from עַיִן and the plural of תַּן; fountain of jackals; En-Tannim, a pool near Jerusalem; dragon well.
Transliteration:ʻÊyn Tannîym
Pronunciation:ane tan-neem'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma עֵין תַּנִּים (ʻÊyn Tannîym, `{{H5886}}`) is a compound noun, literally translating to "fountain of jackals" or "spring of dragons." It is formed from two distinct elements: עַיִן (ʻayin, `{{H5869}}`), which primarily means "eye" but commonly denotes a "fountain" or "spring" in geographical contexts, and תַּנִּים (tannîm), the plural of תַּן (tan, `{{H8577}}`). The word תַּן carries a dual semantic range, referring to both "jackals" (a wild canid associated with desolate places) and "dragons" or "serpents" (large, often reptilian creatures, sometimes with mythical connotations). This duality gives rise to the alternative English translations "Dragon Well" and "Fountain of Jackals." In its specific biblical usage, עֵין תַּנִּים functions as a proper noun, designating a particular pool or well situated near Jerusalem.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The primary, if not sole, biblical occurrence of עֵין תַּנִּים is found in [[Nehemiah 2:13]]. In this passage, Nehemiah, having arrived in Jerusalem from Susa, undertakes a clandestine nighttime inspection of the city's ruined walls. He recounts, "I went out by night through the Valley Gate toward the Dragon Well and the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that were broken down and its gates that had been destroyed by fire." The mention of the "Dragon Well" (עֵין תַּנִּים) here serves as a geographical landmark along Nehemiah's route of inspection. Its placement between the Valley Gate and the Dung Gate suggests its location in the southern or southwestern part of the city's environs, likely in the Kidron or Hinnom Valley. The context is one of profound desolation and ruin following the Babylonian exile, with Jerusalem's defenses lying in shambles. The name itself, whether "Fountain of Jackals" or "Dragon Well," evokes an image of a wild, perhaps even eerie, place, fitting the neglected and ruined state of the city's periphery. The "jackal" interpretation aligns with the imagery of a desolate wilderness, where such creatures roam, while the "dragon" interpretation might suggest an ancient, perhaps foreboding, landmark.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words and concepts illuminate the meaning and significance of עֵין תַּנִּים:
* עַיִן (ʻayin, `{{H5869}}`): As a component of the name, עַיִן underscores the presence of a water source, a vital element in the arid landscape of ancient Israel. Many place names incorporate עַיִן (e.g., En-Gedi, En-Roguel), signifying a spring or fountain.
* תַּן (tan, `{{H8577}}`): The plural תַּנִּים is the other crucial component. When interpreted as "jackal," it connects עֵין תַּנִּים to themes of desolation and wilderness, as jackals are often associated with ruined cities and desolate places in prophetic literature (e.g., [[Isaiah 34:13]], [[Jeremiah 9:11]]). When interpreted as "dragon" or "serpent," it relates to the broader category of large, often fearsome, creatures (תַּנִּין, tannîn, `{{H8577}}`, often grouped with תַּן in Strong's, as in [[Exodus 7:9]] where Aaron's staff becomes a תַּנִּין). This dual meaning highlights the potential for both literal and symbolic interpretations of the well's name.
* חֹרֶב (ḥōrev, `{{H2723}}`): "Desolation," "waste," or "ruin." The condition of Jerusalem's walls and gates in Nehemiah's time, which the "Fountain of Jackals" implicitly reflects.
* שַׁעַר הַגַּיְא (sha'ar hag-gay', "Valley Gate"): The gate from which Nehemiah exits, indicating the topographical context of the well in a valley setting.
* שַׁעַר הָאַשְׁפֹּת (sha'ar ha'ashpōt, "Dung Gate"): The subsequent landmark in Nehemiah's route, further emphasizing the less savory, peripheral areas of the city.
### Theological Significance
While primarily a geographical marker, עֵין תַּנִּים carries subtle theological resonance within the narrative of Nehemiah. Its very name, particularly the "jackal" connotation, serves as a stark reminder of the spiritual and physical desolation that had befallen Jerusalem due to the people's unfaithfulness and subsequent divine judgment. The city, once the glorious dwelling place of God, was reduced to a state where its periphery was a haunt for wild creatures, a poignant symbol of its fallen state and God's apparent abandonment. Nehemiah's solitary, nocturnal journey past this "Dragon Well" underscores the gravity of the situation and the immense task of restoration that lay ahead. It is a moment of sober assessment of the ruins, a necessary precursor to the monumental work of rebuilding. The well, despite its potentially ominous or desolate name, stands as a silent witness to both the depths of ruin and the dawning hope of renewal. The act of rebuilding the walls, commencing from such a desolate landscape, is a powerful theological statement about God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant people and His commitment to restore His city, even from the ashes of despair.
### Summary
עֵין תַּנִּים (ʻÊyn Tannîym, `{{H5886}}`), translated as "Fountain of Jackals" or "Dragon Well," is a compound Hebrew noun designating a specific well or spring near Jerusalem. Comprising עַיִן (ʻayin, `{{H5869}}`, "spring") and תַּנִּים (tannîm, plural of תַּן, `{{H8577}}`, "jackal" or "dragon"), its name evokes either the presence of wild scavengers in a desolate place or perhaps an ancient, even foreboding, landmark. Its sole biblical appearance is in [[Nehemiah 2:13]], where it serves as a geographical point of reference during Nehemiah's nighttime inspection of Jerusalem's ruined walls. In this context, the "Dragon Well" symbolizes the profound physical and spiritual desolation of the city after the Babylonian exile, a place frequented by wild animals. Theologically, its mention underscores the dire state from which God's people were called to rebuild, highlighting the magnitude of the restoration task and God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant and His city. It stands as a somber yet significant landmark in the narrative of return, assessment, and eventual reconstruction.
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