Aenon

Aenon is a biblical place-name that appears in the Gospel of John. In John 3:23, it is noted that John the Baptist was baptizing in Aenon near Salim, because there was much water there, prompting people to come to him for baptism.

The name is transmitted in Greek manuscripts as Aenón (Αηνών) and is rendered as Aenon in many English translations; Latin versions also use Aenon. The phrase “near Salim” (para Salim) identifies Aenon as part of the region associated with John’s ministry, though the exact location of Salim itself remains a matter of scholarly debate.

Geography and identification: The precise site of Aenon has not been definitively established. Traditional biblical geography places it in the broader Judean or Jordan Valley region, in an area thought to have suitable access to water for baptism. Over time, various locations have been proposed for both Aenon and the nearby town of Salim, but there is no consensus among scholars. The passage emphasizes the availability of water as a practical detail for baptism rather than providing a precise geographical description.

Legacy: Aenon is primarily of interest to biblical scholars and readers studying the itineraries of John the Baptist as described in the Gospel of John. It is cited mainly for its association with baptism and as an example of the Gospel’s toponymic details. See also John the Baptist; Salim; Baptism.