Bible Dictionary
SEALED, FOUNTAIN
The “sealed fountain” in Song of Solomon describes the bride as specially protected and reserved. In the ancient setting, sealing a fountain or well also signified guarding a valuable water supply.
Definition
A sealed fountain is a fountain or well protected by an authoritative seal. In Song of Solomon the expression is applied to the bride and conveys the idea of something specially guarded and reserved.
Biblical Usage
The phrase occurs in Song of Solomon 4:12, where it describes the bride. The supplied material associates the image with protection and exclusiveness.
Historical Background
Because water was among the most precious resources in the East, fountains and wells were often sealed. Sealing signified authoritative protection of something valuable.
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>seld, These words, applied to the bride (So 4:12), find their explanation under SEAL (which see). Anything that was to be authoritatively protected was sealed. Where water was one of the most precious things, as in the East, fountains and wells were often sealed (Ge 29:3; Pr 5:15-18).</p>