עֲנָה
Anah, the name of two Edomites and one Edomitess
Definition
Anah is a proper name given to three distinct individuals in the biblical genealogies of Edom. The first is Anah the Hittite, the father of Oholibamah, who became one of Esau's wives (Genesis 36:2). The second is Anah, a son of Seir the Horite and a chief in the land of Edom (Genesis 36:20-21). The third is Anah, the son of Zibeon, noted for discovering 'hot springs' or possibly 'mules' in the wilderness (Genesis 36:24). The name is used exclusively within the context of Edomite ancestry and geography.
Biblical Usage
The name Anah appears exclusively in genealogical lists within the Old Testament, specifically in Genesis 36 and 1 Chronicles 1:38. Its usage is confined to establishing the lineage and tribal chiefs of the Edomites, the descendants of Esau. The pattern is strictly nominal, identifying individuals within a historical and familial framework, with no narrative action attached to the characters beyond their placement in these lists.
Etymology
The name Anah (עֲנָה) is likely derived from the Hebrew root עָנָה (ʿānâ, H6030), which carries primary meanings of 'to answer,' 'to be occupied with,' or 'to afflict.' As a proper name, it probably means 'Answer' or 'One Who Answers,' functioning similarly to many Hebrew names that are verb-based and express a characteristic or hope. It is a nominal form of this common Semitic root.
Semantic Range
While the name Anah itself is not theologically loaded, its consistent placement in the Edomite genealogies is significant. It underscores the biblical theme of God's faithfulness in fulfilling his promise to Abraham of many descendants, which extended even to Esau's line (Genesis 25:23). These detailed lists validate the historical reality of Israel's neighbors and often serve as a backdrop for later prophetic judgments against Edom (e.g., Obadiah), reminding readers of God's sovereignty over all nations.
In ancient Near Eastern culture, genealogies were crucial for establishing identity, land rights, and social standing. Recording names like Anah preserved tribal history and claims to territory. The note about Anah son of Zibeon discovering 'hot springs' (or 'mules') in Genesis 36:24 hints at a cultural memory of exploration or a noteworthy, perhaps proverbial, achievement attributed to an ancestor, which was a point of pride or identity for that clan.
There are no direct synonyms for this proper name. It is distinct from other Edomite names in its specific genealogical assignments.
Word Details
How this works
Hebrew definitions are from Brown-Driver-Briggs (1906) and Strong's Exhaustive Concordance (1890), both public domain. BDB was groundbreaking for its era but reflects 19th-century assumptions about Semitic etymology. Modern scholarship (HALOT, DCH) has revised many entries. Use these definitions as a starting point for exploration, not as the final word on a term's meaning in context.
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