עַיִן and the dual of עֵגֶל; fountain of two calves; En-Eglajim, a place in Palestine; En-eglaim.
Transliteration:ʻÊyn ʻEglayim
Pronunciation:ane eg-lah'-yim
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H5882}}` (ʻÊyn ʻEglayim) is a composite place name derived from two distinct elements. The first component, עֵין (ʻayin, `{{H5869}}`), primarily denotes "eye," but also carries the significant meaning of "fountain" or "spring," particularly in geographical contexts, referring to a natural water source. The second component, עֶגְלַיִם (ʻeglayim), is the dual form of עֵגֶל (ʻegel, `{{H5695}}`), which means "calf" or "young bull/heifer." Thus, the name ʻÊyn ʻEglayim literally translates to "Fountain of Two Calves" or "Spring of Two Heifers." This etymology suggests a location characterized by a natural spring that likely served as a watering place for livestock, specifically young cattle, indicating a pastoral setting. As a place name, its semantic range is primarily fixed to this specific geographical marker.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name ʻÊyn ʻEglayim `{{H5882}}` appears only once in the entire Hebrew Bible, specifically in the prophetic book of Ezekiel:
* [[Ezekiel 47:10]]: "And it shall come to pass that fishers shall stand upon it from En-gedi even unto En-eglaim; they shall be a place for the spreading of nets; their fish shall be according to their kinds, as the fish of the Great Sea, exceeding many."
In this singular occurrence, ʻÊyn ʻEglayim functions as a geographical boundary marker within Ezekiel's profound vision of the life-giving river flowing from the temple. The river, which originates from the temple threshold and flows eastward, progressively deepens and broadens, bringing life and healing wherever it goes, even transforming the saline waters of the Dead Sea into fresh, teeming waters. ʻÊyn ʻEglayim marks the southern extent of the miraculous fishing grounds, stretching from En-gedi (`{{H5872}}`) on the western shore of the Dead Sea to ʻÊyn ʻEglayim, presumably on the eastern shore or further south along the western shore. This passage describes an astonishing abundance of fish, comparable to that of the Mediterranean ("Great Sea"), signifying an unprecedented era of fertility and blessing. The mention of ʻÊyn ʻEglayim anchors this eschatological vision to a specific, albeit transformed, geography, highlighting the tangible nature of God's future restoration.
### Related Words & Concepts
The components of ʻÊyn ʻEglayim connect it to broader biblical themes:
* **עַיִן (ʻayin, `{{H5869}}`)**: As "fountain" or "spring," this word is central to understanding the vital role of water in the arid ancient Near East. Many biblical place names begin with "En-" (e.g., En-Gedi, En-Roguel, En-Dor), signifying the presence of a crucial water source. The concept of a "fountain" also extends metaphorically to sources of life, wisdom, or blessing (e.g., "fountain of life" in [[Proverbs 13:14]]). In Ezekiel 47, the "fountain" of the temple river is the ultimate source of life and healing.
* **עֵגֶל (ʻegel, `{{H5695}}`)**: "Calf" or "young bull" evokes imagery of pastoral life, fertility, and agricultural prosperity. Calves were often used for sacrifice (e.g., [[Leviticus 9:2]]), and their presence in a place name like ʻÊyn ʻEglayim suggests an area suitable for pasturing and animal husbandry, indicative of a blessed and fruitful land.
* **Living Water**: The miraculous river in Ezekiel 47 resonates with the broader biblical concept of "living water" (e.g., [[Jeremiah 2:13]], [[John 4:10-11]], [[Revelation 22:1-2]]), which symbolizes divine blessing, spiritual renewal, and the life-giving presence of God. ʻÊyn ʻEglayim marks the boundary of this life-giving transformation.
* **Eschatological Abundance**: The vision in Ezekiel 47, culminating in the flourishing fishing grounds between En-Gedi and ʻÊyn ʻEglayim, is part of a larger prophetic theme of future restoration and superabundant blessing for Israel (e.g., [[Isaiah 35:1-7]], [[Joel 3:18]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻÊyn ʻEglayim `{{H5882}}` is derived almost entirely from its unique placement in Ezekiel's temple vision. While its literal meaning ("Fountain of Two Calves") suggests a place of natural provision and pastoral tranquility, its primary theological weight lies in its function as a divinely appointed boundary marker for the eschatological outpouring of God's life-giving presence.
1. **Symbol of Divine Transformation**: ʻÊyn ʻEglayim delineates the extent of the miraculous transformation wrought by the temple river. The Dead Sea, a symbol of barrenness and death, becomes a vibrant ecosystem teeming with life. This signifies God's power to reverse the effects of sin and curse, bringing forth life even from the most desolate places.
2. **Marker of Abundant Blessing**: The passage emphasizes the "exceeding many" fish, mirroring the "two calves" in the name's etymology, subtly hinting at double portion or abundant provision. ʻÊyn ʻEglayim thus becomes a testament to the overflowing, immeasurable blessings that flow from God's sanctuary in the renewed creation.
3. **Future Restoration**: The vision in Ezekiel 47, with ʻÊyn ʻEglayim as a key reference point, speaks powerfully of God's ultimate plan for restoration—not merely spiritual, but also physical and ecological. It paints a picture of a renewed earth, where God's presence brings forth unparalleled fruitfulness and healing, extending to the very boundaries of the land.
4. **Prophetic Hope**: For the exiles to whom Ezekiel ministered, the promise of a transformed land, marked by such landmarks, offered profound hope for a future where God's glory would dwell among His people, bringing complete restoration and an abundance of life.
### Summary
ʻÊyn ʻEglayim `{{H5882}}`, meaning "Fountain of Two Calves," is a geographical place name that appears only once in the biblical text, in [[Ezekiel 47:10]]. Its literal meaning suggests a spring used for watering livestock, indicative of a pastoral setting. However, its profound theological significance stems from its role as a key boundary marker in Ezekiel's vision of the miraculous river flowing from the temple. This river transforms the Dead Sea, making it teeming with fish from En-Gedi to ʻÊyn ʻEglayim. The word thus symbolizes the vast extent of God's life-giving power and abundant blessing that will flow from His presence in the eschatological age, bringing complete transformation, healing, and unparalleled fruitfulness to the land. It stands as a testament to God's ultimate plan of restoration and renewal.
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