or מַעְיְנוֹ; (Psalm 114:8), or (feminine) מַעְיָנָה; from עַיִן (as a denominative in the sense of a spring); a fountain (also collectively), figuratively, a source (of satisfaction); fountain, spring, well.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
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.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
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]].
### Related Words & Concepts
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.
### Theological Significance
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]].
### Summary
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