עֵין רֹגֵל (en ro.gel)
en ro.gel
En-rogel
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 4 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The phrase En-rogel, meaning "fount of the fuller," designates a specific location near Jerusalem situated on the border between the tribes of Judah and Benjamin. It is identified by scholars as the source for the permanent water supply feeding the Pool of Siloam, linking this spot to the city’s essential infrastructure.
Although it appears in only four verses, primarily within Joshua, II Samuel, and I Kings, the site carries significant narrative weight. In II Samuel 18:17, it serves as the resting place for Absalom after his rebellion, marking a pivotal moment in the struggle for the throne. Its location on a tribal boundary also highlights its role as a geographical marker in the division of the land.
Translators consistently render this term as "En Rogel" or "the fountain of the fuller," preserving the proper noun status rather than translating it descriptively. The connection to fullers—workers who cleaned and thickened wool using urine and lye—suggests an industrial use for the water, distinguishing it from purely domestic or ritual sources.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
En-rogel, meaning "fount of the fuller," was a vital water source near Jerusalem on the border between Judah and Benjamin. It supplied the Pool of Siloam and served as an industrial hub for fullers who cleaned wool. This place marks the division of land in Joshua, showing how God’s promises were grounded in real geography.
In II Samuel 17:17, Jonathan and Ahimaaz hid there to warn David of Absalom’s plot. Their secret message shows how ordinary places can become channels for divine protection. The water that sustained workers also sustained a fleeing king, reminding us that God uses everyday settings to preserve His people.
Later, Adonijah chose this site for his coronation attempt (1 Kings 1:9), highlighting its strategic importance. En-rogel teaches us that God’s purposes unfold in specific locations and moments. We can trust that He guides our steps through both ordinary and critical times.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 4 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Rogel4×
- En3×
- at/ En1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- רֹגֵֽל\׃2×
- עֵ֥ין2×
- רֹגֵ֗ל1×
- רֹגֵ֑ל1×
- עֵ֣ין1×
- בְּ/עֵין\־1×
Key Verses
-
II Samuel 17:17
Now Jonathan and Ahimaaz were staying by En Rogel; and a female servant used to go and report to them, and they went and told King David; for they couldn’t risk being seen coming into the city.
This verse shows En-rogel as a hiding place where Jonathan and Ahimaaz safely relayed crucial intelligence to David, avoiding detection by Absalom's spies.
-
Joshua 15:7
The border went up to Debir from the valley of Achor, and so northward, looking toward Gilgal, that faces the ascent of Adummim, which is on the south side of the river. The border passed along to the waters of En Shemesh, and ended at En Rogel.
Here the border ends at En Rogel, marking the precise tribal boundary between Judah and Benjamin during the land division.
-
I Kings 1:9
Adonijah killed sheep, cattle, and fatlings by the stone of Zoheleth, which is beside En Rogel; and he called all his brothers, the king’s sons, and all the men of Judah, the king’s servants;
Adonijah selected this location beside the stone of Zoheleth to proclaim himself king, using its prominence to legitimize his rebellion against David.