The term "Dragon-well" appears in the context of the Old Testament, specifically in the book of Nehemiah. The reference is found in Nehemiah 2:13, where Nehemiah describes his inspection of the walls of Jerusalem: "So I went out at night through the Valley Gate toward the Dragon Well and the Dung Gate, and I inspected the walls of Jerusalem that had been broken down and the gates that had been destroyed by fire" (Nehemiah 2:13).

Historical and Geographical Context

The Dragon-well, also known as the "Fountain of the Dragon," is mentioned as a landmark in Nehemiah's nocturnal survey of Jerusalem's ruined fortifications. The exact location and nature of the Dragon-well are subjects of scholarly debate, as the term does not appear elsewhere in the biblical text. Some scholars suggest that it may have been a natural spring or a man-made well located near the southern part of Jerusalem, possibly in the vicinity of the Valley of Hinnom or the Kidron Valley. The name "Dragon-well" could be derived from a local legend or topographical feature resembling a dragon, a common motif in ancient Near Eastern cultures.

Symbolic and Theological Significance

In the biblical narrative, the Dragon-well serves as a point of reference in Nehemiah's mission to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. This mission is of great theological importance, as it signifies the restoration of the city of God and the renewal of the covenant community after the Babylonian exile. The mention of the Dragon-well, along with other specific locations, underscores the tangible reality of Nehemiah's task and the historical setting of the narrative.

From a theological perspective, the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls is emblematic of God's faithfulness to His people and His commitment to their restoration. Nehemiah's leadership and determination reflect the themes of divine providence, human responsibility, and communal solidarity. The Dragon-well, as part of the detailed account of the reconstruction efforts, highlights the meticulous care and dedication required to restore what had been lost.

Cultural and Literary Considerations

The use of the term "dragon" in the name of the well may carry cultural and literary connotations. In ancient Near Eastern literature, dragons often symbolize chaos and opposition to divine order. While the biblical text does not elaborate on the significance of the name, its inclusion may evoke a sense of overcoming adversity and reclaiming sacred space. The Dragon-well, therefore, can be seen as a metaphorical boundary between the desolation of the past and the hope of renewal.

In summary, the Dragon-well in Nehemiah 2:13 serves as a geographical marker within the narrative of Jerusalem's restoration. Its mention contributes to the historical authenticity of the account and enriches the theological themes of redemption and divine faithfulness that permeate the book of Nehemiah.Dragon-Well

Nehemiah 2:13; probably the fountain of Gihon, on the west side of Jerusalem.

5886. En Tannim -- "spring of dragons," a place near Jer.
... NASB Word Usage Dragon's Well (1). dragon well. From ayin and the plural of tan;
fountain of jackals; En-Tannim, a pool near Jerusalem -- dragon well. ...
/hebrew/5886.htm - 6k

Nehemiah's Answer to a Call for Help
... I went out by night through the Valley Gate, toward the Dragon's Well and to the
Dung Gate; and I examined carefully the walls of Jerusalem which were broken ...
/.../sherman/the childrens bible/nehemiahs answer to a call.htm

Greek and Jew
... scattered like fallen patches of skies the pools of Siloam, Gihon, Shiloh, En-Rogel,
the Great Pool, the Serpent's Pool and the Dragon's Well reflected the ...
/.../miller/the city of delight/chapter viii greek and jew.htm

Dragon-well (1 Occurrence)
Dragon-well. Dragon's, Dragon-well. Drags . Multi-Version
Concordance Dragon-well (1 Occurrence). Nehemiah 2:13 And ...
/d/dragon-well.htm - 6k

Well (2882 Occurrences)
... Jerusalem; Josephus. Arch. C. Dickie. DRAGONWELL. (Nehemiah 2:13 the King
James Version). See JACKAL'S WELL. HAROD, WELL OF. ha'-rod ...
/w/well.htm - 39k

Jackal's (1 Occurrence)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia JACKAL'S WELL. (`en ha-tannin; Septuagint has pege ton
sukon, "fountain of the figs"; the King James Version dragonwell): A well or ...
/j/jackal's.htm - 7k

Jackal (3 Occurrences)
... 21 Job 7:12); but tannin, "jackals," the King James Version "sea monsters"
(Lamentations 4:3), "jackal's well," the King James Version "dragonwell" (Nehemiah ...
/j/jackal.htm - 15k

Dragon's (1 Occurrence)

/d/dragon's.htm - 6k

Drags (5 Occurrences)

/d/drags.htm - 7k

Dung-port (1 Occurrence)
... Nehemiah 2:13 And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the
dragon-well, and to the dung-port, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which ...
/d/dung-port.htm - 6k

Port (3 Occurrences)
... Nehemiah 2:13 And I went out by night by the gate of the valley, even before the
dragonwell, and to the dung port, and viewed the walls of Jerusalem, which ...
/p/port.htm - 10k

Dragon (20 Occurrences)
...Dragonwell. (Nehemiah 2:13), supposed by some to be identical with the Pool of
Gihon. ...DRAGONWELL. (Nehemiah 2:13 the King James Version). See JACKAL'S WELL. ...
/d/dragon.htm - 56k

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