The Hebrew name ʻÊyn Tannîym, represented by H5886, is a compound term translated as dragon well or fountain of jackals. It appears only 1 time in 1 unique verse in the Bible. This name identifies a specific location, a pool near Jerusalem, combining the concepts of a water source and a formidable creature.
The sole biblical appearance of H5886 is in Nehemiah's account of his nighttime inspection of Jerusalem's defenses. He states that he "went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the dragon well" to view the city's broken-down walls and burned gates Nehemiah 2:13. In this context, the dragon well serves as a geographical landmark, helping to map out the path of Nehemiah's survey of the city's ruin.
The name is derived from two distinct Hebrew words that define its character:
- H5869 ʻayin: This word literally means "an eye," but by analogy it also refers to a fountain, seen as "the eye of the landscape." Beyond its physical meanings, it is used figuratively for sight and perception. Man is described as looking on the "outward appearance" 1 Samuel 16:7, while righteousness is defined as doing what is right "in his sight" Exodus 15:26.
- H8577 tannîyn: This term describes a "marine or land monster, i.e. sea-serpent or jackal," and is often translated as dragon, sea-monster, or whale. It is used to symbolize powerful, hostile entities, such as the king of Babylon who "swallowed me up like a dragon" Jeremiah 51:34 and the primordial foe wounded by God's arm Isaiah 51:9.
The conceptual significance of H5886 is tied to the imagery its name evokes.
- A Source in a Wild Place: The name combines a life-giving "fountain" (ʻayin) with a "dragon" or "jackal" (tannîyn). This suggests a water source located in a wild or desolate area, a place inhabited by such creatures, as referenced when God provides water for "the dragons and the owls" in the wilderness Isaiah 43:20.
- Symbol of Desolation: In its only scriptural context, the dragon well is a landmark passed during an assessment of destruction Nehemiah 2:13. The name, evoking monstrous or wild animals, complements the scene of a city with broken walls and consumed gates. It signifies a place on the edge of the ruined, and perhaps dangerous, city.
In summary, H5886 ʻÊyn Tannîym is not a theological concept but a descriptive place name, the "dragon well." Its single mention in scripture firmly places it within the narrative of Jerusalem's restoration under Nehemiah. The name's power comes from its components: ʻayin H5869, a fountain, and tannîyn H8577, a dragon or jackal. Together, they create a vivid image of a water source in a wild or desolate setting, a fitting landmark on the outskirts of a ruined city.
TRV