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H1521 · Hebrew · Old Testament
גִּיחוֹן
Gichon
Proper noun
Gihon — bursting forth, gushing spring

Definition

Gichon means "bursting forth" or "gusher," from the root giach (to burst out). It is the name of (1) one of the four rivers flowing from Eden (Genesis 2:13) and (2) the spring on the eastern slope of Jerusalem, which David and later Hezekiah used strategically. Both uses carry the sense of abundant, life-giving water breaking forth unexpectedly.

Usage & Theological Significance

Water breaking forth is one of the Bible's richest theological images. The Gihon spring made Jerusalem habitable and was the site of Solomon's anointing as king (1 Kings 1). Hezekiah's tunnel (still accessible today) redirected Gihon's waters inside Jerusalem's walls — an act of faith and engineering before the Assyrian siege. The Eden Gihon connects to the eschatological river of life (Revelation 22:1-2): water flowing from God's throne to water the whole earth. Christ is the living water who causes springs to burst forth in the dry soul.

Key Bible Verses

Genesis 2:13 The name of the second river is the Gihon; it winds through the entire land of Cush.
1 Kings 1:33 Take your lord's servants with you and have Solomon my son mount my own mule and take him down to Gihon.
2 Chronicles 32:30 It was Hezekiah who blocked the upper outlet of the Gihon spring and channeled the water down to the west side of the City of David.
John 4:14 Whoever drinks the water I give them will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give them will become in them a spring of water welling up to eternal life.
Revelation 22:1 Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God.

Related Words

External Resources

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