### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻÊyn Gannîym**, represented by `{{H5873}}`, is a place name meaning **fountain of gardens**. It appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. This name identifies specific locations within Palestine, mentioned primarily in the context of tribal land allotments documented in the book of Joshua.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H5873}}` is used to mark the boundaries and cities within the inherited territories of the tribes of Israel. It is first mentioned as a city within the allotment given to the tribe of Judah [[Joshua 15:34]]. It appears again as one of the cities defining the border of the tribe of Issachar [[Joshua 19:21]]. Finally, it is identified as a Levitical city, given from the tribe of Issachar to the sons of Gershon, complete "with her **suburbs**" [[Joshua 21:29]]. This passage specifies it was one of **four** cities provided for the Levites from that tribe.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help place `{{H5873}}` in its geographical and administrative context:
* `{{H5892}}` **ʻîyr** (city): This general term for a city, town, or even an encampment is used to categorize **Engannim** as one of **four** cities given to the Levites from the tribe of Issachar [[Joshua 21:29]].
* `{{H4054}}` **migrâsh** (suburb): Defined as a suburb or open country for pasture, this word specifies the lands that accompanied Levitical cities. Both **Jarmuth** and **Engannim** are designated as having **suburbs** [[Joshua 21:29]].
* `{{H3412}}` **Yarmûwth** (elevation): This place name is listed directly with **Engannim** as a Levitical city [[Joshua 21:29]]. Its king was one of the five Amorite kings who fought against Gibeon [[Joshua 10:5]].
* `{{H2182}}` **Zânôwach** (rejected): A place name listed alongside **Engannim** and **Tappuah** within the territory of Judah [[Joshua 15:34]]. The inhabitants of **Zanoah** later participated in repairing the valley gate of Jerusalem [[Nehemiah 3:13]].
### Theological Significance
The significance of `{{H5873}}` in the biblical record is primarily geographical and administrative.
* **Tribal Allotment:** The name **Engannim** is a key geographical marker used to define the lands assigned to the tribes of Israel after the conquest of Canaan. It is explicitly listed within the territories of both Judah [[Joshua 15:34]] and Issachar [[Joshua 19:21]].
* **Levitical City:** Its designation as a city for the Levites is particularly important. By being given to the sons of Gershon, **Engannim** played a role in the national system of supporting the priestly tribe, which had no tribal inheritance of its own [[Joshua 21:29]].
* **Geographical Identity:** The name itself, "fountain of gardens," suggests a fertile and well-watered location. It is consistently grouped with other known towns like **Remeth** and **Enhaddah** [[Joshua 19:21]], helping to create a map of settlements in ancient Israel.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H5873}}` is not a conceptual term but a specific place name, **Engannim**. Its meaning, "fountain of gardens," hints at the physical nature of the location. Its importance in scripture is rooted in its function as a geographical marker in the land allotments for Judah and Issachar, and its special status as one of the cities set apart for the Levites. It serves as a fixed point in the historical and geographical landscape of the Old Testament.
TRV