Lexical Summary berekah: pool, ponds, pools Original Word: בְּרֵכָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance fishpool From barak; a reservoir (at which camels kneel as a resting-place) -- (fish-)pool. see HEBREW barak NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom barak Definition a pool, pond NASB Translation ponds (1), pool (15), pools (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs בְּרֵכָה noun feminine pool, pond (הברכה SI5; Arabic  ; Sabean ברכת SabDenkm73; Aramaic בְּרֵיכְתָּא) — ׳ב 2 Samuel 2:13 (twice in verse); 2 Samuel 4:12; 2 Kings 18:17 (= Isaiah 36:2) 2 Kings 20:20; Nehemiah 3:16; Isaiah 7:3; Isaiah 22:9,11; construct בְּרֵכַת 2 Samuel 2:13; 1 Kings 22:38; Nehemiah 2:14; Nehemiah 3:15; Nahum 2:9; plural בְּרֵכוֺת Ecclesiastes 2:6; Songs 7:5. Topical Lexicon Definition and Scope of the Termבְּרֵכָה (berêkhâh) designates an artificial or natural pool, pond, or reservoir used for collecting and holding water. The concept ranges from large, engineered urban waterworks to aesthetic ponds in royal gardens and metaphorical images in prophetic and poetic literature. Physical and Social Functions of Pools 1. Urban water supply 2. Agricultural irrigation 3. Military and civic landmarks 4. Aesthetic and recreational sites Geographical Distribution and Archaeological Correlates • Jerusalem: The “upper pool” is widely identified with el-Burak or the large pool near the Damascus Gate; the “old pool” (Isaiah 22:11) may correspond to the Pool of Siloam’s earlier form. Historical Episodes Involving Pools • Civil Strife at Gibeon (2 Samuel 2): The pool becomes a tense arena highlighting the fragmentation of Israel after Saul’s death. Symbolic and Theological Significance 1. Provision and preservation Pools represent God-enabled ingenuity that sustains life in a dry land. They mirror the Lord’s ongoing provision for His people, whether through natural resources or sanctified human skill. 2. Reflection and moral self-examination As calm waters reflect a face, pools invite contemplation. The literary use in Song of Songs encourages believers to cultivate inner beauty that mirrors the Lord’s character. 3. Judgment and cleansing Blood washed in Samaria’s pool and the impending flood imagery of Nahum 2:8 (“Nineveh is like a pool whose waters run away”) proclaim that no fortress can withstand divine judgment; only repentance cleanses guilt. 4. Foreshadowing of “living water” The strategic pools of Jerusalem prefigure the ultimate provision of life in Jesus Christ, who later stood in the city and cried, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink” (John 7:37). The contrast between stagnant reservoirs and Christ’s living water sharpens the gospel invitation. Ministry Applications • Strategic stewardship: Leaders are called to plan ahead, as Hezekiah did, while relying wholly on God rather than on human ingenuity alone. Key References for Study Nehemiah 2:14; Nehemiah 3:15–16 Song of Songs 7:4 Isaiah 7:3; Isaiah 22:9, 11; Isaiah 36:2 Forms and Transliterations בְּרֵכ֣וֹת בְּרֵכַ֖ת בְּרֵכַ֣ת בְּרֵכַ֤ת בְּרֵכַ֥ת ברכות ברכת הַבְּרֵכָ֖ה הַבְּרֵכָ֣ה הַבְּרֵכָה֙ הברכה כִבְרֵֽכַת־ כברכת־ bə·rê·ḵaṯ bə·rê·ḵō·wṯ bereChat bereChot bərêḵaṯ bərêḵōwṯ chivrechat hab·bə·rê·ḵāh habbereChah habbərêḵāh ḵiḇ·rê·ḵaṯ- ḵiḇrêḵaṯ-Links Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 2 Samuel 2:13 HEB: וַֽיִּפְגְּשׁ֛וּם עַל־ בְּרֵכַ֥ת גִּבְע֖וֹן יַחְדָּ֑ו NAS: out and met them by the pool of Gibeon; KJV: together by the pool of Gibeon: INT: and met by the pool of Gibeon together 2 Samuel 2:13 2 Samuel 2:13 2 Samuel 4:12 1 Kings 22:38 2 Kings 18:17 2 Kings 20:20 Nehemiah 2:14 Nehemiah 3:15 Nehemiah 3:16 Ecclesiastes 2:6 Songs 7:4 Isaiah 7:3 Isaiah 22:9 Isaiah 22:11 Isaiah 36:2 Nahum 2:8 17 Occurrences |
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