Water is a powerful and recurring symbol throughout the Bible, rich with deep meanings that tie directly to Neville Goddard's teachings on manifestation and the creative power of the imagination. In Neville’s framework, water represents the subconscious mind, the medium through which our desires flow, evolve, and manifest. By exploring the Bible’s many references to water, we can understand how our consciousness—the “waters” of our being—holds the power to shape our reality when directed by imagination.
The Four Rivers in Genesis: The Source of Creation
At the very beginning of the Bible, in Genesis 2:10, we are introduced to a description of the four rivers that flow from the garden of Eden, a symbol of the origin of creation:
And a river is going out from Eden to water the garden, and from thence it is parted, and hath become four chief [head] rivers
(Genesis 2:10, BBE)
These four rivers—Pishon, Gihon, Tigris, and Euphrates—serve as powerful symbols of the flow of creation, all stemming from a single source. In Neville's interpretation, these rivers represent the different ways that the subconscious mind, or "water," flows and gives form to ideas. Just as these rivers water the earth, the imagination (the Spirit of God) shapes the subconscious, bringing life to the desires we cultivate. The four rivers also reflect the interconnectedness of creation—the flow of life moves in many directions, yet all arise from the same source: consciousness.
The Hebrew meanings of the rivers help us unlock further layers of symbolism:
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Pishon (פישון): Meaning "increase" or "abundance," this river symbolizes the flow of creative energy that expands our inner world, bringing forth new possibilities and growth.
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Gihon (גיחון): This name means "bursting forth" or "to gush." It symbolizes the outpouring of imagination, where ideas spring forth into our reality, often in unexpected and abundant ways.
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Tigris (חִדֶּקֶל): Derived from an Assyrian word meaning "rapid" or "swift," the Tigris represents the fast-moving currents of the subconscious mind, suggesting that once the imagination is engaged, things manifest quickly.
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Euphrates (פרת): Meaning "good" or "fruitful," the Euphrates symbolizes the flow of harmonious, positive energy that nurtures the soul and brings blessings into existence.
These four rivers remind us that our subconscious mind, like a river, is constantly in motion, ready to carry our thoughts and desires into manifestation when we harness its flow with focused intent.
Water as the Subconscious Mind: The Medium for Creation
Throughout the Bible, water is used as a symbol for the subconscious mind—an ever-flowing source from which creation emerges. In Neville Goddard's teachings, the subconscious is seen as the fertile ground in which the seeds of our imagination are planted, nurtured, and eventually come to fruition.
Genesis 1:2 – The Spirit Moves Over the Waters
In Genesis 1:2, we are introduced to the scene of creation, where "the Spirit of God" moves over the waters. This passage can be interpreted as the imaginative, creative power of God (the Spirit) interacting with the subconscious mind (the waters) to bring order and form to the formless and void:
"Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters."
(Genesis 1:2, NIV)
In Neville’s view, this scene represents the act of imagination shaping the subconscious. The “Spirit of God” is the conscious, directed imagination, and the “waters” represent the subconscious, which is initially formless and void, waiting to be shaped. Just as the Spirit moves over the waters to create the world, our imagination shapes and directs the content of our subconscious to create our reality.
John 4:14 – Living Water
In the New Testament, Jesus speaks of the “living water” that he offers, which symbolizes the eternal, life-giving flow of the imagination:
"But whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life."
(John 4:14, NIV)
This "living water" is the flow of creativity and possibility that comes from a deeply aligned and awakened imagination. Just as water sustains life, so too does the power of imagination sustain the manifestation of our desires. It is a constant and ever-flowing source of energy that never runs dry when tapped into with faith and conscious direction. When we consciously engage with this flow, it fills us with new ideas, opportunities, and manifestations.
John 7:38 – Rivers of Living Water
Further expanding on the concept of water, Jesus declares:
"Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them."
(John 7:38, NIV)
In Neville’s teachings, this "river of living water" represents the unending flow of creative energy from the imagination when it is fully aligned with belief and faith. The subconscious mind becomes a conduit through which our desires flow, manifesting in ways that align with the beliefs and assumptions we hold. This passage reinforces the idea that belief in the creative power of the imagination unlocks the endless possibilities contained within the subconscious.
Walking on Water: Mastery of the Subconscious
One of the most powerful symbolic uses of water in the Bible is when Peter walks on water towards Jesus:
"Come," he said. Then Peter got down out of the boat, walked on the water and came toward Jesus."
(Matthew 14:29, NIV)
Walking on water is a metaphor for transcending the limitations of the subconscious mind. Just as Peter steps out of the boat in faith, we are called to step beyond our doubts and fears (represented by the water) and trust in the power of our imagination to create our desired reality. Water in this instance represents the subconscious fears, doubts, and obstacles that seem insurmountable. Walking on water symbolizes our ability to rise above these limitations, guided by the power of belief and imagination.
Cleansing with Water: Purification of the Subconscious
The Bible also speaks of water as a means of purification, symbolizing the process of cleansing the subconscious mind to align it with our highest desires:
"To make her holy, cleansing her by the washing with water through the word."
(Ephesians 5:26, NIV)
In Neville's view, this "washing with water" refers to the process of cleansing the subconscious through the conscious use of imagination. The "word" here represents the spoken word or inner dialogue—our affirmations and beliefs. By consistently speaking and thinking in alignment with our desires, we purify the subconscious, making it receptive to the creative flow of imagination.
Moses Strikes the Rock: Water from the Source
Another significant moment in the Bible where water symbolizes the flow of creativity and manifestation is when Moses strikes the rock to provide water for the Israelites:
"Moses raised his staff and struck the rock twice with it. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank."
(Numbers 20:11, NIV)
In this passage, the rock symbolizes the inner, hidden source of our desires—our subconscious mind. Striking the rock represents the act of consciously engaging with our imagination to release the river of creative energy. Just as Moses strikes the rock - symbolising a blockage - , we must take action to release the creative potential locked within our subconscious. When we do so, just as the river gushes forth, our desires flow into manifestation. This moment highlights the power of focused action, belief, and imagination to unlock the abundance that lies within us.
The River of Life: The Ultimate Flow of Creation
In Revelation 22:1, we encounter the image of the river of the water of life, which symbolizes the ultimate flow of creative power:
"Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb."
(Revelation 22:1, NIV)
The river of life is the unbroken, infinite flow of imagination and creative power. It represents the ultimate source of all manifestation—the creative consciousness that flows without end. When we align our thoughts and desires with this river, we tap into the limitless potential of creation, bringing forth life, ideas, and manifestations in alignment with our highest good.
Conclusion
Water in the Bible is more than just a physical substance—it is a profound symbol of the subconscious mind and the flow of creation. From the four rivers of Eden to the living water offered by Jesus, water represents the life-giving, transformative power of imagination. In Neville Goddard’s framework, understanding the symbolism of water helps us unlock the infinite creative potential within us. Just as rivers flow from the garden of Eden, so too can the creative waters of our imagination flow freely to manifest the life we desire. Through faith, belief, and conscious direction, we can harness the power of water to create our reality.
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