מָקוֹר
properly, something dug, i.e. a (general) source (of water, even when naturally flowing; also of tears
Definition
The Hebrew noun מָקוֹר (mâqôwr) fundamentally means a 'source' or 'spring,' originally referring to something dug, like a well or fountain. In its literal sense, it describes a source of water, whether a natural spring (Psalm 68:26) or a man-made well. Figuratively, it extends to the source of life, wisdom, or joy, as seen in Proverbs where it represents the 'fountain of life' from God's wisdom (Proverbs 13:14, 14:27). In Levitical law, it is used euphemistically for the female reproductive organs as a 'source' of blood or issue (Leviticus 12:7, 20:18).
Biblical Usage
מָקוֹר appears 17 times across the Old Testament, primarily in poetic and legal contexts. In the Torah (Leviticus 12:7, 20:18), it is used in purity laws regarding bodily emissions. In Wisdom literature (Proverbs 5:18, 10:11, 13:14, 14:27), it frequently symbolizes life-giving sources, such as wisdom, righteousness, or a faithful wife. The Psalms employ it for poetic imagery, describing God as the 'fountain of life' (Psalm 36:9) and referencing springs in celebratory contexts (Psalm 68:26).
Etymology
Derived from the root קוּר (qûr, H6979), meaning 'to dig' or 'to bore,' מָקוֹר literally signifies 'something dug.' This root connection emphasizes its original concrete sense of a water source obtained by excavation. Cognates in other Semitic languages share similar meanings related to springs or sources.
Semantic Range
מָקוֹר is theologically significant as a metaphor for divine provision and origin. It portrays God as the ultimate source of life, wisdom, and blessing (Psalm 36:9; Proverbs 14:27), contrasting with destructive human sources. Understanding this Hebrew term enriches reading by highlighting the biblical theme that true life and wisdom flow from God alone, not from earthly wells.
In ancient Israel, water sources like springs and wells were vital for survival in an arid climate, making מָקוֹר a powerful image of sustenance and community life. Its use for female anatomy in Leviticus reflects a cultural view of bodily functions tied to ritual purity, differing from modern biological or medical perspectives.
עַיִן (ʿayin, H5869) — a natural spring or eye, often a geographical feature. בְּאֵר (beʾer, H875) — a well, specifically a dug pit for water. מַעְיָן (maʿyan, H4599) — a spring or fountain, often synonymous but with a focus on flowing water.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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