4017. In the watering troughs, whither the flocks came to drink. That this signifies the affections of truth, is evident from the signification of “water,” as being knowledges and memory-knowledges, which are the truths of the natural man (see n. 28, 2702, 3058); from the signification of “drinking troughs” or “watering troughs,” which as being containants of water, are in the internal sense the goods of truth, goods being the containants of truth (see n. 3095); and from the signification of “coming to drink,” as being the affection of truth. That “coming to drink” is the affection of truth, is because it involves thirst; for “thirst” in the Word signifies appetite and desire, and thus the affection of knowing and imbibing truth, and this because “water” signifies truth in general; whereas “hunger” signifies appetite, desire, and thus the affection of becoming imbued with good; and this because “bread,” which is used for food in general (n. 2165), signifies good. Thus it is evident that these words signify the affections of truth.