עֵין עֶגְלַיִם
𐤏𐤉𐤍 𐤏𐤂𐤋𐤉𐤌
Eyn Egelayim
H5882 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
En-Eglayim is a toponym meaning 'spring (or spring site) of two calves,' designating a specific place, most likely a water source or oasis, mentioned as a geographic boundary point. The name combines the word for 'spring' or 'fountain' with a dual formation of the word for 'calf.' This location is mentioned mainly as a marker in associations with the Dead Sea region; its primary lexical meaning is that of a spring named for an association with two calves, which may reference local iconography, legend, or a notable physical characteristic of the site. The semantic range is limited to its role as a place name but incorporates reference to both water and animals (calves).
Semantic Range
a spring or fountain named for two calves, geographic place name, water source, boundary marker
Root / Etymology
Compound word formed from עַיִן ('spring, fountain') and עֶגְלַיִם, the dual of עֵגֶל ('calf'), thus literally 'spring of two calves.' The root for עַיִן is ע-י-נ ('to flow, spring forth'), while עֶגְלַיִם derives from ע-ג-ל ('young, calf'). The name's construction suggests a location defined or distinguished by a connection to two calves, either as a feature of local geography, animal husbandry, religious practice, or iconography. The toponym is not etymologically transparent beyond the sum of its parts and the possibly symbolic use of the dual.
Historical & Contextual Notes
En-Eglayim is specifically attested in Ezekiel 47:10 as a southern or eastern geographic reference related to the Dead Sea. The dual form 'of two calves' is unique and almost certainly reflects either a distinguishing feature of the site (such as local animal population, double-spring configuration, or mythic association). In the context of ancient Israelite geography, 'En-' names frequently indicated settlements or sites oriented around perennial water sources. Subsequent Hellenistic, Roman, and later periods continued this naming custom, but the etymology itself remains rooted in pre-exilic Israelite linguistic practice. English translations frequently use the transcription 'En-eglaim,' but this obscures the Hebrew meaning. There is no evidence the site was ever considered ritually significant in biblical texts; the focus is geographic. In later periods, the location was sometimes speculated about by commentators, but the biblical references remain singular and limited to boundary demarcation.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
עַיִן and the dual of עֵגֶל; fountain of two calves; En-Eglajim, a place in Palestine; En-eglaim.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
עין, עגל (ʿ-y-n; ʿ-g-l) — to spring forth, gush, be a water source; young calf, youthful animal
Word Forms
2 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5882-01 |
עֶגְלַ֔יִם | egelayim | HNp |
En-eglaim | Spring of Two Calves | Eyn Egelayim | 1 |
H5882-02 |
עֵ֣ין | eyn | HNp |
spring | there is no | Eyn Egelayim | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H5882-02 |
Ezekiel 47:10 | עֵ֣ין | eyn | HNp |
spring | there is no | Eyn Egelayim |
H5882-01 |
Ezekiel 47:10 | עֶגְלַ֔יִם | egelayim | HNp |
En-eglaim | Spring of Two Calves | Eyn Egelayim |