Lexical Summary Anacharath: Anacharath Original Word: אֲנָחֲרָת Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Anaharath Probably from the same root as nachar; a gorge or narrow pass; Anacharath, a place in Palestine -- Anaharath. see HEBREW nachar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a city in Issachar NASB Translation Anaharath (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs אֲנָָֽחֲרָ֫ת proper name, of a location a city in Naphtali Joshua 19:19. Kn (compare Di) compare en-Na`ûra, on east side of Jebel Dahi, little Hermon; compare RobBR iii. 339. Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence Anaharath is named a single time in Scripture, in the territorial description of the tribe of Issachar (Joshua 19:19). The verse reads, “Hapharaim, Shion, Anaharath,” (Berean Standard Bible). Though brief, the mention situates the town among a string of settlements that form part of Issachar’s God-allotted inheritance in the fertile plain stretching south and east of the Jezreel Valley. Place in the Tribal Allotment Issachar’s inheritance lay between the prominent tribal territories of Manasseh to the west and north and Naphtali and Zebulun to the east. The region was well known for its productive soil and its position on major trade and military routes. By including Anaharath in the inspired boundary list, the text underscores that every town—large or small—was known to God and apportioned by Him (Joshua 19:51). The precision of these allotments illustrates both God’s covenant faithfulness to Abraham’s descendants (Genesis 15:18-21) and His concern for the daily lives of His people. Geographical Setting Although the precise modern location of Anaharath is not firmly established, many place it in the eastern Jezreel Valley, likely on the lower slopes leading up toward the hills of lower Galilee. The terrain provides natural access from the valley floor toward the Sea of Galilee, making the site strategically valuable for travel and commerce in the Late Bronze and early Iron Age periods. Archaeological surveys have proposed several candidates—such as Khirbet el-’Anarah and Tell Shunem’s environs—but conclusive identification remains elusive. Whatever the exact spot, its setting would have afforded agricultural abundance and proximity to regional crossroads, consistent with Issachar’s reputation for laboring “under forced labor” through trade levies (Genesis 49:14-15). Historical Context 1. Settlement Era: In Joshua’s day (late 15th to early 14th century B.C.), the land division formalized Israel’s transition from wilderness camping to settled, covenant community life. Anaharath’s inclusion marks it as an established or soon-to-be-established town within Issachar’s portion. Theological Themes • Covenant Land: Each named town testifies that the promise “I will give you every place where you set your foot” (Joshua 1:3) was tangibly fulfilled. Ministry Applications 1. Value of the Seemingly Small: Modern disciples may never visit Anaharath’s ruins, yet its mention shows that God records what the world overlooks. Christian service rendered in obscurity remains known to Him (Matthew 6:4). Concluding Reflection Though Anaharath receives but a fleeting notice, its presence in the inspired record magnifies the meticulous care with which the Lord fulfilled His land promises. The obscure Galilean hillside serves as a quiet witness that every promise of God finds its “Yes” and “Amen” (2 Corinthians 1:20), encouraging believers today to trust His providence—even in the ordinary corners of life. Forms and Transliterations וַאֲנָחֲרַֽת׃ ואנחרת׃ vaanachaRat wa’ănāḥăraṯ wa·’ă·nā·ḥă·raṯLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 19:19 HEB: וַחֲפָרַ֥יִם וְשִׁיאֹ֖ן וַאֲנָחֲרַֽת׃ NAS: and Hapharaim and Shion and Anaharath, KJV: and Shion, and Anaharath, INT: and Hapharaim and Shion and Anaharath 1 Occurrence |
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