John 3:23

“And John also was baptizing in Aenon, etc.] The Syriac and Persic versions call it “Ain”, or “In you”, the fountain of the dove; and the Arabic version reads it, the fountain of “Nun”: and whether it was a town, or river, it seems to have its name from a fountain near it, or that itself was one, where was an abundance of water, as the text shows. There is a city of this name in the Septuagint version of (<061561>Joshua 15:61), and mention is made of Hazerenon in (<043409>Numbers 34:9 <264717>Ezekiel 47:17), but neither of them seem to be the same with this; but be it where, and what it will, it was near to Salim; and where that was, is as difficult to know as the other, some take it to be…”

“Ænon . . . Salim--on the west of Jordan. (Compare Joh 3:26 with Joh 1:28).”

“In Enon - The word “Enon,” or “Aenon,” means “a fountain,” and was doubtless given to this place because of the fountains there. On the situation of the place nothing certain has been determined. Eusebius places it eight Roman miles south of Scythopolis or Bethshan, and 53 miles northeast of Jerusalem. Near to Salim - It would seem from this that Salim was better known then than Enon, but nothing can be determined now respecting its site. These places are believed to have been on the west side of the Jordan. Because there was much water there - John’s preaching attracted great multitudes. It appears that they remained with him probably many days. In many parts of that country, particularly…”

“John also was baptizing - He did not repel them that offered, but he more willingly referred them to Jesus. John 3:25”

“near: Gen 33:18, Shalem, Sa1 9:4, Shalim much: Jer 51:13; Eze 19:10, Eze 43:2; Rev 1:15, Rev 14:2, Rev 19:6 and they: Mat 3:5, Mat 3:6; Mar 1:4, Mar 1:5; Luk 3:7 John 3:24”