← Back to Lexicon
H879 · Hebrew · Old Testament
בְּאֵר
be'er
Noun, feminine
well, pit

Definition

A well or cistern — a place of water in the desert. Wells were essential gathering places and sites of divine encounter. The patriarchs dug wells as acts of faith, claiming God's provision in barren land. Wells became symbols of salvation and spiritual sustenance.

Usage & Theological Significance

In Scripture, wells represent life, covenant, and encounter with God. Hagar found deliverance at a well (Gen 16:14); Isaac's servants dug wells as acts of inheritance (Gen 26); Jesus met the Samaritan woman at a well, offering 'living water' (John 4). The well is where the hidden, underground work of God breaks through to the surface — a picture of grace emerging in unexpected places.

Key Bible Verses

Genesis 21:19 Then God opened her eyes and she saw a well [be'er] of water.
Genesis 26:19 Isaac's servants dug in the valley and found there a well [be'er] of springing water.
Numbers 21:17 Spring up, O well [be'er]! — Sing to it!
Proverbs 5:15 Drink water from your own cistern [be'er], flowing water from your own well.
Song of Solomon 4:15 A garden fountain, a well [be'er] of living water.

Related Words

External Resources

🌙
☀️