A source of natural spring water. Figuratively, it symbolises a place of cleansing, tears or sexual fulfilment. Significantly, God is pictured as a fountain of life.
The fountain as a source of spring water
The words of a man’s mouth are deep waters; the fountain of wisdom is a bubbling brook.
Figurative use of fountains
A place of cleansing
“On that day a fountain will be opened to the house of David and the people of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and impurity.
Tears of inconsolable grief
Oh, that my head were a spring of water, and my eyes a fountain of tears! I would weep day and night over the slain daughter of my people.
Sexual fulfilment
Song of Solomon 4:12 See also Proverbs 5:15–18; Song of Solomon 4:15
My sister, my bride, you are a garden locked up, a spring enclosed, a fountain sealed.
A source of life
Proverbs 14:27 See also Psalm 36:8–9, Psalm 87:7; Proverbs 10:11, Proverbs 13:14, Proverbs 16:22; Joel 3:18
The fear of the LORD is a fountain of life, turning a man from the snares of death.
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.