View Message

There are probably several reasons for Christians to name a child River. The River Jordan is of great significance in the Bible; it was parted so the Israelites could cross into the Promised Land. (Some theologians think the Promised Land is representative of Heaven, and the Jordan River represents death.)

---

Elsewhere in the Bible, rivers are indicative of life. The Holy Spirit is variously represented by wind, fire, and water.

---

Another reference to a river is in the Book of the Revelations describing heaven: "And he [an angel] shewed me [John] a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb." Revelation 22:1

---

This is certainly not an exhaustive list of significant rivers in the Bible, but this could explain why some Christians have a penchant for the name. This Christian actually finds the name River more natural than spiritual, though. :o)

I know Sabrina Fair attributes it to the river of life that's the holy spirit which runs through everyone. That's a paraphrase, of course, and I've probably botched it terribly, and I should probably be letting her answer for herself, and I know I should stop writing now, but I also know I'm going to post this anyway. Ever do that? :)

I know the signifigance for me is [m]

---

River is in reference to the Holy Spirit.

---

The Holy Spirit is known as the River of Life.

---

"Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38), NRSV". I think there are other references as well in the Bible.

---

I love explaining the signifigance, it's so pretty, lol.

---

ETA: I am naming my "future" son/daugther River by the way :).

This message was edited 6/13/2007, 4:48 PM

Maybe because of baptism?