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עֲנָה

𐤏𐤍𐤄

ʻănâh

H6032 verb

SILEX Entry

Root ענה to answer, reply, respond, sing, testify

Definition

To respond, reply, or give an answer (whether verbally, in song, or by other vocal expression); to pay attention and respond accordingly; by extension, to begin to speak, testify, announce, or proclaim. The word is used for giving direct replies, answering inquiries, or expressing oneself in a vocal manner, including singing or shouting in specific contexts.

Semantic Range

to answer, to respond (vocally), to begin to speak, to testify, to announce, to declare, to sing, to shout

Root / Etymology

From the root ענה, meaning 'to answer, respond, reply'. The verb is regularly used in both Hebrew and Aramaic, with the Aramaic form featured prominently in the later biblical books that employ Aramaic (such as Daniel and Ezra). The semantic development is relatively stable across Hebrew and Aramaic, where the act of answering or responding is central to the meaning. In the Aramaic dialects of the Bible, it is generally in the Peal (G-stem) form, typically meaning 'he answered' or 'he said in reply.'

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the biblical Aramaic sections (notably Daniel and Ezra), עֲנָה appears as a common narrative verb for introducing both direct speech and responses to questions or situations. It functions essentially as the Aramaic counterpart to Hebrew עָנָה. Unlike English, where 'to answer' does not always imply a vocal response, עֲנָה in Aramaic almost invariably refers to verbal or vocal expression—whether formal speech, testimony, or even liturgical song. In dialogue, the verb may serve as an introductory formula for statements or declarations, not strictly limited to answers to questions. The semantic breadth may encompass singing or shouting responses, especially in formal or communal settings. In Aramaic, this verb does not inherently connote a positive or obedient answer; it may be neutral, positive, or negative in content. English translations often simplify the word as 'answer' or 'said,' but this may not fully communicate the emphasis on attentive or responsive speech present in the original context.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

(Aramaic) corresponding to עָנָה; {properly, to eye or (generally) to heed, i.e. pay attention; by implication, to respond; by extension to begin to speak; specifically to sing, shout, testify, announce}; answer, speak.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

ענה (ʿ-n-h) — answering, responding, replying, declaring, singing

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H1042 בֵּית עֲנוֹת answering of
H1195 בַּעֲנָא Son of Affliction
H1196 בַּעֲנָה In Affliction
H2057 וַנְיָה Yah Answers
H3283 יָעֵן ostriches

Word Forms

6 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H6032-03 עָנֵ֤ה aneh AVqrmsa answered intensely answering 23
H6032-04 עֲנ֥וֹ ano AVqp3mp they answered they answered 5
H6032-05 וַ/עֲנֵֽ/נִי vaaneni HC/Vqv2ms/Sp1cs and answer me and respond to me 1
H6032-02 עָנַ֤יִן anayin AVqrmpa They answered answering ones 1
H6032-06 ו/ענ/נו vnnv HC/Vqv2ms/Sp1cp and answer us and respond to us 1
H6032-01 עֲנָ֨ת anat AVqp3fs she answered Anat 1

Occurrences in Scripture

32 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H6032-06 Psalms 60:7 ו/ענ/נו vnnv HC/Vqv2ms/Sp1cp and answer us and respond to us
H6032-05 Psalms 60:7 וַ/עֲנֵֽ/נִי vaaneni HC/Vqv2ms/Sp1cs and answer me and respond to me
H6032-03 Daniel 2:5 עָנֵ֤ה aneh AVqrmsa answered intensely answering
H6032-04 Daniel 2:7 עֲנ֥וֹ ano AVqp3mp they answered they answered
H6032-03 Daniel 2:8 עָנֵ֤ה aneh AVqrmsa answered intensely answering
H6032-04 Daniel 2:10 עֲנ֨וֹ ano AVqp3mp answered they answered
H6032-03 Daniel 2:15 עָנֵ֣ה aneh AVqrmsa he answered intensely answering
H6032-03 Daniel 2:20 עָנֵ֤ה aneh AVqrmsa answered intensely answering
H6032-03 Daniel 2:26 עָנֵ֤ה aneh AVqrmsa answered intensely answering
H6032-03 Daniel 2:27 עָנֵ֧ה aneh AVqrmsa answered intensely answering
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