עָנוּב

Anub, an Israelite

Definition

עָנוּב (Anub) is a proper noun referring to an Israelite man mentioned only once in the Old Testament. He is listed as a son of Koz, from the tribe of Judah, in the genealogical records found in 1 Chronicles 4:8. The name itself is derived from a root meaning 'to bear fruit' or 'to be borne,' suggesting a connection to fruitfulness or being a product of a lineage. As a proper name, it carries no other semantic senses or meanings in the biblical text beyond this single identification.

Biblical Usage

The word is used exclusively in 1 Chronicles 4:8 within a genealogical list detailing the descendants of Judah. Its usage is purely nominal, serving to identify an individual within a family lineage. There are no patterns of broader usage, as it appears only this one time in the entire Hebrew Bible.

Etymology

The name עָנוּב (ʻÂnûwb) is a passive participle derived from the same root as H6025 (עֵנָב, ʻênâb), meaning 'grape' or 'cluster of grapes.' The root conveys the idea of bearing or producing fruit. Thus, the name likely means 'borne' or 'produced,' possibly implying 'fruitful' or 'one who is borne (as fruit of the family).' It shares a conceptual connection with fertility and lineage.

Semantic Range

In ancient Israelite culture, names often carried significant meaning, reflecting circumstances of birth, parental hopes, or character traits. A name derived from a word for fruit or bearing likely conveyed a positive association with fertility, blessing, and continuity of the family line. This aligns with the importance of genealogy and progeny in maintaining tribal identity and inheritance within the covenant community.

עֵנָב (ʻênâb, H6025) — The root noun meaning 'grape,' from which the name is derived, focusing on the fruit itself rather than the act of bearing.

Word Details

Scripture References