עֶגְלוֹן (eg.lon)
eg.lon
Eglon
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 12 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Eglon, meaning "calf-like," appears in the Old Testament as both a place and a person. As a city, it was situated in the lowlands of Judah and served as a stronghold that resisted Israel’s conquest under Joshua (Joshua 10:38–39). The term likely describes a geographical feature or local landmark resembling a calf, anchoring the location in the physical landscape of ancient Canaan.
Eglon is also the name of a Moabite king who oppressed Israel for eighteen years before being assassinated by Ehud (Judges 3:12–30). This dual usage connects the geographical site with the political power that held the people in bondage. The narrative highlights how this specific location and ruler became instruments of divine judgment, only to be overthrown through unexpected means.
Though brief, these references underscore the tension between Israel’s settlement and the entrenched powers of the land. The name serves as a reminder of both the physical challenges of occupying Canaan and the spiritual struggles against oppression. Its occurrence in Joshua and Judges links the initial conquest with the later cycle of apostasy and deliverance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Eglon appears in Scripture as both a fortified city and a powerful king who held Israel in bondage. In Joshua, it stands as a physical stronghold resisting God’s people, while in Judges, King Eglon represents the heavy yoke of oppression that lasted for eighteen years. This dual presence reminds us that spiritual battles often involve tangible struggles against entrenched systems of injustice.
When the Israelites cried out from under Eglon’s rule, God did not ignore their suffering but raised up Ehud to deliver them. This story shows that no matter how heavy the burden feels, God hears the cries of His people and provides rescue in ways we might not expect. It invites us to trust that He is actively working even when circumstances seem overwhelming.
Ultimately, these accounts point to a greater hope: that God’s justice will prevail over oppression. Whether facing personal trials or societal challenges, we can find comfort knowing that the same God who delivered Israel is faithful to bring light into darkness and freedom into bondage.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 12 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Eglon6×
- to/ Eglon3×
- and/ Eglon2×
- from/ Eglon/ <towards>1×
- Eglon/ towards1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְ/עֶגְל֖וֹן2×
- עֶגְלוֹן֙1×
- עֶגְלֽוֹן\׃1×
- עֶגְלֹ֑נָ/ה1×
- עֶגְל֤וֹן1×
- עֶגְל֣וֹן1×
- עֶגְל֖וֹן1×
- עֶגְל֔וֹן1×
- מֵ/עֶגְל֖וֹנָ/ה1×
- לְ/עֶגְל֑וֹן1×
- וְ/עֶגְלֽוֹן\׃1×
- וְ/עֶגְל֕וֹן1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 3:12
The children of Israel again did that which was evil in Yahweh’s sight, and Yahweh strengthened Eglon the king of Moab against Israel, because they had done that which was evil in Yahweh’s sight.
This verse establishes Eglon as an instrument of divine judgment, showing how God used a foreign king to discipline Israel for their disobedience.
-
Judges 3:15
But when the children of Israel cried to Yahweh, Yahweh raised up a savior for them: Ehud the son of Gera, the Benjamite, a left-handed man. The children of Israel sent tribute by him to Eglon the king of Moab.
Here, the name marks the turning point where prayer meets action, as God raises Ehud specifically to confront Eglon and break the eighteen-year oppression.
-
Joshua 10:34
Joshua passed from Lachish, and all Israel with him, to Eglon; and they encamped against it and fought against it.
This occurrence highlights Eglon as a strategic military target during the conquest, illustrating the physical reality of claiming the land God promised.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Eglon mean?
Is Eglon a person or a place?
Why did God strengthen Eglon against Israel?
Every Occurrence (12 verses across 2 books)
Joshua 8 verses
Therefore Adoni-Zedek king of Jerusalem sent to Hoham king of Hebron, Piram king of Jarmuth, Japhia king of Lachish,…
Joshua 10:5Therefore the five kings of the Amorites, the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king of Jarmuth, the king of…
Joshua 10:23They did so, and brought those five kings out of the cave to him: the king of Jerusalem, the king of Hebron, the king…
Joshua 10:34Joshua passed from Lachish, and all Israel with him, to Eglon; and they encamped against it and fought against it.
Joshua 10:36Joshua went up from Eglon, and all Israel with him, to Hebron; and they fought against it.
Joshua 10:37They took it, and struck it with the edge of the sword, with its king and all its cities, and all the souls who were in…
Joshua 12:12the king of Eglon, one; the king of Gezer, one;
Joshua 15:39Lachish, Bozkath, Eglon,