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<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Transitional//EN" "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-transitional.dtd"><html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><head><meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=utf-8" /><meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width; initial-scale=1.0;"/><title>Topical Bible: Swimming</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/s/swimming.htm" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/newtopical.css" type="text/css" media="Screen" /><link rel="stylesheet" href="/print.css" type="text/css" media="Print" /><script type="application/javascript" src="https://scripts.webcontentassessor.com/scripts/8a2459b64f9cac8122fc7f2eac4409c8555fac9383016db59c4c26e3d5b8b157"></script><script src='https://qd.admetricspro.com/js/biblehub/biblehub-layout-loader-revcatch.js'></script><script id='HyDgbd_1s' src='https://prebidads.revcatch.com/ads.js' type='text/javascript' async></script><script>(function(w,d,b,s,i){var cts=d.createElement(s);cts.async=true;cts.id='catchscript'; cts.dataset.appid=i;cts.src='https://app.protectsubrev.com/catch_rp.js?cb='+Math.random(); document.head.appendChild(cts); }) (window,document,'head','script','rc-anksrH');</script></head><body><div id="fx"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx2"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="30" scrolling="no" src="/topical/vmenus/acts/27-42.htm" align="left" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div><div id="blnk"></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable"><tr><td><div id="fx5"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" id="fx6"><tr><td><iframe width="100%" height="245" scrolling="no" src="//biblehu.com/bmcde/s/swimming.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" class="maintable3"><tr><td><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center" id="announce"><tr><td><div id="l1"><div id="breadcrumbs"><a href="/">Bible</a> > <a href="/topical/">Topical</a> > Swimming</div><div id="anc"><iframe src="/anc.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></div><div id="anc2"><table width="100%" border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><iframe src="/anc2.htm" width="100%" height="27" scrolling="no" frameborder="0"></iframe></td></tr></table></div></div></td></tr></table><div id="movebox2"><table border="0" align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0"><tr><td><div id="topheading"><a href="/topical/s/swimmeth.htm" title="Swimmeth">◄</a> Swimming <a href="/topical/s/swims.htm" title="Swims">►</a></div></td></tr></table></div><div align="center" class="maintable2"><table border="0" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="0" align="center"><tr><td><div id="topverse">Jump to: <a href="#web" title="Webster's Dictionary">Webster's</a> • <a href="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</a> • <a href="#grk" title="Strong's Greek Concordance">Greek</a> • <a href="#heb" title="Strong's Hebrew Concordance">Hebrew</a> • <a href="#lib" title="Library">Library</a> • <a href="#sub" title="Subtopics">Subtopics</a> • <a href="#rel" title="Related Terms">Terms</a></div><div id="leftbox"><div class="padleft"><a name="te" id="te"></a><div class="vheading2">Topical Encyclopedia</div>Swimming, the act of moving through water by using the limbs, is not explicitly mentioned as a recreational or competitive activity in the Bible. However, the ability to swim and the concept of moving through water are implied in several biblical narratives and contexts.<br><br><b>Biblical References and Contexts</b><br><br>1. <b>Survival and Safety</b>: The ability to swim is indirectly referenced in the context of survival. In <a href="/bsb/acts/27.htm">Acts 27</a>, the Apostle Paul is involved in a shipwreck. The narrative describes how those who could swim were instructed to jump overboard and make for land: "The rest were to follow on planks and various parts of the ship. In this way everyone was brought safely to land" (<a href="/acts/27-44.htm">Acts 27:44</a>). This passage suggests that swimming was a known skill, useful for survival in emergencies.<br><br>2. <b>Symbolism of Water</b>: Water holds significant symbolic meaning throughout the Bible, often representing chaos, cleansing, and life. While swimming itself is not directly mentioned, the act of moving through water can be seen as a metaphor for navigating life's challenges with faith and reliance on God. The Israelites crossing the Red Sea (Exodus 14) and the Jordan River (Joshua 3) are examples of God's deliverance through water, though these events are miraculous rather than involving swimming.<br><br>3. <b>Cultural and Historical Context</b>: In ancient Near Eastern cultures, swimming was likely a practical skill for those living near bodies of water, such as the Sea of Galilee or the Mediterranean Sea. Fishermen, like some of Jesus' disciples, would have been familiar with water and possibly swimming, though the Bible does not explicitly state this.<br><br>4. <b>Spiritual Lessons</b>: While the Bible does not provide direct teachings on swimming, the imagery of water and the need to navigate it can be applied to spiritual lessons. Believers are encouraged to trust in God's guidance and protection as they face the "waters" of life's trials and uncertainties. <a href="/isaiah/43-2.htm">Isaiah 43:2</a> offers reassurance: "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you go through the rivers, they will not overwhelm you."<br><br><b>Theological Implications</b><br><br>From a theological perspective, swimming can be seen as an allegory for the Christian journey. Just as a swimmer must rely on skill and strength to stay afloat and reach their destination, Christians are called to rely on faith and the strength provided by God to navigate the spiritual waters of life. The act of swimming, though not explicitly mentioned, can serve as a reminder of the need for perseverance, trust, and reliance on divine support.<br><br><b>Practical Considerations</b><br><br>In modern times, swimming is recognized as a valuable skill for safety, health, and recreation. While the Bible does not address swimming directly, the principles of stewardship of the body and the enjoyment of God's creation can be applied. Christians are encouraged to care for their physical well-being and to find joy in the activities that promote health and fellowship.<br><br>In summary, while swimming is not a prominent theme in the Bible, its indirect references and the broader symbolism of water provide rich material for reflection on faith, survival, and the Christian life.<a name="web" id="web"></a><div class="vheading2">Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary</div>1. (<I>p. pr. & vb. n.</I>) of Swim.<p>2. (<I>a.</I>) That swims; capable of swimming; adapted to, or used in, swimming; as, a swimming bird; a swimming motion.<p>3. (<I>a.</I>) Suffused with moisture; as, swimming eyes.<p>4. (<I>n.</I>) The act of one who swims.<p>5. (<I>a.</I>) Being in a state of vertigo or dizziness; as, a swimming brain.<p>6. (<I>n.</I>) Vertigo; dizziness; as, a swimming in the head.<a name="grk" id="grk"></a><div class="vheading2">Greek</div><a href="/greek/2861.htm"><span class="l">2861. kolumbethra -- a pool</span></a> <br><b>...</b> a pool. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: kolumbethra Phonetic Spelling:<br> (kol-oom-bay'-thrah) Short Definition: a pool, <b>swimming</b>-place Definition <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2861.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p><a href="/greek/1579.htm"><span class="l">1579. ekkolumbao -- to swim out of</span></a> <br><b>...</b> swim out. From ek and kolumbao; to escape by <b>swimming</b> -- swim out. see GREEK ek.<br> see GREEK kolumbao. (ekkolumbesas) -- 1 Occurrence. 1578, 1579. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1579.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/7813.htm"><span class="l">7813. sachu -- <b>swimming</b></span></a><br><b>...</b> <b>swimming</b>. Transliteration: sachu Phonetic Spelling: (saw'-khoo) Short Definition:<br> swim. Word Origin from sachah Definition <b>swimming</b> NASB Word Usage swim (1). <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/7813.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/augustine/writings_in_connection_with_the_manichaean_controversy_/chapter_9_name_manichaean_fictions.htm"><span class="l">The Manich??an Fictions About Things Good and Evil are not <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> waters, another of winds, another of fire, another of smoke; to the animals born<br> in each of these elements,"serpents in the darkness, <b>swimming</b> creatures in <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter 9 name manichaean fictions.htm</font><p><a href="/library/taylor/a_retrospect/chapter_viii_voyage_to_china.htm"><span class="l">Voyage to China</span></a> <br><b>...</b> I had felt it a duty to comply with the earnest wish of my beloved and honoured<br> mother, and for her sake to procure a <b>swimming</b>-belt. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/taylor/a retrospect/chapter viii voyage to china.htm</font><p><a href="/library/drummond/natural_law_in_the_spiritual_world/parasitism.htm"><span class="l">Parasitism.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> filaments protrude. Its four hind limbs entirely disappear, and twelve<br> short-forked <b>swimming</b> organs temporarily take their place. Thus <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../drummond/natural law in the spiritual world/parasitism.htm</font><p><a href="/library/baker/holy_wisdom_or_directions_for_the_prayer_of_contemplation/chapter_v_a_religious_person.htm"><span class="l">A Religious Person is not Perfect by his Profession. ...</span></a> <br><b>...</b> and celestial happiness to a most delicious paradise, divided from this desert by<br> a deep and tempestuous river, which must necessarily be passed by <b>swimming</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter v a religious person.htm</font><p><a href="/library/augustine/writings_in_connection_with_the_manichaean_controversy_/chapter_32_name_got_the.htm"><span class="l">Manich??us Got the Arrangement of his Fanciful Notions from <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> Then the idea of <b>swimming</b> things in the water might easily be got here, and applied<br> to the fanciful objects in that region; and so of flying things in the winds <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../chapter 32 name got the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/basil/basil_letters_and_select_works/homily_vii_the_creation_of.htm"><span class="l">The Creation of Moving Creatures.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> given, and immediately the rivers and lakes becoming fruitful brought forth their<br> natural broods; the sea travailed with all kinds of <b>swimming</b> creatures; not <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily vii the creation of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/various/life_and_works_of_rufinus_with_jeromes_apology_against_rufinus_/31_i_might_well_reply.htm"><span class="l">I Might Well Reply as I have done Even if it were a Question of a <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> Often I have seen myself in dreams dead and placed in the grave: often I have flown<br> over the earth and been carried as if <b>swimming</b> through the air, over <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../31 i might well reply.htm</font><p><a href="/library/josephus/the_antiquities_of_the_jews/chapter_3_how_herod_upon.htm"><span class="l">How Herod Upon his Making Aristobulus High Priest Took Care that <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> At first they were only spectators of Herod's servants and acquaintance as they<br> were <b>swimming</b>; but after a while, the young man, at the instigation of Herod <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how herod upon.htm</font><p><a href="/library/basil/basil_letters_and_select_works/homily_viii_the_creation_of.htm"><span class="l">The Creation of Fowl and Water Animals.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> We conclude that, by their nature, <b>swimming</b> creatures appear only to have an<br> imperfect life, because they live in the thick element of water. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../basil/basil letters and select works/homily viii the creation of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/bacheller/vergilius/chapter_21_arria_and_her.htm"><span class="l">Arria and Her Brother were Far from the Shores of Hellas and Near <b>...</b></span></a> <br><b>...</b> Yonder is an island. We shall soon be near it, and by <b>swimming</b> he may save his life.". <b>...</b><br> They could see him rise and turn towards the isle, <b>swimming</b>. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/bacheller/vergilius/chapter 21 arria and her.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/s/swimming.htm"><span class="l"><b>Swimming</b> (8 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> 1. (p. pr. & vb. n.) of Swim. 2. (a.) That swims; capable of <b>swimming</b>; adapted to,<br> or used in, <b>swimming</b>; as, a <b>swimming</b> bird; a <b>swimming</b> motion. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/swimming.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/swim.htm"><span class="l">Swim (8 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> a fluid. 5. (vi) To be filled with <b>swimming</b> animals. 6. (vt) To pass or<br> move over or on by <b>swimming</b>; as, to swim a stream. 7. (vt <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/swim.htm - 9k</font><p><a href="/topical/p/plates.htm"><span class="l">Plates (19 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> you may have for food of all things living in the water: anything living in the<br> water, in the seas or rivers, which has special parts for <b>swimming</b> and skin <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/p/plates.htm - 12k</font><p><a href="/topical/w/wing.htm"><span class="l">Wing (18 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> modified for flight, but in the case of a few species of birds, as the ostrich,<br> auk, etc., the wings are used only as an assistance in running or <b>swimming</b>. <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/w/wing.htm - 15k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/birds.htm"><span class="l">Birds (125 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> In the case of a few birds that do not fly, the wings are beaten to assist in attaining<br> speed in running, as the ostrich, or to help in <b>swimming</b> under the water <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/birds.htm - 62k</font><p><a href="/topical/f/formed.htm"><span class="l">Formed (91 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> you may have for food of all things living in the water: anything living in the<br> water, in the seas or rivers, which has special parts for <b>swimming</b> and skin <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/f/formed.htm - 34k</font><p><a href="/topical/w/wings.htm"><span class="l">Wings (81 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Deuteronomy 14:9 And of the things living in the waters, you may take all those<br> who have wings for <b>swimming</b> with and skins formed of thin plates. (BBE). <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/w/wings.htm - 34k</font><p><a href="/topical/t/thin.htm"><span class="l">Thin (39 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> you may have for food of all things living in the water: anything living in the<br> water, in the seas or rivers, which has special parts for <b>swimming</b> and skin <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/t/thin.htm - 19k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/special.htm"><span class="l">Special (89 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> you may have for food of all things living in the water: anything living in the<br> water, in the seas or rivers, which has special parts for <b>swimming</b> and skin <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/special.htm - 34k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/skin.htm"><span class="l">Skin (115 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> you may have for food of all things living in the water: anything living in the<br> water, in the seas or rivers, which has special parts for <b>swimming</b> and skin <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/skin.htm - 44k</font><p><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/rituals-in-Christianity.html">Are there supposed to be any rituals in Christianity? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Herod-the-Great.html">Who was Herod the Great? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/No-True-Scotsman.html">What is the No True Scotsman fallacy? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://clyx.com/term/swimming.htm">Swimming: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com</a><br /><br /><a href="/concordance/">Bible Concordance</a> • <a href="/dictionary/">Bible Dictionary</a> • <a href="/encyclopedia/">Bible Encyclopedia</a> • <a href="/topical/">Topical Bible</a> • <a href="/thesaurus/">Bible Thesuarus</a></div></div><div id="centbox"><div class="padcent"><a name="cnc" id="cnc"></a><div class="vheading2">Concordance</div><span class="encheading">Swimming (8 Occurrences)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/acts/27-42.htm">Acts 27:42</a></span><br />Then the armed men were for putting the prisoners to death, so that no one would get away by <span class="boldtext">swimming</span>.<br /><span class="source">(BBE NIV)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/acts/27-43.htm">Acts 27:43</a></span><br />But the captain, desiring to keep Paul safe, kept them from their purpose, and gave orders that those who had knowledge of <span class="boldtext">swimming</span> were to go off the ship and get first to land:<br /><span class="source">(BBE)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/leviticus/11-9.htm">Leviticus 11:9</a></span><br />These you may have for food of all things living in the water: anything living in the water, in the seas or rivers, which has special parts for <span class="boldtext">swimming</span> and skin formed of thin plates, may be used for food.<br /><span class="source">(BBE)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/leviticus/11-12.htm">Leviticus 11:12</a></span><br />Anything in the water which has no special parts for <span class="boldtext">swimming</span> and no thin plates on its skin is disgusting to you. <br /><span class="source">(BBE)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/deuteronomy/14-9.htm">Deuteronomy 14:9</a></span><br />And of the things living in the waters, you may take all those who have wings for <span class="boldtext">swimming</span> with and skins formed of thin plates.<br /><span class="source">(BBE)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/deuteronomy/14-10.htm">Deuteronomy 14:10</a></span><br />But any which have no skin-plates or wings for <span class="boldtext">swimming</span>, you may not take; they are unclean for you.<br /><span class="source">(BBE)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/isaiah/25-11.htm">Isaiah 25:11</a></span><br />And if he puts out his hands, like a man stretching out his hands in <span class="boldtext">swimming</span>, the Lord will make low his pride, however expert his designs.<br /><span class="source">(BBE)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/ezekiel/47-5.htm">Ezekiel 47:5</a></span><br />Again, after his measuring a thousand, it became a river which it was not possible to go through: for the waters had become deep enough for <span class="boldtext">swimming</span>, a river it was not possible to go through.<br /><span class="source">(BBE)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/s/swimming.htm">Swimming</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/swimming.htm">Swimming (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/swim.htm">Swim (8 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/t/through.htm">Through (6695 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/swimmer.htm">Swimmer (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/swindler.htm">Swindler (2 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/s/spreads.htm">Spreads (31 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/c/craft.htm">Craft (14 Occurrences)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/h/humbled.htm">Humbled (77 Occurrences)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/s/swimmeth.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Swimmeth"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Swimmeth" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/s/swims.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Swims"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Swims" /></a></div><div id="botleft"><a href="#" onmouseover='botleft.src="/botleftgif.png"' onmouseout='botleft.src="/botleft.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botleft.png" name="botleft" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div><div id="botright"><a href="#" onmouseover='botright.src="/botrightgif.png"' onmouseout='botright.src="/botright.png"' title="Top of Page"><img src="/botright.png" name="botright" border="0" alt="Top of Page" /></a></div> <div id="mdd"><div align="center"><div class="bot2"><table align="center" width="100%"><tr><td><div align="center"><script id="3d27ed63fc4348d5b062c4527ae09445"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=51ce25d5-1a8c-424a-8695-4bd48c750f35&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; 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