📖 Biblical Definition
The fountain of life is Proverbs’ recurring image for what gives life — and the book names several springs as fountain-of-life-equivalent. "The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death" (Proverbs 14:27). "The law of the wise is a fountain of life" (13:14). "The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life" (10:11). "Understanding is a wellspring of life unto him that hath it" (16:22). And supremely the LORD Himself: "For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light" (Psalm 36:9). Christ takes up the image: "the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life" (John 4:14).
📜 Webster 1828 Definition
Proverbs' recurring image: that which produces life when received.
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Hebrew maqor chayyim. The Proverbs image (and Psalmic formula) for that which produces life when received. Multiple referents: the fear of the LORD (14:27), the law of the wise (13:14), the mouth of a righteous man (10:11), understanding/wisdom (16:22). All converge in the source-spring image of Psalm 36:9: "with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light." Christ takes the imagery into John 4 and 7 with His living-water claims.
📖 Key Scripture
Psalm 36:9 — "For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light."
Proverbs 14:27 — "The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, to depart from the snares of death."
Proverbs 10:11 — "The mouth of a righteous man is a well of life: but violence covereth the mouth of the wicked."
⚠️ Modern Corruption
Modern self-help promises life-giving sources internally; Proverbs locates them externally and supremely in YHWH.
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Self-help culture promises that life-giving sources are within; Proverbs and the Psalms locate them outside the self — in YHWH, in His fear, in His word, in righteous speech. The fountain is not pumped; it is received.
Recover the source-direction: the fountain comes to the saint from above and outside, never up from within unaided. "With Thee is the fountain."
🔗 Greek & Hebrew Roots
Hebrew maqor chayyim.
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['Hebrew', 'H4726', 'maqor', 'fountain, source']
['Hebrew', 'H2416', 'chai', 'life, living']
Usage
"Fear of the LORD is a fountain of life."
"With Thee is the fountain."
"Source is external; the saint receives."