Dictionary of Bible Themes: 4296 wells

4296 wells

Dictionary of Bible Themes

Dictionary of Bible Themes » 4000 Creation » 4200 Places » 4296 wells

Artificial openings to tap underground water supplies. They were very important for life in a settled urban society and this is reflected in their symbolical use in Scripture.

The importance of wells in urban life

Nehemiah 9:25 See also Deuteronomy 6:10-11

Women drew water for domestic use

Genesis 24:11-20 See also 1 Samuel 9:11; John 4:7-9

Livestock were watered at wells

Genesis 29:2-3 See also Genesis 29:7-10; Exodus 2:15-17

Wells were sometimes a source of contention

Genesis 21:25 See also Genesis 26:12-22; Numbers 20:17; Numbers 21:22

Wells as landmarks

Genesis 16:7 Verse 14 refers to this spring as a well. See also Genesis 16:14; Genesis 21:31 “Beersheba” means either “well of seven” or “well of the oath”; Genesis 26:20-22; John 4:6

Figurative use of wells

Associated with God and his goodness

Isaiah 12:3; Jeremiah 17:13 See also Jeremiah 2:13; John 4:14; Revelation 7:17

Associated with human love

Proverbs 5:15

In warnings against and judgment of sin

Jeremiah 6:7 See also Proverbs 23:27; Jeremiah 51:36