lemma עֵין־דּאֹר second vowel, corrected to עֵין־דֹּאר; or עֵין דּוֹר; or עֵין־דֹּר; from עַיִן and דּוֹר; fountain of dwelling; En-Dor, a place in Palestine; En-dor.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻÊyn-Dôʼr** `{{H5874}}`, meaning "**fountain of dwelling**," refers to **En-Dor, a place in Palestine**. This place name appears **3 times** across **3 unique verses** in the Bible. It is identified both as a geographical location within Israel's tribal allotments and as the site of significant events.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The place name `{{H5874}}` is mentioned in three distinct contexts. Geographically, it is listed among the towns belonging to the inhabitants of Manasseh within the territories of Issachar and Asher [[Joshua 17:11]]. The location gains its primary notoriety when Saul, seeking guidance, asks his servants to find a **woman** that hath a familiar spirit at **Endor** [[1 Samuel 28:7]]. Finally, it is referenced as a place of divine judgment, where enemies of Israel **perished** and became as dung for the earth [[Psalms 83:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context surrounding **En-Dor**, particularly in the narrative of King Saul:
* `{{H802}}` **ʼishshâh** (a woman): Saul specifically seeks out a **woman** at Endor to perform necromancy [[1 Samuel 28:7]].
* `{{H1172}}` **baʻălâh** (mistress): This term describes the woman as a **mistress** of a familiar spirit, indicating her control or association with it [[1 Samuel 28:7]].
* `{{H178}}` **ʼôwb** (familiar spirit): This is the specific supernatural entity the woman at Endor is associated with, defining her as a necromancer [[1 Samuel 28:7]].
* `{{H1875}}` **dârash** (to seek or ask): This word describes Saul's action of going to Endor to **inquire** of the spirit, an act which was forbidden [[1 Samuel 28:7]].
### Theological Significance
The accounts involving `{{H5874}}` carry significant theological implications, primarily as a case study in disobedience and judgment.
* **Forbidden Necromancy:** Endor is the setting for Saul's forbidden act of consulting a **woman** that hath a **familiar spirit** [[1 Samuel 28:7]]. This action stands in direct violation of commands not to regard or seek after those with familiar spirits [[Leviticus 19:31]] and is cited as a reason for Saul's death [[1 Chronicles 10:13]].
* **A Site of Judgment:** The location is also remembered as a place where God's enemies **perished** [[Psalms 83:10]]. This connects Endor to the theme of divine destruction `{{H8045}}` brought upon the wicked.
* **Illicit Inquiry:** Saul's decision to **inquire** `{{H1875}}` of a spirit at Endor contrasts sharply with the biblical mandate to seek the LORD [[Isaiah 55:6]]. His action demonstrates a turning away from God to forbidden sources for guidance.
### Summary
In summary, **ʻÊyn-Dôʼr** `{{H5874}}` is more than a geographical entry on a tribal map. While identified as a town belonging to Manasseh [[Joshua 17:11]], its primary role in scripture is to serve as a backdrop for spiritual failure and divine judgment. The story of Saul seeking a medium at Endor and the psalm recalling the perishing of enemies there cement its legacy as a location associated with forbidden practices and their dire consequences.
TRV