עֵין חֲרֹד (en cha.rod)
en cha.rod
Harod
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The phrase en ha-rod, meaning "spring of Herod," identifies a specific camping place for Gideon and his forces in Judges 7:1. Located near the hill of Moreh, this site served as the staging ground for one of Israel’s most famous military campaigns against the Midianites.
Although the word appears only once in Scripture, its geographical context is vital to understanding the narrative. It marks where Gideon reduced his army from thirty-two thousand to three hundred men before engaging the enemy. The name itself points to a water source, likely a spring or well, which would have been a critical strategic asset for an army encamped in open terrain.
Translators consistently render this proper noun as "Spring of Herod" or simply "Harod." The brevity of its biblical record reflects its role as a setting rather than a theological symbol. It anchors the story of Gideon’s victory in a real, tangible location where Israel’s trust in God was tested and demonstrated.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name "Spring of Herod" appears only once in Scripture, marking a specific location where Gideon and his small force set up camp before facing a much larger enemy army. This place was not just a random spot on the map but a vital water source in an arid landscape. In those days, access to fresh water determined survival and strategy, making this spring a critical asset for any military campaign.
For believers today, this brief mention reminds us that God often meets us in practical, tangible circumstances. Just as Gideon’s army needed water to sustain their strength, we rely on God’s provision in our daily lives. The story shows that even in moments of uncertainty or when facing overwhelming challenges, God is present and ready to guide His people through the most ordinary settings.
While the name itself does not carry deep theological symbolism, its presence in the narrative grounds the account of faith in real history. It invites us to trust that God cares about the details of our lives, from the water we drink to the battles we face. This simple reference encourages confidence in His faithful guidance through every season.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Harod1×
- En1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֵ֣ין1×
- חֲרֹ֑ד1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 7:1
Then Jerubbaal, who is Gideon, and all the people who were with him, rose up early and encamped beside the spring of Harod. Midian’s camp was on the north side of them, by the hill of Moreh, in the valley.
This verse identifies the spring as Gideon's encampment site, highlighting its strategic importance for water access before the battle.