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אֶגְלַיִם

𐤀𐤂𐤋𐤉𐤌

Egelayim

H97 noun

SILEX Entry

Root עגל to be round, to form a rounded mass

Definition

Eglayim is a toponym denoting a location, specifically a site in the territory of Moab, likely characterized by pools or ponds. The primary lexical meaning is 'place of two pools' or 'double pond.' This is a dual form referencing a feature of the land. The term is always used as a proper noun, referring to a specific site across biblical texts.

Semantic Range

Eglayim (place name), site with two pools or ponds; geographic location; proper noun only

Root / Etymology

Derived from the Hebrew root עגל (ʿ-g-l), which in its noun form אֶגֶל (ʾegel) means 'calf' but here may be a semantic shift to mean 'round mass,' 'lump,' or through extended sense, 'pool' (from roundness or compactness). The dual ending -ַיִם (-ayim) indicates two of whatever the base word references. Thus, אֶגְלַיִם (Eglayim) means 'two pools' or 'two round features.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

Eglayim is mentioned in Ezekiel 47:10 in the context of the future division and restoration of land and in Isaiah 15:8 in an oracle against Moab. The exact location is unknown, but it is associated with the region of Moab east of the Dead Sea. The interpretation as 'double pond' or 'two pools' comes from the dual ending and the possible link to a land feature. Translation traditions sometimes transliterate rather than translate, leading to Eglaim/Eglayim. The semantic association with 'pool' or 'pond' derives not from the more common meaning of the root ('calf'), but from the rare usage reflecting a rounded form. The term is not used for an Israelite settlement, nor does it bear ethnic or religious connotations beyond its geographic identification. Comparison: The similar-sounding עֵינֵי עֶגְלַיִם ('En-eglaim') in Ezekiel 47:10 combines 'spring' (ʿen) with 'Eglayim,' supporting the water-related meaning. Modern translations sometimes obscure the topographic nuance by merely transliterating. There is no evidence of continued settlement or significant post-exilic reference.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

dual of אֶגֶל.; a double pond; Eglajim, a place in Moab; Eglaim.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

עגל (ʿ-g-l) — to be round, to form a rounded mass

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H4570 מַעְגָּל in the round path
H5694 עָגִיל round ornament-ring
H5695 עֵגֶל young bull-calves
H5696 עָגֹל rounded
H5697 עֶגְלָה with my heifer

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H97-01 אֶגְלַ֨יִם֙ egelayim HNp Eglaim Two-Pools 1

Occurrences in Scripture

1 total occurrence

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H97-01 Isaiah 15:8 אֶגְלַ֨יִם֙ egelayim HNp Eglaim Two-Pools
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