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What the Bible Says About Thirst

Overview

The Bible addresses thirst across 16 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Psalms, Amos and John. Closely related themes include Seekers, Korah, Access to God and Jacob. Figures whose stories touch this theme include David and Jesus.

Key Bible verses about thirst

Old Testament

Psalms

Psalms 42:1

To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. Maschil: or, A Psalm giving instruction of the sons, etc panteth: Heb. brayeth

Psalms 42:2

My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

Psalms 42:3

My tears have been my meat day and night, while they continually say unto me, Where is thy God?

Psalms 42:4

When I remember these things, I pour out my soul in me: for I had gone with the multitude, I went with them to the house of God, with the voice of joy and praise, with a multitude that kept holyday.

Psalms 63:1

A Psalm of David, when he was in the wilderness of Judah. O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; thirsty: Heb. weary where: without water

Psalms 143:6

I stretch forth my hands unto thee: my soul thirsteth after thee, as a thirsty land. Selah.

New Testament

People in the Bible and thirst

Biblical figures whose stories intersect with this theme.

In the Bible dictionary

Studying thirst for yourself

  • Begin with Psalms 42:1, then read the passages below in canonical order.
  • Compare how Psalms, Amos and John each treat the theme.
  • Consider the lives of David and Jesus and how their stories intersect with it.
  • Widen the study to related themes: Seekers, Korah, Access to God and Jacob.

Frequently asked questions

What does the Bible say about thirst?

The Bible addresses thirst across 16 verses, drawn from both the Old and New Testaments. These passages cluster most in Psalms, Amos and John. Closely related themes include Seekers, Korah, Access to God and Jacob. Figures whose stories touch this theme include David and Jesus.

How many Bible verses are about thirst?

The Bible references thirst in 16 verses (King James Version).

Where does the Bible first mention thirst?

In canonical order, the first of these passages is Psalms 42:1: “To the chief Musician, Maschil, for the sons of Korah. As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God. Maschil: or, A Psalm giving instruction of the sons, etc panteth: Heb. brayeth”

Which people in the Bible are associated with thirst?

David and Jesus.

Preach & teach

Outline a sermon or build a study series on thirst.

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