A water-pipe, in the context of biblical times, refers to a conduit or channel used for the transportation of water. While the Bible does not explicitly mention "water-pipes" as we understand them today, the concept of transporting water through constructed means is evident in several passages and historical contexts.

Biblical Context and Usage

In ancient Israel, water was a precious resource, and the management of water was crucial for survival, agriculture, and religious practices. The Bible often references wells, cisterns, and aqueducts, which were essential for collecting and distributing water. Although the term "water-pipe" is not directly used, the infrastructure for water management would have included various forms of conduits.

Hezekiah's Tunnel

One of the most notable examples of ancient water engineering in the Bible is Hezekiah's Tunnel. This tunnel was a significant engineering feat designed to bring water into the city of Jerusalem. In 2 Kings 20:20 , it is recorded: "As for the rest of the acts of Hezekiah, along with all his might and how he made the pool and the tunnel to bring water into the city, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah?" This passage highlights the importance of water management and the use of constructed channels to ensure a reliable water supply.

Aqueducts and Water Systems

While the Bible does not specifically mention aqueducts, archaeological evidence from the period suggests that aqueducts and similar systems were used in various regions, including those under Roman influence. These systems would have included pipes or channels to transport water over long distances, ensuring that cities and agricultural areas had access to necessary water supplies.

Symbolic and Spiritual Significance

Water holds significant symbolic meaning throughout the Bible, often representing life, purification, and the Holy Spirit. In John 4:14 , Jesus speaks of "living water": "But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will become in him a fount of water springing up to eternal life." While this passage speaks metaphorically, the imagery of water flowing through a conduit can be likened to the spiritual sustenance and life that flows from Christ to believers.

Cultural and Historical Insights

Understanding the historical and cultural context of water management in biblical times provides deeper insight into the daily lives of the people and the significance of water in their spiritual and physical existence. The construction of water systems, including pipes and channels, reflects the ingenuity and resourcefulness of ancient societies in addressing the challenges of their environment.

In summary, while the Bible does not explicitly mention "water-pipes," the concept of water transportation through constructed means is evident in the historical and archaeological context of the biblical narrative. The management of water through tunnels, aqueducts, and other systems underscores the importance of water in both the physical and spiritual realms of biblical life.

How Does it Come?
... Now air is a very good thing in its own place, but that is not in a water pipe;
that is meant to convey water and nothing else, and for the water pipe to do ...
/.../macneil/the spirit-filled life/chapter xiv how does it.htm

The Omnipotence of Faith
... Faith is as impotent in itself as the hollow water pipe is, only it is the way by
which the connection is established between the fulness of God and the ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/the omnipotence of faith.htm

On Contrition
... Let us suppose the plaster in your house fell down, and you found that it fell because
there was a leak in the water-pipe above, and the water coming through ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 18 on contrition.htm

Changed Conditions
... After dinner we were not offered the water pipe, but cigarettes, all expressing
surprise that we could refuse so foreign an indulgence. ...
/.../the fulfilment of a dream of pastor hsis/chapter xx changed conditions.htm

Christ Thwarted
... The width of the bore of the water-pipe that is laid down settles the amount of
water that will come into your cistern. The water may be high outside the lock. ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture d/christ thwarted.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

Water-pipe (1 Occurrence)
Water-pipe. Waterless, Water-pipe. Water-plants . Multi-Version
Concordance Water-pipe (1 Occurrence). 2 Samuel 5:8 ...
/w/water-pipe.htm - 6k

Waterless (7 Occurrences)

/w/waterless.htm - 8k

Water-plants (7 Occurrences)
Water-plants. Water-pipe, Water-plants. Waterpot . Multi-Version Concordance ...
(BBE). Water-pipe, Water-plants. Waterpot . Reference Bible.
/w/water-plants.htm - 8k

Feeble-footed (6 Occurrences)
... (BBE). 2 Samuel 5:8 And that day David said, Whoever makes an attack on the Jebusites,
let him go up by the water-pipe, and put to death all the blind and feeble ...
/f/feeble-footed.htm - 8k

Trap (35 Occurrences)
... 9. (n.) A place in a waterpipe, pump, etc., where air accumulates for
want of an outlet. 10. (n.) A wagon, or other vehicle. 11. ...
/t/trap.htm - 19k

Discharge (30 Occurrences)
... 13. (vi) To throw off or deliver a load, charge, or burden; to unload; to emit or
give vent to fluid or other contents; as, the waterpipe discharges freely. ...
/d/discharge.htm - 18k

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