Αἰνών
Ainṓn
G137 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Ainōn refers specifically to a place name, denoting a locality associated with natural springs or abundant water sources. The primary lexical meaning is 'place of springs,' understood geolinguistically as a site characterized by water. The term occurs as a proper noun in the New Testament, designating the locality near Salim where John engaged in baptism activities. The meaning is inherently topographical, with no figurative or extended sense.
Semantic Range
place of springs, locality with abundant water, proper place name of a spring-fed area
Root / Etymology
A borrowed term from Hebrew עֵינון (ʿEinon), itself derived from עַיִן ('ayin, meaning 'spring, fountain, eye'). The Greek form retains the Semitic root by transliteration, following common Hellenistic-era place-naming practices for non-Greek toponyms in Palestine.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Ainōn appears only once in the New Testament (John 3:23) as the site near Salim associated with John’s baptizing 'because there was much water there.' It illustrates how the Greek New Testament adopts and adapts local Semitic place names. The term is not found in classical Greek literature, existing solely as a transliterated toponym within Hellenistic Jewish and early Christian contexts. Later traditions (e.g., Byzantine and Latin sources) often attempt to localize or identify Ainōn based on pilgrimage itineraries, but in its original usage, the word bears no religious or identity connotations beyond its referent as a place with abundant natural water. Standard English translations typically transliterate the name without translation, but the original meaning as 'place of springs' or 'fountains' could be supplied to aid understanding of why the location was significant for baptismal activities.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
of Hebrew origin (a derivative of עַיִן, place of springs); Ænon, a place in Palestine:--Ænon.
Root Family
Αἰνών (Ainōn) — spring, fountain, natural water source
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G137-01 |
Αἰνὼν | ainon | N DAT F SG |
Aenon | Ainon | Ainon | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
G137-01 |
John 3:23 | Αἰνὼν | ainon | N DAT F SG |
Aenon | Ainon | Ainon |