עָנָק
𐤏𐤍𐤒
Anaq
H6061 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
Proper noun: ʻÂnâq, name of a prominent figure described as the progenitor of a group of inhabitants in southern Canaan, specifically the Anakites (descendants of Anak). Used exclusively as a personal name and never as a common noun. In narrative contexts, refers to a person considered the ancestor or eponym of people noted for their physical stature.
Semantic Range
personal name; eponymous ancestor; progenitor of the Anakites; associated group ('children of Anak', 'descendants of Anak', ie. the Anakites)
Root / Etymology
Derived from the root ע-נ-ק (ענק), which in common usage means 'necklace, neck chain' or can relate to the neck (possibly 'long-necked'), but as a proper noun in this context, the connection is likely nominal and may only reflect a similarity in form without direct etymological or semantic transfer. The use of ʻÂnâq as a personal name has uncertain etymological motivation—may suggest an epithet referring to size or neck, or be a theophoric or non-Semitic loan.
Historical & Contextual Notes
ʻÂnâq is presented in the biblical texts (notably Numbers 13:22–28; Joshua 15:13–14; Judges 1:20) as a legendary founder or ancestor of the Anakites, a group inhabiting southern Canaan, particularly Hebron and its vicinity, during the early Israelite entry into the land. The biblical tradition emphasizes the extraordinary height and formidable reputation of this group, which played a significant role in the Israelite reconnaissance narrative of Canaan. ʻÂnâq himself is not depicted as a contemporary figure but as a genealogical ancestor. Later biblical tradition, as well as Greek and Latin translation, often renders the name by transliteration. English versions sometimes use 'Anak' but also use 'Anakite(s)' for the group. The Septuagint (LXX) and later translations do not clarify further etymology. The association between the root meaning 'neck, necklace' and the identity of Anak is speculative; the name may reflect a local or pre-Israelite tradition wholly independent of the Hebrew root. The use of 'Canaanite' in some older translations inaccurately generalizes the ethnic context, as the biblical text treats Anak and his descendants as a specific clan within Canaan.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
the same as עָנָק; Anak, a Canaanite; Anak.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
ענק (ʿ-n-q) — neck, necklace, to encircle
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H6059 | עָנַק | she necklace-adorned them |
| H6060 | עָנָק | neck-encircling necklace |
| H6062 | עֲנָקִי | Anakites |
Word Forms
3 distinct forms
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6061-02 |
הָ/עֲנָ֑ק | haanaq | HTd/Ngmsa |
the Anak | the Necked One | 6 |
H6061-01 |
עֲנָ֖ק | anaq | HNp |
Anak | Anak | 2 |
H6061-03 |
הָֽ/עֲנ֛וֹק | haanoq | HTd/Np |
of the Anak | the Anak | 1 |
Occurrences in Scripture
9 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6061-02 |
Numbers 13:22 | הָ/עֲנָ֑ק | haanaq | HTd/Ngmsa |
Anak | the Necked One |
H6061-02 |
Numbers 13:28 | הָֽ/עֲנָ֖ק | haanaq | HTd/Ngmsa |
Anak | the Necked One |
H6061-01 |
Numbers 13:33 | עֲנָ֖ק | anaq | HNp |
Anak | Anak |
H6061-01 |
Deuteronomy 9:2 | עֲנָֽק | anaq | HNp |
Anak | Anak |
H6061-02 |
Joshua 15:13 | הָ/עֲנָ֖ק | haanaq | HTd/Np |
the-Anak | the Necked One |
H6061-02 |
Joshua 15:14 | הָ/עֲנָ֑ק | haanaq | HTd/Np |
the Anak | the Necked One |
H6061-02 |
Joshua 15:14 | הָ/עֲנָֽק | haanaq-2 | HTd/Np |
the Anak | the Necked One |
H6061-03 |
Joshua 21:11 | הָֽ/עֲנ֛וֹק | haanoq | HTd/Np |
of the Anak | the Anak |
H6061-02 |
Judges 1:20 | הָ/עֲנָֽק | haanaq | HTd/Np |
the Anak | the Necked One |