Bible Dictionary
ENAIM
A place in the lowland of Judah between Adullam and Timnah. It is probably the same as Enam, though its exact site is uncertain.
Definition
Enaim was a place in the lowland, or Shephelah, of Judah. It lay between Adullam and Timnah and was probably the same place as Enam. The name means “place of a fountain.”
Biblical Usage
Enaim is mentioned in the account associated with Judah and Tamar in Genesis 38. It is also identified with Enam, which is listed among the cities of Judah in Joshua 15:34.
Historical Background
The site is commonly sought between Adullam and Timnah. One proposed identification is Khirbet Wady `Alin, a strong ancient site between Khirbet `Ain Shems and Deir Aban, though the absence of a nearby fountain presents an objection.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>e-na'-im (`enayim, "place of a fountain"; Ainan; Ge 38:14 (the King James Version "in an open place"; Ge 38:21 the King James Version "openly")):</p><p>A place which lay between Adullam and Timnath; probably the same as Enam (Jos 15:34). Also mentioned in close connection with Adullam. It was in the Shephelah of Judah. The Talmud (Pesik. Rab. 23) mentions a Kephar Enaim. Conder proposes Khurbet Wady `Alin, which is an ancient site, evidently of great strength and importance, lying between Kh. `Ain Shems and the village of Deir Aban. The ruins crown a lofty and almost isolated hill; the greatest objection to the identification is that there is no fountain at all in the immediate neighborhood. There may have been one in earlier times. See PEF, III, 128.</p><p>E. W. G. Masterman</p>