עָנֵף
𐤏𐤍𐤐
ʻânêph
H6058 adjective
SILEX Entry
Definition
Adjective describing something that is profusely branched or full of branches; in biblical usage, specifically employed to describe trees that have an abundance of boughs or limbs. The sense focuses on the visible characteristic of being spread out or luxuriantly covered with branches.
Semantic Range
branching, abounding in branches, full of branches, luxuriant (of trees), spread out (with boughs)
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root עָנָף (ʿ-n-p), which fundamentally means 'branch' or 'bough.' The adjective עָנֵף (ʻânêph) is formed with a typical adjectival vocalization suggesting 'having the quality of branches' or 'branching.' The core meaning of the root is related to physical extensions from a main stem or trunk.
Historical & Contextual Notes
In the Hebrew Bible, עָנֵף appears in descriptions of trees or objects characterized by their abundant branching, such as in Ezekiel's prophecy against Pharaoh (Ezekiel 31:5, 8). This is visually evocative language intended to highlight strength, majesty, or luxuriance, often in metaphorical or poetic passages. The term does not carry later botanical specificity and is used more for general, observable characteristics than for technical classification. It is related to but distinct from simple terms for 'branch' (עָנָף), emphasizing fullness or profusion rather than merely the presence of branches. English translations like 'branching,' 'full of branches,' or occasionally 'luxuriant' generally capture the basic sense but may not fully express the visual richness of the Hebrew term. The usage is consistent throughout attested biblical periods and does not carry direct religious or theological connotations.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
from the same as עָנָף; branching; full of branches.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
ענף (ʿ-n-p) — to branch, to extend outward, to spread
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6058-01 |
וַֽ/עֲנֵפָ֔ה | vaanefah | HC/Aafsa |
and full of branches | branch-laden | branch-laden | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
1 occurrence
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | SIBI-P2 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6058-01 |
Ezekiel 19:10 | וַֽ/עֲנֵפָ֔ה | vaanefah | HC/Aafsa |
and full of branches | branch-laden | branch-laden |