Bible Word Study
אֲנַף
ʼănaph · the face
אֲנַף
the face
Definition
The Aramaic noun אֲנַף (ʼănaph) means 'the face' or 'countenance.' It specifically refers to the physical face of a person, often conveying the idea of presence or the outward appearance directed toward someone or something. In its two biblical occurrences, it describes the face of a king in a posture of reverence (Daniel 2:46) and the furious facial expression of a king in anger (Daniel 3:19). The word captures both a neutral, physical sense and the emotional state visibly displayed on the face.
Biblical Usage
This word is used exclusively in the Aramaic portions of the book of Daniel. It appears in two distinct contexts: first, in Daniel 2:46, where King Nebuchadnezzar's face is directed toward Daniel in an act of homage and awe following the interpretation of his dream. Second, in Daniel 3:19, it describes the king's 'visage' or facial expression being changed to one of rage and fury against Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. The usage shows the face as an indicator of both reverence and intense emotional reaction.
Etymology
אֲנַף is an Aramaic word, not classical Hebrew, corresponding to the Hebrew noun אַף (ʼaph, H639). Both words share a common Semitic root meaning 'nose' or 'face,' with אַף in Hebrew also developing the meaning 'anger' (from the flaring of the nostrils). אֲנַף appears only in the plural form (אֲנָפִין) but is used with a singular meaning ('face'), a common feature in Aramaic.
Semantic Range
Though a simple noun for 'face,' its use in Daniel is theologically significant as it highlights human responses to divine revelation and power. In Daniel 2:46, the king's face turned toward Daniel illustrates a moment of pagan acknowledgment of God's supreme wisdom. In Daniel 3:19, the king's enraged visage sets the stage for a dramatic confrontation showcasing God's power to deliver. The word subtly underscores themes of divine sovereignty versus human authority and the visible human reaction to God's work. In ancient Near Eastern culture, the face was a powerful symbol of presence, attention, and emotion. A king's facial expression was a direct indicator of his disposition and decree, carrying immediate consequences. Turning one's face toward someone was a gesture of full attention, respect, or engagement, while a changed countenance signaled a profound shift in attitude, often preceding a royal command or judgment. אַף (ʼaph, H639) — The primary Hebrew equivalent, also meaning 'nose,' 'face,' or 'anger.' פָּנִים (paniym, H6440) — The most common Hebrew word for 'face,' indicating presence, direction, or surface.
Word Details
How this works
Definitions are from the Brown-Driver-Briggs Hebrew Lexicon (BDB, 1906, public domain). Concordance and morphology data are from the OSHB (Open Scriptures Hebrew Bible).
Full methodology & sources →References
- Abbott-Smith, G. (1921) A Manual Greek Lexicon of the New Testament. Edinburgh: T&T Clark. [Public Domain]
- Brown, F., Driver, S.R. and Briggs, C.A. (1906) A Hebrew and English Lexicon of the Old Testament. Oxford: Clarendon Press. [Public Domain]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Tyndale Brief lexicon of Extended Strongs for Greek (TBESG). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Tyndale House, Cambridge (n.d.) Translators Formatted full LSJ (TFLSJ). STEPBible. Available at: https://www.stepbible.org. [CC BY 4.0]
- Thayer, J.H. (1889) A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament. [Public Domain]
- Gesenius, W. (1846) Gesenius' Hebrew-Chaldee Lexicon to the Old Testament. [Public Domain]
- Dodson, J. (2010) Greek Lexicon. Biblical Humanities. [CC0]