Bible Dictionary
Jacobs Well
Jacob’s Well was a deep spring near Shechem, later called Sychar. Jesus sat there and spoke with a Samaritan woman, teaching about the living water God gives.
Definition
Jacob’s Well was a deep spring near Shechem, called Sychar in the time of Christ and now associated with Nablus. It was probably dug by Jacob and lies near the foot of Mount Gerizim. The well is about nine feet wide and seventy-five feet deep, though it is dry at some seasons.
Biblical Usage
Jesus sat on the curb of Jacob’s Well and spoke with a Samaritan woman. The conversation is recorded as an important event in Jesus’ ministry.
Historical Background
The well lies about half a mile southeast of Nablus, at the foot of Mount Gerizim. Its depth and construction indicate a laborious undertaking; its water supply varies with the season.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Smith's Bible Dictionary
a deep spring in the vicinity of Shechem (called Sychar in Christ’s time and Nablus at the present day). It was probably dug by Jacob whose name it bears. On the curb of the well Jesus sat and discoursed with the Samaritan woman. (John 4:5-26) It is situated about half a mile southeast of Nablus, at the foot of Mount Gerizim. It is about nine feet in diameter and 75 feet deep. At some seasons it is dry; at others it contains a few feet of water.