חֲצַר עֵינוֹן (cha.tsar e.nan)
cha.tsar e.nan
Hazar-enan
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The proper noun ḥăṣar ʿênōn, rendered in English as Hazar-enan, translates literally to "village of fountains" or "enclosure of springs." It designates a specific locality situated on the northeastern boundary of Canaan. The name itself provides a vivid geographical clue, pointing to a settlement defined by its abundant water sources rather than by defensive walls alone.
This place appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, both within the book of Numbers (13:21 and 34:11). In the first instance, it is listed among the regions explored by the twelve spies sent to survey the land. Later, it serves as a landmark for defining the northern extent of the territory allotted to the tribe of Naphtali. Its brevity in Scripture reflects its role as a geographic marker rather than a site of major narrative action.
The text notes that this form is identical to ḥăṣar ʿênān (H2703), indicating a consistent tradition regarding the name’s spelling and location. The repetition of the term underscores its importance in the biblical geography of the conquest period, anchoring the description of Israel’s borders in a tangible, water-rich locale on the land’s edge.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Hazar-enan means "village of fountains." In the ancient Near East, water was life. Finding a place named for its springs meant finding safety and provision in a dry land. This name reminds us that God cares about the practical details of our lives, including where we live and what sustains us.
The Bible mentions this spot only twice, both times marking a boundary. It defined the northern edge of the land given to Israel. For the spies exploring Canaan, it was a landmark. For the tribes settling in, it was a border stone. These small details show that God’s promises are specific and grounded in real places.
When we read about borders and boundaries, we might think of division. But here, the boundary marks the extent of God’s gift. It shows that His provision is complete. We can trust that He knows exactly where we stand and what we need to thrive in our own seasons.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Enan2×
- from/ Hazar1×
- Hazar1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֵינָ֖ן1×
- עֵינָ֑ן1×
- מֵ/חֲצַ֥ר1×
- חֲצַ֣ר1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 34:9
Then the border shall go to Ziphron, and it shall end at Hazar Enan. This shall be your north border.
This verse establishes Hazar-enan as the definitive northern endpoint of the land boundary, highlighting its role as a fixed geographic marker for the tribe of Naphtali.
-
Numbers 34:10
“‘You shall mark out your east border from Hazar Enan to Shepham.
Here the border line begins its eastern journey from Hazar-enan, showing how this water-rich settlement served as the anchor point for defining the entire northern territory.