spread out doth the swimmer
to swim; And He hath humbled his excellency With the machinations of his ...
/m/machinations.htm - 6k

Plank (5 Occurrences)
... board only in being thicker. See Board. 2. (n.) Fig.: That which supports
or upholds, as a board does a swimmer. 3. (n.) One of the ...
/p/plank.htm - 9k

Stroke (26 Occurrences)
... medium, by means of which movement through or upon it is accomplished; as, the stroke
of a bird's wing in flying, or an oar in rowing, of a skater, swimmer, etc ...
/s/stroke.htm - 16k

Swimmest (1 Occurrence)

/s/swimmest.htm - 6k

Excellency (53 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 25:11 And he spread out his hands in its midst, As spread out doth the swimmer
to swim; And He hath humbled his excellency With the machinations of his ...
/e/excellency.htm - 25k

Swimmer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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