Is Blood Thicker Than Water? Modern Interpretations Say Otherwise

The saying "blood is thicker than water" has long been known to refer to how family or blood relations are more important than friends. As such, a new interpretation suggests that the saying could've meant the opposite all along.

Is Blood Thicker Than Water?

Auralcrave says that the proverb "blood is thicker than water" often talks about how social bonds or relationships aren't as important as families. It has been used for centuries as a reminder of the importance of family.

The report says its earliest appearance can be traced to German author Heinrich der Glîchezære's Reynard the Fox, the Medieval cycle of fables, which is a 13th-century manuscript that mentions the quote. When translated from German, the quote suggests that water cannot spoil kin blood.

However, other reports like that from Grammarist, suggest that it was first used by Evan Franklin, a German philosopher of the 12th century. Although believed to refer to how people who are related have stronger responsibilities, there are interpretations of the quote that suggest otherwise.

Modern Interpretation of the Phrase

Richard Pustelniak, a Messianic Rabbi, and Albert Jack, an author, said that the quote could actually refer to a blood covenant being stronger than water. This interpretation suggests that the actual meaning is that the "water of the womb" is not thicker than the "blood of the covenant."

This would translate to the completely opposite meaning, suggesting that one's blood covenant could be more important than their family bonds. The saying was believed to have been used in the military environment, enforcing the idea that soldiers fighting alongside each other while shedding blood creates a stronger bond compared to just being biological brothers.

Grammarist defines the "blood covenant" as the practice of sacrificing an animal to establish close bonds between parties. These rituals can be done amongst kin, people who share the same religion, or magical associations.

Auralcrave clarifies that the interpretation still doesn't have proven sources compared to the well-documented suggestion of the original theory, which was that family ties or blood ties were more important than anything.

Scientific Explanation

Penn Today shares the scientific explanation of how blood is thicker than water. For many decades, researchers used to think that blood plasma and water were very much alike regarding behavior.

However, new research reveals that plasma is more elastic and viscous compared to water, likening it more to ketchup, which makes it thicker than water. Blood has flow properties that allow it to become less viscous with increasing pressure, allowing it to still flow through thin capillaries.

Water remains constant regarding flow properties while blood's flow characteristic is mostly based on the number of red blood cells in it, which accounts for close to half of its volume. The other liquid that makes up the remaining volume is actually still 92% water.