from an unused root (meaning to collect as water); a marsh; hence a rush (as growing in swamps); hence a stockade of reeds; pond, pool, standing (water).
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼăgam**, represented by `{{H98}}`, refers to a **pond, pool, or standing water**. Derived from a root meaning to collect water, it also carries the sense of a marsh or the reeds that grow there. It appears **9 times** across **9 unique verses**, often illustrating God's power over the natural landscape.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In biblical usage, `{{H98}}` is central to displays of divine power. It appears in the context of God's plagues on Egypt, where Aaron is commanded to stretch his hand over the **ponds** to turn them to blood [[Exodus 7:19]] and to bring forth frogs [[Exodus 8:5]]. In contrast, the prophets use the creation of a **pool** as a symbol of miraculous restoration and blessing, such as when God promises to turn the parched ground into a **pool** [[Isaiah 35:7]] and the wilderness into standing water [[Psalms 107:35]]. The word also signifies desolation, as in the judgment against Babylon, which will be made into **pools** of water [[Isaiah 14:23]]. In one unique instance, it is translated as **reeds** that are burned during Babylon's fall [[Jeremiah 51:32]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help frame the context of transformation and water sources:
* `{{H4723}}` **miqveh** (a collection, i.e. (of water) a pond): This term is used alongside `{{H98}}` in Exodus to describe the various bodies of water in Egypt, highlighting a collection or gathering of water [[Exodus 7:19]].
* `{{H8273}}` **shârâb** (parched ground): This word describes the arid state of the land *before* God transforms it into a **pool** `{{H98}}`, emphasizing the miraculous nature of the change [[Isaiah 35:7]].
* `{{H2717}}` **chârab** (to desolate, destroy): This verb is used to describe the opposite action of creating a pool. God declares He will make rivers islands and dry up the **pools** `{{H98}}`, showing his power to both give and take away water [[Isaiah 42:15]].
* `{{H5104}}` **nâhâr** (a stream... river): This word for a river is often mentioned in the same passages as **ponds**, either as part of a list of water bodies affected by God's actions or as a parallel object of His creative or destructive power ([[Exodus 8:5]], [[Isaiah 42:15]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H98}}` is tied to God's sovereignty over the natural world.
* **Divine Power and Control:** The ability to create a **pool** from a rock [[Psalms 114:8]] or a wilderness [[Isaiah 41:18]], and to dry up existing **pools** [[Isaiah 42:15]], demonstrates God's absolute authority over creation.
* **Instrument of Judgment and Blessing:** The word is used dually. In Exodus, the **ponds** become instruments of God's judgment against Egypt [[Exodus 7:19]]. In Isaiah and the Psalms, the creation of a **pool** signifies God's blessing and provision for His people in desolate places ([[Isaiah 35:7]], [[Psalms 107:35]]).
* **Symbol of Radical Transformation:** `{{H98}}` often represents a complete reversal of circumstances. A dry wilderness becoming a **pool** is a powerful metaphor for restoration and life, while a thriving kingdom becoming **pools** of water symbolizes utter destruction [[Isaiah 14:23]].
### Summary
In summary, **ʼăgam** `{{H98}}` is a dynamic term that extends beyond a simple "pond." It is a key element in narratives that showcase God's power to radically alter the environment. Whether as a source of plagues, a sign of desolation, or a symbol of miraculous restoration, these pools and reeds serve as a tangible measure of divine judgment and blessing, illustrating God's capacity to bring life from barrenness and ruin to the powerful.
TRV