Jump to: Hitchcock's • Smith's • ATS • ISBE • Concordance • Thesaurus • Greek • Hebrew • Library • Subtopics • Terms Topical Encyclopedia Etymology and Meaning: The name "Ain" (Hebrew: עַיִן) means "spring" or "fountain" in Hebrew. It is often associated with water sources, which were vital for survival and prosperity in the arid regions of the ancient Near East. Biblical References: Ain is mentioned in the Bible primarily in the context of geographical locations and tribal boundaries. It appears in the Old Testament as part of the territorial descriptions of the Promised Land. 1. Tribal Allotment of Naphtali: Ain is listed among the fortified cities in the territory allotted to the tribe of Naphtali. In Joshua 19:38, the text states: "Iron, Migdal-el, Horem, Beth-anath, and Beth-shemesh—nineteen cities, along with their villages." Ain is included in this list, indicating its significance as a settlement within Naphtali's inheritance. 2. Levitical Cities: Ain is also mentioned as one of the cities given to the Levites. In 1 Chronicles 6:73, it is recorded: "Ramoth and its pasturelands, and Anem and its pasturelands." This reference highlights Ain's role as a Levitical city, providing for the needs of the priestly tribe who served in the temple and religious duties. 3. Boundary Marker: Ain serves as a boundary marker in the delineation of tribal territories. In Numbers 34:11, the description of the northern border of the land of Canaan includes Ain: "The border will go down from Shepham to Riblah on the east side of Ain and continue along the slopes east of the Sea of Chinnereth." This indicates Ain's geographical importance in defining the extent of the land promised to the Israelites. Historical and Archaeological Insights: While the exact location of Ain is not definitively identified today, it is generally associated with sites that have natural springs or water sources, consistent with its name. The presence of water would have made Ain a strategic and valuable location in ancient times, supporting agriculture and settlement. Theological Significance: Ain's inclusion in the biblical narrative underscores the importance of water and fertile land in God's provision for His people. The allocation of Ain to the Levites also reflects the provision for those dedicated to spiritual service, ensuring they had the resources necessary to fulfill their religious duties. Cultural Context: In the ancient Near East, cities like Ain that were associated with springs or fountains were crucial for sustaining life and facilitating trade. The mention of Ain in the context of tribal boundaries and Levitical cities highlights the organized distribution of land among the tribes of Israel, as well as the integration of religious and practical considerations in the settlement of the land. Conclusion: Ain, as a biblical location, serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of geography, resource allocation, and divine provision in the history of Israel. Its role in the tribal allotments and as a Levitical city reflects the broader themes of God's faithfulness and the practical outworking of His promises to His people. Hitchcock's Bible Names Dictionary AinSmith's Bible Dictionary Ain(spring, well).
ATS Bible Dictionary AinFountain, spelt EN in the English Sisle, in compound words, as En- rogel. It is the name of a city of Judah, afterwards assigned to Simeon, Joshua 15:32; 1 Chronicles 4:32. Also of a place in the north of Canaan, Numbers 34:11. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia AIN (2)a'-in (`ayin, "eye or spring (of water)"): AIN (1) See AYIN. Greek 3735. oros -- a mountain ... Probably from an obsolete oro (to rise or "rear"; perhaps akin to airo; compare ornis); a mountain (as lifting itself above the plain): -hill, mount(-ain). ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3735.htm - 6k Strong's Hebrew 5871. Ayin -- a spring (of water)... 5870b, 5871. Ayin. 5871a . a spring (of water). Transliteration: Ayin Phonetic Spelling: (ah'-yin) Short Definition: Ain. Ain The ... /hebrew/5871.htm - 5k 5871b. Ayin -- two places in Isr. 2022. har -- mountain, hill, hill country 2042. harar -- hill, mountain Library Ain. Psalm 119 Ain, the 16Th Part. After this Diamond Recovered So Fast, that in a Few Days He was ... The Dialect of the Galileans, Differing from the Jewish. Before the End of the Month, Ruby had Got Respectably Thin... He Got up in the Morning as Soon as He Heard the Men Moving In... What is to be Said of the Sea of Apamia. It was Friday Night, and Diamond, Like the Rest of the Household.. ... Jesus at Capernaum. Diamond Managed with Many Blunders to Read this Rhyme to his ... Thesaurus Ain (6 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia AIN (2). a'-in (`ayin, "eye or spring (of water)"): (1) A town in the extreme Northwest corner of ... /a/ain.htm - 9k Etam (5 Occurrences) A'in (4 Occurrences) Rimmon (22 Occurrences) Land (19790 Occurrences) Genneseret Gennesaret (3 Occurrences) Riblah (12 Occurrences) Arabah (32 Occurrences) Nephtoah (2 Occurrences) Resources Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible ThesuarusConcordance Ain (6 Occurrences)Numbers 34:11 Joshua 15:32 Joshua 19:7 Joshua 21:16 1 Chronicles 4:32 Psalms 119:121 Subtopics Ain: A City of Simeon: Also Called Ashan Ain: A City of Simeon: Possibly Identical With En-Rimmon Ain: A Landmark on the Northern Boundary of Palestine Related Terms |