Resources chevron-right Dictionaries chevron-right Cistern
Showing meaning of "Cistern" from Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Search for "Cistern" in  Keyword Search | Topical Index

Use  *
Cistern

the rendering of a Hebrew word _bor_, which means a receptacle for water conveyed to it; distinguished from _beer_, which denotes a place where water rises on the spot (Jer. 2:13; Prov. 5:15; Isa. 36:16), a fountain. Cisterns are frequently mentioned in Scripture. The scarcity of springs in Palestine made it necessary to collect rain-water in reservoirs and cisterns (Num. 21:22). (See WELL T0003803.)

Empty cisterns were sometimes used as prisons (Jer. 38:6; Lam. 3:53; Ps. 40:2; 69:15). The "pit" into which Joseph was cast (Gen. 37:24) was a _beer_ or dry well. There are numerous remains of ancient cisterns in all parts of Palestine.

 

* More information on Dictionaries.