אֲנָךְ
𐤀𐤍𐤊
ʼănâk
H594 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
A weighted cord used as a plumb-line, an instrument for testing verticality or uprightness in construction. In Biblical usage, it typically refers to a tool employed by builders to ensure structures are properly aligned, and metaphorically, it signifies a standard of judgement or measurement.
Semantic Range
plumb-line, builder's measuring tool, standard of judgement (metaphorical)
Root / Etymology
Derived from the Hebrew root אנך, likely related to the concept of straightness or measuring. The precise root meaning is debated and does not appear independently in the Hebrew Bible. The word's form and sense suggest a noun for a measuring instrument, possibly developed from an unused verbal root.
Historical & Contextual Notes
אֲנָךְ occurs in prophetic texts, notably in Amos 7:7-8 and Zechariah 4:10, where it is used both literally (as a builder's tool) and symbolically to represent the establishment of a standard or the implementation of divine judgement. The term falls into a set of construction-related vocabulary attested in the Hebrew Bible, but its use is infrequent. Unlike other measuring terms such as קָו (line, cord), אֲנָךְ is specifically associated with verticality. Later translations (LXX, Vulgate) typically render it as a measuring or plummet instrument; English translations usually prefer 'plumb-line,' though occasionally other renderings appear. The meaning remains consistent from the monarchic through post-exilic periods, with the metaphorical application gaining prominence in prophetic literature. The identification of אֲנָךְ as a 'hook' has little support in biblical contexts.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
probably from an unused root meaning to be narrow; according to most a plumb-line, and to others a hook; plumb-line
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
אנך (ʾ-n-k) — straightness, measuring, alignment
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H594-01 |
אֲנָ֑ךְ | anakhe | HNcmsa |
a plumb line | plumb-line | 4 |
Occurrences in Scripture
4 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H594-01 |
Amos 7:7 | אֲנָ֑ךְ | anakhe | HNcmsa |
of tin | plumb-line |
H594-01 |
Amos 7:7 | אֲנָֽךְ | anakhe-2 | HNcmsa |
tin | plumb-line |
H594-01 |
Amos 7:8 | אֲנָ֑ךְ | anakhe | HNcmsa |
a plumb line | plumb-line |
H594-01 |
Amos 7:8 | אֲנָךְ֙ | anakhe-2 | HNcmsa |
a plumb line | plumb-line |