The Hebrew word "makor," when translated into English, means "source," as in a source of fresh water, such as a clear mountain spring or a fountain. However, this word has a deeper spiritual meaning as well. In the Bible, the word "makor" is used in the book of Jeremiah to describe God as being a source of pure, clean water—in other words, something that is necessary for life. The word "makor" has positive connotations and is associated with cleansing and freshness. The Bible passage in question then contrasts the "makor" with a cistern, which is essentially an above-ground tank that is open to the air and traps rainwater. In contrast to the fresh water that flows from a spring, water from a cistern is stagnant and quickly becomes stale. In the book of Jeremiah, it says that cisterns will break and leak, meaning that God is the only true "makor" (source of water, and therefore, source of life).

Throughout the Bible, there are many references to "rivers of life" that flow from heaven. There are also references to a "fountain of life." The overall message is that sources such as these will refresh and renew the spirit in ways that earthly water sources cannot.