Αἰνών (Ainōn)
Ainōn
Aenon
Quick Reference
- Language
- Koine Greek
- Testament
- New Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
Word Overview
Aenon is a proper noun appearing only once in the New Testament, located in John 3:23. The name itself translates to "springs" or "fountains," derived from the Hebrew word for an eye or spring of water. This etymology provides a fitting geographical backdrop for John the Baptist’s ministry, which centered on baptism and the call to repentance.
The text specifies that this place was near Salim and had "much water," highlighting the practical necessity of ample resources for the practice of immersion. Early church historians Eusebius and Jerome identified the site as being approximately eight Roman miles south of Scythopolis, near the Jordan River. While the exact location remains a subject of scholarly discussion, the name itself underscores the physical reality of John’s outdoor baptisms.
Unlike other locations in the Gospels that carry heavy theological or narrative weight, Aenon serves primarily as a setting marker. Its inclusion emphasizes the public and accessible nature of John’s message, conducted in a place defined by its abundant water supply rather than by any specific religious monument or city center.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Aenon means "springs" or "fountains," offering a vivid picture of John the Baptist’s ministry. He chose a place with abundant water, not for dramatic effect, but because his message required it. This detail reminds us that God often uses simple, physical realities to convey deep spiritual truths.
When you read about this location in John 3:23, notice how the text emphasizes the availability of water. It was a public, accessible spot where people could come and be baptized. This shows that faith is not hidden away but lived out in community, with resources shared openly for the sake of repentance and renewal.
While we may not know the exact modern site, the meaning of Aenon remains clear. It points to a source of life-giving water, much like the spiritual refreshment that comes through faith. This image invites us to seek out those places in our lives where God’s grace flows freely and visibly.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Aenon1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- Αἰνὼν1×
Key Verses
-
John 3:23
John also was baptizing in Enon near Salim, because there was much water there. They came and were baptized;
This verse establishes Aenon as the specific location of John's baptismal ministry, highlighting the practical necessity of abundant water for immersion.