עֲנַן

Definition

The Hebrew word עֲנַן (ʻănan) is a noun meaning 'cloud.' In its single biblical occurrence in Daniel 7:13, it describes a celestial cloud upon which 'one like a son of man' approaches the Ancient of Days. This Aramaic form corresponds directly to the more common Hebrew word עָנָן (ʻānān, H6051), which is used throughout the Old Testament. While the basic meaning is consistent, the context in Daniel is uniquely visionary and eschatological, depicting a divine, throne-room scene rather than a meteorological phenomenon.

Biblical Usage

This specific Aramaic form (עֲנַן) is used only once in the entire Bible, in Daniel 7:13. It appears in a prophetic vision within the Aramaic portion of the book of Daniel. The usage is symbolic and majestic, portraying a cloud as the vehicle or platform for a messianic figure's approach to God in a heavenly courtroom setting. This contrasts with the more frequent Hebrew cognate (עָנָן), which appears in various contexts including the pillar of cloud (Exodus 13:21), storm clouds (1 Kings 18:44), and as a symbol of transience (Hosea 6:4).

Etymology

The word עֲנַן (ʻănan) is the Aramaic cognate of the Hebrew noun עָנָן (ʻānān, H6051). Both derive from a common Semitic root meaning 'to cover' or 'to becloud,' which aptly describes the function of a cloud. The Aramaic form appears in the biblical text because Daniel 2:4b–7:28 was originally written in Aramaic, the lingua franca of the ancient Near East during the exile. The meaning development is straightforward, moving from the basic concept of 'covering' to the specific, visible mass of condensed water vapor in the sky.

Semantic Range

Though used only once, עֲנַן is theologically significant. In Daniel 7:13, the cloud is not a weather event but a theophanic vehicle, associated with the presentation of the 'son of man' figure to the Ancient of Days to receive everlasting dominion. This imagery connects to other profound cloud theophanies in Scripture, such as the pillar of cloud guiding Israel (Exodus 13:21), the cloud filling the tabernacle (Exodus 40:34), and the cloud at Jesus's transfiguration and ascension (Matthew 17:5, Acts 1:9). It symbolizes God's majestic presence, glory, and sometimes the mode of transport for divine beings, enriching the reader's understanding of Christ's heavenly authority and the cloud's role in biblical imagery of divine revelation and judgment.

In the ancient Near Eastern cultural context, clouds were often associated with deities. Storm gods, like the Canaanite Baal or the Mesopotamian Adad, were depicted riding on clouds. Daniel's vision uses this familiar cultural motif—a divine figure approaching on a cloud—but subverts it to reveal the one true God's sovereignty. The 'son of man' comes not as a violent storm god, but to receive a kingdom through divine decree. The cloud also symbolized mystery, concealment, and the awe-inspiring presence of the divine, which would be immediately recognizable to Daniel's original audience.

עָנָן (ʻānān, H6051) — The direct Hebrew cognate, used far more frequently (over 80 times) for literal clouds, the pillar of cloud, and metaphorical uses. עָב (ʻāb, H5645) — Another Hebrew word for cloud, often used for thick, dark clouds or storm clouds (e.g., 1 Kings 18:44).

Word Details

Scripture References