Meaning of WELL

(Heb. "b'êr"). It is frequently found as part of compound names (eg: Beersheba, "well of oath"). The well is an excavation in the ground, which reaches a layer of water in a depression or that filters through the sand. Sometimes a fountain was captured (cf. Gen. 16:7, 14; 24:11, 13).

If water was discovered in sandy terrain, a well was quickly dug. The dry beds of the torrents were opened when it was suspected that living waters were flowing beneath them (Gen. 21:30, 31; 24:19; 26:20-25).

There were numerous wells on the sea plain of Philistia, where an inexhaustible course of underground water made its way to the Mediterranean. The mountainous region of Palestine had wells dug into the limestone rock.

Outwardly, the well did not differ much from the cistern. The hole was protected by a curb (Jn. 4:6), covered by a stone or a plate so that neither people nor animals would accidentally fall (Gen. 29:2, 3; Ex. 21:33; 2 Sam. 17: 19; Ant. 4:8, 37).

The interior of the well, generally covered with work, had a staircase that allowed reaching the water, if its level was not too low. Piles of wood or stone were placed near the hole, so that cattle and flocks could water them (Gen. 24:30; Ex. 2:16).

The water was drawn with jugs (Gen. 24:16). If the well was very deep, a bucket or other vessel was lowered with a rope (John 4:11). Sometimes animal traction was used to pull the rope. Lathes attached to the well were also used.