from עַיִן and רִמּוֹן; fountain of a pomegranate; En-Rimmon, a place in Palestine; En-rimmon.
Transliteration:ʻÊyn Rimmôwn
Pronunciation:ane rim-mone'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma `{{H5884}}` ʻÊyn Rimmôwn is a compound geographical name derived from two distinct Hebrew words: עַיִן (ʻayin, `{{H5869}}`) and רִמּוֹן (rimmôn, `{{H7416}}`). The word עַיִן primarily means "eye," but in a topographical context, it frequently denotes a "spring," "fountain," or "natural well," referring to a source of water. The word רִמּוֹן refers to the "pomegranate" fruit or the "pomegranate tree." Therefore, the literal and base meaning of ʻÊyn Rimmôwn is "Fountain of a Pomegranate" or "Spring of the Pomegranate." This name likely describes a specific topographical feature of the location, indicating a spring or water source situated amidst pomegranate trees, which were common in the fertile regions of ancient Israel. As a place name, its semantic range is primarily denotative, identifying a specific settlement in the tribal territories of Judah and Simeon.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name ʻÊyn Rimmôwn, or En-Rimmon, appears explicitly in the Hebrew Bible in [[Nehemiah 11:29]]. In this passage, En-Rimmon is listed among the towns re-inhabited by the people of Judah after their return from Babylonian exile. The context is a detailed census and geographical listing of settlements where the returning exiles chose to reside. The verse reads: "and at En-Rimmon, and at Zorah, and at Jarmuth." This placement within a list of towns suggests its identification as a significant, albeit perhaps not a major, settlement in the southern part of Judah.
While the compound form `{{H5884}}` is unique to [[Nehemiah 11:29]], its constituent parts, "Ain" (`{{H5869}}`) and "Rimmon" (`{{H7416}}`), appear separately in other geographical lists. For instance, in [[Joshua 15:32]], "Ain" and "Rimmon" are listed as separate cities within the territory allotted to Judah. Similarly, [[Joshua 19:7]] and [[1 Chronicles 4:32]] list "Ain" and "Rimmon" together as part of the inheritance of the tribe of Simeon. Scholars often propose that the "Ain" and "Rimmon" mentioned separately in Joshua and Chronicles may refer to the same location that later became known as the compound "En-Rimmon," indicating a fusion of the names or a more precise designation of a single place. The Nehemiah reference thus confirms the continued existence and re-establishment of this settlement in the post-exilic period, highlighting the re-population of the ancestral land.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related words are the two components of the compound name:
* עַיִן (ʻayin, `{{H5869}}`): As noted, this word means "eye" but also "spring" or "fountain." Its use in place names is widespread throughout the biblical landscape (e.g., En-Gedi, "Spring of the Kid"; En-Dor, "Spring of Dor"; En-rogel, "Spring of the Fuller"). This highlights the critical importance of water sources for human settlement and survival in the arid ancient Near East. A spring was a life-sustaining feature, often determining the viability and prosperity of a community.
* רִמּוֹן (rimmôn, `{{H7416}}`): The "pomegranate" was a highly valued fruit in ancient Israel, symbolizing fertility, abundance, and prosperity. It was one of the seven species of the Promised Land ([[Deuteronomy 8:8]]). Pomegranates were also significant in Israelite religious symbolism, adorning the hem of the high priest's robe ([[Exodus 28:33-34]]) and featured prominently in the architectural design of Solomon's Temple ([[1 Kings 7:18-20, 42]]). The presence of pomegranates near a spring would have indicated a fertile and blessed location.
The combination of "spring" and "pomegranate" in a place name like En-Rimmon thus evokes both essential life-sustaining resources (water) and symbols of blessing and fruitfulness (pomegranates).
### Theological Significance
As a geographical place name, En-Rimmon's direct theological significance is limited; it primarily serves as a spatial marker in the biblical narrative. However, the components of its name, "fountain" and "pomegranate," carry profound theological resonance within the broader biblical context.
The "fountain" or "spring" (ʻayin) often symbolizes divine provision, life, and spiritual refreshment. God is frequently depicted as the source of "living water" ([[Jeremiah 2:13]], [[John 4:10]]), providing sustenance in a dry and thirsty land. The presence of a spring in En-Rimmon would have been a tangible reminder of God's physical provision for His people.
The "pomegranate" (rimmôn), as a symbol of abundance and fertility, points to God's blessing upon the land and His people. Its inclusion among the "good land" produce ([[Deuteronomy 8:8]]) signifies the richness of God's covenant promises. The re-inhabitation of a place like En-Rimmon by the returning exiles, a place named for its life-giving spring and fruitful pomegranates, subtly underscores the theme of restoration and the re-flowering of God's blessings upon a chastened but renewed Israel. It represents the re-establishment of a vibrant community in the land promised by God, where life and fruitfulness could once again flourish under divine favor.
### Summary
ʻÊyn Rimmôwn (`{{H5884}}`), or En-Rimmon, literally translates to "Fountain of a Pomegranate," indicating a place characterized by a spring surrounded by pomegranate trees. This geographical designation appears in [[Nehemiah 11:29]], where it is listed among the towns re-inhabited by the people of Judah after their return from Babylonian exile, signifying the re-establishment of their presence in the ancestral land. While primarily a place name, its constituent elements carry deeper symbolic weight. The "fountain" speaks to divine provision and life-giving sustenance, while the "pomegranate" signifies fruitfulness, abundance, and blessing. Thus, En-Rimmon, though a simple topographical marker, subtly points to the themes of restoration, divine provision, and the renewed fruitfulness of God's people in their covenant inheritance.
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