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עָנָו

𐤏𐤍𐤅

ʻânâv

H6035 adjective

SILEX Entry

Root ענה to be bowed down, to be afflicted, to humble oneself

Definition

One who is humble, modest, or lowly, characterized by an attitude of self-effacement or submission. In some contexts, refers to an individual who surrenders personal status or power, or one who is socially or economically low in status. Can also imply gentleness and mildness of disposition, especially in social or religious relationships. The term is frequently employed to indicate a moral or inner quality, not only an external condition.

Semantic Range

humble, meek, lowly (in disposition), gentle, self-effacing, submissive, unassuming; rarely, oppressed or of low social status

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root ענה (ʿnh), which conveys the ideas of 'to be bowed down, humbled, afflicted, or oppressed.' The form עָנָו (ʿanav) represents a personal quality or character trait developing out of this root, focusing on the disposition of humility or meekness, distinct from the condition of poverty or affliction central to עָנִי (ʿanî).

Historical & Contextual Notes

During the monarchic and exilic periods, עָנָו frequently describes those who exhibit humility before the divine or in relation to social superiors (cf. Moses described as עָנָו מְאֹד, 'very humble': Num 12:3). While the term overlaps with עָנִי (ʿanî, 'poor, afflicted'), עָנָו primarily emphasizes humble character as opposed to economic deprivation. In later usage, particularly in Psalms, the עֲנָוִים (anavim, 'humble ones') are sometimes contrasted with the arrogant or wicked, representing a class who trust in YHWH. English translations often use 'meek,' 'humble,' or 'lowly,' but may miss the specific nuance of reliance on and submission to divine authority. The term does not necessarily connote poverty, though humility and low social status are sometimes linked.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

or (by intermixture with עָנִי) עָנָיו; from עָנָה; depressed (figuratively), in mind (gentle) or circumstances (needy, especially saintly); humble, lowly, meek, poor. Compare עָנִי.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

ענה (ʿ-n-h) — to be bowed down, to be afflicted, to humble oneself

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

10 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H6035-01 עֲנָוִ֛ים anavim HAampa the humble humble ones 15
H6035-08 ענוים nvym HAampa the afflicted/meek humble ones 2
H6035-03 עַנְוֵ֣י anevey HAampc humble the humble ones of 2
H6035-02 עָנָ֣יו anayv HAamsa humble humble one 1
H6035-06 ענו nv HAamsa humble humble one 1
H6035-10 וְ֝/לַ/עֲנָוִ֗ים velaanavim HC/R/Aampa and to the humble and to the humble ones 1
H6035-04 עֲנִיֵּי aniyey HAampc the poor afflicted ones of 1
H6035-09 וַ/עֲנָוִ֥ים vaanavim HC/Aampa the meek humble ones 1
H6035-07 ענוי nvy HAampc afflicted humble ones of 1
H6035-05 לְ/עַנְוֵי leanevey HR/Aampc for-the-meek to humble ones of 1

Occurrences in Scripture

26 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H6035-06 Numbers 12:3 ענו nv HAamsa humble humble one
H6035-02 Numbers 12:3 עָנָ֣יו anayv HAamsa humble humble one
H6035-05 Isaiah 11:4 לְ/עַנְוֵי leanevey HR/Aampc for-the-meek to humble ones of
H6035-01 Isaiah 29:19 עֲנָוִ֛ים anavim HAampa the meek humble ones
H6035-08 Isaiah 32:7 ענוים nvym HAampa the afflicted/meek humble ones
H6035-01 Isaiah 61:1 עֲנָוִ֗ים anavim HAampa to the poor humble ones
H6035-01 Amos 2:7 עֲנָוִ֖ים anavim HAampa of the humble humble ones
H6035-07 Amos 8:4 ענוי nvy HAampc afflicted humble ones of
H6035-03 Zephaniah 2:3 עַנְוֵ֣י anevey HAampc humble the humble ones of
H6035-01 Psalms 9:13 עֲנָוִֽים anavim HAampa poor humble ones
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