אֶגֶל
𐤀𐤂𐤋
ʼegel
H96 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A pool or reservoir of water, typically an artificial structure used for collecting and storing water. In some contexts, refers to a gathered body of water such as a pond or tank, often constructed for irrigation or urban water supply. The term does not refer to a natural lake or spring, but specifically to a confined or collected water source under human management.
Semantic Range
pool, reservoir, cistern, tank, pond (artificial), collected body of water
Root / Etymology
Root uncertain. The Hebrew word אֶגֶל does not appear to be derived from a commonly attested Hebrew root. Strong's suggests a connection with the idea of 'to flow down or together as drops,' but this is not supported by clear lexical evidence. It is best considered of uncertain etymology, possibly related to a broader Northwest Semitic or regional term for a water reservoir.
Historical & Contextual Notes
The term אֶגֶל occurs infrequently in the Hebrew Bible and is attested in the context of water management in ancient Israelite society. It likely refers to constructed pools or cisterns—essential infrastructure in arid regions for the collection and storage of rainwater or diverted streams, particularly in urban or fortified settings. English translations often render this word as 'pool' or 'reservoir,' but the nuance of human construction and maintenance is not always captured. The related, more common terms 'בְּרֵכָה' (berekhah) and 'בּוֹר' (bor) can mean pond/cistern and pit/cistern, respectively, but may differ in size, permanence, or construction features. אֶגֶל is not used for running or spring water, nor for ceremonial basins. Its use is primarily descriptive of practical water storage, especially in the context of city or village infrastructure. Later usage and rabbinic literature do not preserve this term, suggesting it fell out of regular use after the biblical period.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from an unused root (meaning to flow down or together as drops); a reservoir; drop.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
אגל (ʾ-g-l) — collected water, gathered liquid, reservoir
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H96-01 |
אֶגְלֵי | egeley | HNcmpc |
drops of | reservoirs of | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 total occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H96-01 |
Job 38:28 | אֶגְלֵי | egeley | HNcmpc |
drops of | reservoirs of |