אֶגְלַ֫יִם (eg.la.yim)
eg.la.yim
Eglaim
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The proper noun Eglaim refers to a specific town located in the territory of Moab, mentioned only once in the Hebrew Bible within Isaiah 16:7. The name itself carries a descriptive meaning, translated as "double reservoir" or "two cisterns," which likely reflects the settlement’s reliance on significant water storage facilities in an otherwise arid landscape.
This geographical detail underscores the economic and strategic importance of such locations in the ancient Near East, where access to reliable water sources determined a community's viability. In its sole scriptural occurrence, Eglaim serves as part of a broader lament over Moab’s impending distress, illustrating how even well-watered towns were not immune to the region's political upheavals.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Eglaim appears only once in Scripture, nestled in a prophecy concerning Moab’s distress. Its name means "double reservoirs," pointing to a town sustained by significant water storage in an arid landscape. In Isaiah 15:8, the prophet describes wailing reaching even this well-watered place, showing that no amount of preparation shields us from life's upheavals.
This single mention reminds us that security found in earthly resources is fragile. When crises come, they touch every corner of our lives, regardless of how well we have planned or stored. The biblical narrative does not promise immunity from trouble but offers a presence within it. We are invited to look beyond temporary reservoirs to the God who sustains us through every season.
While Eglaim itself is a distant historical detail, its story speaks to our own reliance on what we can control. It encourages humility, acknowledging that true peace comes not from our reserves but from trusting in divine faithfulness. This perspective brings comfort when circumstances feel beyond our management.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Eglaim1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- אֶגְלַ֙יִם֙1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 15:8
For the cry has gone around the borders of Moab, its wailing to Eglaim, and its wailing to Beer Elim.
This verse places Eglaim at the center of Moab's widespread mourning, showing that even well-supplied towns were not spared from the region's judgment.