The Hebrew word maʻyân, represented by H4599, is a term for a fountain, spring, or well. It appears 23 times in 23 unique verses. While often referring to a literal source of water, it is also used figuratively as a source of satisfaction or life.
In the biblical narrative, H4599 is used in several key contexts. It denotes a critical life source in arid lands, as when Ahab sought fountains of water to save his animals during a drought 1 Kings 18:5. Fountains also played a role in military strategy, where armies would stop them to gain an advantage (2 Kings 3:25, 2 Chronicles 32:4). The term is also used in events of divine power, such as when the "fountains of the great deep" were broken up at the start of the great flood Genesis 7:11 and when God turned a flint into a fountain of waters Psalms 114:8. Figuratively, a righteous man who falters is compared to a "troubled fountain" Proverbs 25:26.
Several related words expand upon the concept of sources and water:
- H1234 bâqaʻ (to cleave; generally, to rend, break, rip or open): This verb describes the powerful action of a source being opened. It is used when the fountains of the great deep were "broken up" during the flood Genesis 7:11 and when God "didst cleave the fountain and the flood" Psalms 74:15.
- H5640 çâtham (to stop up; by implication, to repair; figuratively, to keep secret): This is the direct antonym to opening a fountain. It is used to describe the act of stopping wells of water as an act of war 2 Kings 3:25 or defense 2 Chronicles 32:4.
- H4726 mâqôwr (something dug, i.e. a (general) source (of water...); fountain, issue, spring, well(-spring)): A close synonym, this word is often used for a source of life or wisdom. It appears alongside maʻyân in Proverbs 25:26 and is identified as "the fountain of living waters" (Jeremiah 2:13, Jeremiah 17:13).
- H3318 yâtsâʼ (to go (causatively, bring) out): This word describes the action of a fountain flowing. A future fountain is prophesied to "come forth of the house of the LORD" Joel 3:18, signifying a divine source of blessing.
The theological weight of H4599 is significant, symbolizing divine action and spiritual realities.
- Source of Provision and Judgment: God can provide for His people by opening fountains in the wilderness Isaiah 41:18. Conversely, judgment is depicted as a fountain being "dried up" Hosea 13:15. The flood narrative uses the "fountains of the deep" as instruments of both God's judgment when broken up Genesis 7:11 and his mercy when stopped Genesis 8:2.
- Symbol of Salvation: The term is directly linked to deliverance and joy. Isaiah speaks of drawing water "out of the wells (fountains) of salvation" Isaiah 12:3, and Joel prophesies that a fountain will come forth from the house of the LORD Joel 3:18.
- Emblem of Purity and Life: The source of all life is ultimately God, as the psalmist declares, "all my springs (fountains) are in thee" Psalms 87:7. In the Song of Solomon, the beloved is described as a "spring shut up, a fountain sealed," representing purity and faithfulness Song of Solomon 4:12.
In summary, H4599 moves from a simple description of a physical water source to a potent symbol in Scripture. It represents the duality of God's power to provide life-giving water or to enact judgment by withholding it. As a fountain, spring, or well, maʻyân illustrates core theological truths about salvation, purity, and God's status as the ultimate source of all life.
TRV