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Engedi

Locations
Modern Location Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, Israel
Coordinates 31.5333° N, 35.3667° E

Geographical Setting

An ancient oasis situated on the northwestern shore of the Dead Sea, historically known for its date palms and natural springs.

What is the meaning of Engedi in the Bible?

Engedi is an oasis located on the western shore of the Dead Sea within the Judean wilderness. Its name is derived from the Hebrew for 'spring of the wild goat'.

SIGNIFICANCE

Understanding Engedi as a lush, water-rich refuge in an arid landscape clarifies the narrative tension in biblical accounts where figures like David use the area for concealment and survival, highlighting the geographical realities of wilderness flight.

Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide

Geopolitical & Terrain Context: Engedi (located near modern Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, Israel) held strategic importance. Understanding its position and trade routes explains why key biblical events unfolded here.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
  • Why did the biblical author mention Engedi in this passage?
  • What cultural or historical assumption does Engedi clarify?

Source Attribution

Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.

How to Cite This Entry

"Engedi." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/engedi/
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