CISTERN

Cistern. Cistern
The rendering of a Hebrew word bor, which means a receptacle for water conveyed to it; distinguished from beer, which denotes a place where water rises on the spot (Jer. 2:13; Prov. 5:15; Isa. 36:16), a fountain. Cisterns are frequently mentioned in Scripture. The scarcity of springs in Palestine made it necessary to collect rain-water in reservoirs and cisterns (Num. 21:22). (See WELL.)

Empty cisterns were sometimes used as prisons (Jer. 38:6; Lam. 3:53; Ps. 40:2; 69:15). The “pit” into which Joseph was cast (Gen. 37:24) was a beer or dry well. There are numerous remains of ancient cisterns in all parts of Palestine.

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CISTERN. → General scriptures concerning Isa 36:16 → Broken Jer 2:13 → FIGURATIVE 2Ki 18:31; Pr 5:15; Ec 12:6
* See WELLS

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cistern. Cistern, n. a vessel to catch or hold water, a pit

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Cis″tern (?), n. [[OE. cisterne, OF. cisterne, F. cisterne, fr. L. cisterna, fr. cista box, chest. See Cist, and cf. chest.]] 1. 1. An artificial reservoir or tank for holding water, beer, or other liquids.
2. 2. A natural reservoir; a hollow place containing water. “The wide cisterns of the lakes.” Blackmore.