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בְּאֵר אֵילִים (be.er e.lim)

be.er e.lim

Beer-elim

H0879 · Hebrew · Old Testament · 1 verses

N:N--L

Quick Reference

Language
Biblical Hebrew
Testament
Old Testament
Occurrences
1 verses
Root
—
Part of speech
N:N--L

Word Overview

The phrase be’er elim, meaning "well of God," appears as a proper noun in Isaiah 15:8. It refers to a specific location situated in the southern region of Moab. The lexicons identify it as a well or pit, likely dug into the ground to access water in an arid landscape.

This single occurrence places the site within a prophecy of judgment against Moab. The mention of this particular well serves as a geographic marker for the mourning described in the text, highlighting how even vital resources like water become focal points in times of national distress. The name itself, combining "well" and "God," underscores the theological weight given to water sources in the ancient Near East.

While other wells in Scripture have names reflecting personal struggles or divine encounters, be’er elim stands out for its brevity and specific geographical anchoring. Its presence in Isaiah provides readers with a concrete sense of place, grounding the prophetic vision in the real terrain of Moab where water was both a physical necessity and a symbol of life.

Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).

What This Word Means for Your Faith

Isaiah 15:8 mentions Beer-elim, which means "well of God," as a place where mourning rises across Moab. In an arid landscape, water is life itself. When even the wells become sites of grief, it shows how deep the distress runs. This image reminds us that our deepest needs are known to God.

Even in times of national or personal trouble, God remains present. The name itself points to a source of life that does not dry up. We can trust that He sustains us through every dry season. His provision is steady and reliable.

How it's translated

How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.

  • and/ Beer1×
  • Elim1×

Forms in the text

The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.

  • וּ/בְאֵ֥ר1×
  • אֵילִ֖ים1×

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 the well of God at the center of Moab's wailing, showing how even life-giving resources become focal points for grief in times of judgment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Beer-elim mean?

Beer-elim is a Hebrew phrase meaning "well of God." It appears as a proper noun in Isaiah 15:8, referring to a specific location in Moab where water was likely dug into the ground to access life-sustaining resources.

Why is Beer-elim mentioned in Isaiah?

It serves as a geographic marker for the mourning described in Isaiah 15:8. The text notes that wailing reaches even this well, highlighting how deeply the judgment affected the land and its people.

Is Beer-elim mentioned anywhere else in the Bible?

No, it appears only once in Isaiah 15:8. Its single occurrence anchors the prophecy in a real place, grounding the vision of judgment in the tangible reality of Moab's terrain.

Every Occurrence (1 verses across 1 books)