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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: Water-skin</title><link rel="canonical" href="https://biblehub.com/topical/w/water-skin.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> <script async src="https://www.googletagmanager.com/gtag/js?id=G-LR4HSKRP2H"></script> <script> window.dataLayer = window.dataLayer || []; function gtag(){dataLayer.push(arguments);} gtag('js', new Date()); gtag('config', 'G-LR4HSKRP2H'); </script><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/genesis/21-14.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/w/water-skin.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> > Water-skin</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/w/waterside.htm" title="Waterside">◄</a> Water-skin <a href="/topical/w/waterskins.htm" title="Waterskins">►</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="#cnc" title="Multiversion Concordance">Concordance</a> • <a href="#thes" title="Bible Thesaurus">Thesaurus</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>A water-skin, often referred to in biblical times, is a container made from animal hide, typically used for storing and transporting liquids, primarily water. This ancient vessel was essential for daily life in the arid regions of the Near East, where access to water was a constant concern. The water-skin is mentioned in several biblical narratives, highlighting its importance in the daily and spiritual lives of the people.<br><br><b>Biblical References:</b><br><br>One of the earliest mentions of a water-skin is found in the account of Hagar and Ishmael. In <a href="/genesis/21-14.htm">Genesis 21:14</a>, Abraham gives Hagar a water-skin as she departs into the wilderness: "Early in the morning, Abraham got up, took bread and a skin of water, put them on Hagar’s shoulders, and sent her away with the boy. She left and wandered in the wilderness of Beersheba." This passage underscores the water-skin's role as a lifeline in the harsh desert environment.<br><br>In <a href="/joshua/9-4.htm">Joshua 9:4</a>, the Gibeonites use old, worn-out water-skins as part of their ruse to deceive the Israelites: "they acted with cunning and set out as envoys, carrying on their donkeys worn-out sacks and old wineskins, cracked and mended." Here, the water-skin is part of a larger narrative about deception and covenant-making, illustrating its commonplace presence in daily life.<br><br><b>Cultural and Historical Context:</b><br><br>Water-skins were typically made from the hides of goats or sheep. The process involved cleaning and tanning the hide, then sewing it into a bag-like shape, with the openings sealed to prevent leakage. The natural elasticity and durability of the animal skin made it an ideal material for carrying water over long distances. The use of water-skins was not limited to the Israelites; they were a common utility across various ancient cultures in the region.<br><br><b>Symbolism and Spiritual Significance:</b><br><br>In the Bible, water often symbolizes life, purification, and divine provision. The water-skin, as a vessel for this life-giving substance, can be seen as a symbol of God's provision and sustenance. The account of Hagar and Ishmael, for instance, not only highlights the physical necessity of water but also God's intervention and care, as He later provides a well for them in the wilderness (<a href="/genesis/21-19.htm">Genesis 21:19</a>).<br><br>The water-skin also serves as a metaphor for spiritual readiness and renewal. In the New Testament, Jesus uses the imagery of wineskins to teach about the new covenant: "And no one pours new wine into old wineskins. If he does, the wine will burst the skins, and both the wine and the wineskins will be ruined. Instead, new wine is poured into new wineskins" (<a href="/mark/2-22.htm">Mark 2:22</a>). While this passage specifically mentions wineskins, the principle applies to water-skins as well, emphasizing the need for new vessels to contain new life and teachings.<br><br><b>Practical Applications:</b><br><br>For the people of biblical times, the water-skin was a practical tool for survival. It allowed them to traverse deserts and wilderness areas, ensuring they had access to water when natural sources were scarce. This practical aspect of the water-skin is a reminder of the resourcefulness and resilience required to live in harmony with the environment.<br><br>In summary, the water-skin in biblical literature is more than just a physical object; it is a symbol of sustenance, divine provision, and spiritual readiness. Its presence in the biblical narrative serves as a reminder of the essential nature of water and the ever-present need for God's provision in the journey of life.<a name="heb" id="heb"></a><div class="vheading2">Strong's Hebrew</div><a href="/hebrew/2573.htm"><span class="l">2573. chemeth -- a <b>water skin</b></span></a><br><b>...</b> 2572, 2573. chemeth. 2574 . a <b>water skin</b>. Transliteration: chemeth Phonetic<br> Spelling: (klay'-meth) Short Definition: skin. Word <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/2573.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><p> <a href="/hebrew/178.htm"><span class="l">178. ob -- a bottle (made from animal skin), a necromancer</span></a><br><b>...</b> From the same as 'ab (apparently through the idea of prattling a father's name);<br> properly, a mumble, ie A <b>water skin</b> (from its hollow sound); hence a <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/hebrew/178.htm</font><font color="#ff6600" size="-1"> - 6k</font><a name="lib" id="lib"></a><div class="vheading2">Library</div><p><a href="/library/maclaren/expositions_of_holy_scripture_j/fear_and_faith.htm"><span class="l">Fear and Faith</span></a> <br><b>...</b> 'Put thou my tears into Thy bottle'"one of the few indispensable articles which<br> he had to carry with him, the <b>water</b>-<b>skin</b> which hung beside him, perhaps, as <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/fear and faith.htm</font><p><a href="/library/emmerich/the_life_of_the_blessed_virgin_mary/xvii_the_return_of_the.htm"><span class="l">The Return of the Holy Family from Egypt</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The Blessed Virgin washed and dried some things, and after refreshing themselves<br> with water and filling their <b>water</b>-<b>skin</b>, they started on their journey along <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xvii the return of the.htm</font><p><a href="/library/miller/the_yoke/chapter_ix_the_collar_of.htm"><span class="l">The Collar of Gold</span></a> <br><b>...</b> on. In a few steps he met the children water-bearers flying to the scene<br> of the accident. Not one of them bore a <b>water</b>-<b>skin</b>. The <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter ix the collar of.htm</font><p><a href="/library/emmerich/the_life_of_the_blessed_virgin_mary/xvi_the_flight_into_egypt.htm"><span class="l">The Flight into Egypt and St. John the Baptist in the Desert</span></a> <br><b>...</b> The <b>water</b>-<b>skin</b> and the jugs of balsam were empty; the Blessed Virgin was greatly<br> distressed, and both she and the Infant Jesus were thirsty. <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../emmerich/the life of the blessed virgin mary/xvi the flight into egypt.htm</font><p><a href="/library/maclaren/the_life_of_david/v_the_exilecontinued.htm"><span class="l">The Exile Continued.</span></a> <br><b>...</b> And as the <b>water</b>-<b>skin</b> was a necessary part of a traveller's equipment, the mention<br> of his wanderings suggests the bold and tender metaphor of the next clause <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/the life of david/v the exilecontinued.htm</font><p><a href="/library/leupold/exposition_of_genesis_volume_1/chapter_xxi.htm"><span class="l">Chapter xxi</span></a> <br><b>...</b> And Abraham arose early in the morning and took bread and a <b>water</b>-<b>skin</b>, and gave<br> them to Hagar, put them on her shoulder, and (gave her) the lad, and sent her <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxi.htm</font><p><a href="/library/spurgeon/spurgeons_sermons_volume_5_1859/christ_precious_to_believers.htm"><span class="l">Christ Precious to Believers</span></a> <br><b>...</b> But put a man in the desert and let the <b>water</b>-<b>skin</b> be dried up, let him come to<br> the well wherein he expected to find water, and it has failed him; can you not <b>...</b> <br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/christ precious to believers.htm</font><a name="thes" id="thes"></a><div class="vheading2">Thesaurus</div><a href="/topical/w/water-skin.htm"><span class="l"><b>Water</b>-<b>skin</b> (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>Water</b>-<b>skin</b>. Waterside, <b>Water</b>-<b>skin</b>. Waterskins . Multi-Version<br> Concordance <b>Water</b>-<b>skin</b> (1 Occurrence). Genesis 21:14 And <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/w/water-skin.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/bucket.htm"><span class="l">Bucket (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><b>...</b> a <b>waterskin</b> with two cross-pieces at the top to fit it for use in drawing water,<br> like those now in use in Palestine. The ordinary word for <b>water</b>-<b>skin</b> is a <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/bucket.htm - 8k</font><p><a href="/topical/w/waterskins.htm"><span class="l">Waterskins (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/w/waterskins.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/w/waterside.htm"><span class="l">Waterside (1 Occurrence)</span></a><br><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/w/waterside.htm - 6k</font><p><a href="/topical/w/wandering.htm"><span class="l">Wandering (120 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Genesis 21:14 And early in the morning Abraham got up, and gave Hagar some bread<br> and a <b>water</b>-<b>skin</b>, and put the boy on her back, and sent her away: and she went <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/w/wandering.htm - 37k</font><p><a href="/topical/b/boy.htm"><span class="l">Boy (94 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Genesis 21:14 And early in the morning Abraham got up, and gave Hagar some bread<br> and a <b>water</b>-<b>skin</b>, and put the boy on her back, and sent her away: and she went <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/b/boy.htm - 35k</font><p><a href="/topical/s/skin.htm"><span class="l">Skin (115 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Genesis 21:14 And early in the morning Abraham got up, and gave Hagar some bread<br> and a <b>water</b>-<b>skin</b>, and put the boy on her back, and sent her away: and she went <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/s/skin.htm - 44k</font><p><a href="/topical/h/hebron.htm"><span class="l">Hebron (71 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> The city is divided into seven quarters, one of which is known as that of the "glass<br> blowers" and another as that of the "<b>water</b>-<b>skin</b> makers." These industries <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/h/hebron.htm - 41k</font><p><a href="/topical/w/waste.htm"><span class="l">Waste (668 Occurrences)</span></a><br><b>...</b> Genesis 21:14 And early in the morning Abraham got up, and gave Hagar some bread<br> and a <b>water</b>-<b>skin</b>, and put the boy on her back, and sent her away: and she went <b>...</b><br><font color="#ff6600" size="-1">/w/waste.htm - 37k</font><a name="res" id="res"></a><div class="vheading2">Resources</div><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Holy-Trinity.html">What are some popular illustrations of the Holy Trinity? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/means-of-grace.html">Are baptism and communion means of grace? | GotQuestions.org</a><br /><br /><a href="https://www.gotquestions.org/Jonah-whale.html">Was Jonah truly swallowed by a whale? | GotQuestions.org</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">Water-skin (1 Occurrence)</span><p><span class="rtext"><a href="/genesis/21-14.htm">Genesis 21:14</a></span><br />And early in the morning Abraham got up, and gave Hagar some bread and a <span class="boldtext">water-skin</span>, and put the boy on her back, and sent her away: and she went, wandering in the waste land of Beer-sheba.<br /><span class="source">(BBE)</span><a name="sub" id="sub"></a><div class="vheading2">Subtopics</div><p class="pspc"><a href="/topical/w/water-skin.htm">Water-skin</a></p><a name="rel" id="rel"></a><div class="vheading2">Related Terms</div><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/water-skins.htm">Water-skins (1 Occurrence)</a></p><p class="pspc2"><a href="/topical/w/water-skin.htm">Water-skin (1 Occurrence)</a></div></div></td></tr></table></div><div id="left"><a href="/topical/w/waterside.htm" onmouseover='lft.src="/leftgif.png"' onmouseout='lft.src="/left.png"' title="Waterside"><img src="/left.png" name="lft" border="0" alt="Waterside" /></a></div><div id="right"><a href="/topical/w/waterskins.htm" onmouseover='rght.src="/rightgif.png"' onmouseout='rght.src="/right.png"' title="Waterskins"><img src="/right.png" name="rght" border="0" alt="Waterskins" /></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'; </script> <script id="b817b7107f1d4a7997da1b3c33457e03"> (new Image()).src = 'https://capi.connatix.com/tr/si?token=cb0edd8b-b416-47eb-8c6d-3cc96561f7e8&cid=3a9f82d0-4344-4f8d-ac0c-e1a0eb43a405'; </script><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-2'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-0' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-3'> </div><br /><br />  <div id='div-gpt-ad-1529103594582-1' style='max-width: 300px;'> </div><br /><br />  <div align="center" id='div-gpt-ad-1531425649696-0'> </div><br /><br /> <ins class="adsbygoogle" style="display:inline-block;width:200px;height:200px" data-ad-client="ca-pub-3753401421161123" data-ad-slot="3592799687"></ins> <script> (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); </script></div></td></tr></table></div></div></div> <br /><br /> <div align="center"> <div id="bot"><iframe width="100%" height="1500" scrolling="no" src="/botmenubhnew2.htm" frameborder="0"></iframe></div></td></tr></table></div></body></html>