Enon(aenon)
“Springs (from Aramaic/Chaldee for 'springs')”
Summary
Enon (or Aenon) was the place where John the Baptist conducted his baptizing ministry 'near to Salim,' chosen because 'there was much water there' (John 3:23). The name itself means 'springs,' indicating abundant water sources suitable for baptism.
☩Location and Identification
John was 'baptizing in Aenon near to Salim, because there was much water there' (John 3:23). The name Enon (Greek Αἰνών) is a Hellenized form of an Aramaic or Hebrew word meaning 'springs.' It was evidently west of the Jordan, as indicated by the context comparing John's location with Jesus's ministry 'in the land of Judaea' (John 3:22, 26; cf. 1:28). Jerome's Onomasticon placed it eight miles south of Scythopolis (Beth-shean), 'near Salem and the Jordan.'
☩Proposed Sites
Three main sites have been proposed for Enon: (1) The traditional location identified by Jerome, about 8 miles south of Beth-shean, though not confirmed by later investigation; (2) Wady Farah, about 5 miles northeast of Jerusalem; (3) The more probable site east of Nablus (Shechem), near the village of Salim, where copious springs exist. This third option provides both the abundant water John required and proximity to a place called Salim.
Related Verses1 mention
John· 1 verse
References
- 1.F. N. Peloubet & M. A. Peloubet (ed.), "Enon," in Smith's Bible Dictionary (Porter & Coates, 1884).
- 2.Unknown source, "Enon."