6037. anvah

Lexicon

anvah: Humility, Meekness

Original Word: עַנְוָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: `anvah
Pronunciation: an-VAH
Phonetic Spelling: (an-vaw')
Definition: Humility, Meekness
Meaning: mildness, oppressed

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance

gentleness, meekness

Feminine of anav; mildness (royal); also (concretely) oppressed -- gentleness, meekness.

see HEBREW anav

NAS Exhaustive Concordance

Word Origin
the same as anavah, q.v.

Brown-Driver-Briggs

עֲנָוָה noun feminine humility: — Proverbs 15:33 3t.; עַנְוָהֿ (contracted because of Maqqeph, see Br^Mp) Psalm 45:5; עֶנְוָָֽתְךָ Psalm 18:36 (= עֲנֹתְךָ 2 Samuel 22:36 see I. ענה; read עֶזְרָֽתְךְ Ol We); —

1 humility, meekness Psalm 45:5 (dubious), Proverbs 15:33; Proverbs 18:12; Proverbs 22:4; Zephaniah 2:3 (probably gloss, see We Now).

2 condescension Psalm 18:36 (dubious, see above).

Topical Lexicon

Word Origin: Derived from the root עָנָה (anah), which means to be humble or afflicted.

Corresponding Greek / Hebrew Entries: • G4236: πραΰτης (prautes) • This Greek term is often translated as "gentleness" or "meekness" and shares a similar semantic range with עַנְוָה, emphasizing a gentle and humble disposition.
• G4240: πραΰς (praus) • This word is used to describe a gentle or meek character, reflecting the same qualities of humility and mildness found in the Hebrew concept of עַנְוָה.

Usage: The word עַנְוָה is used in the Hebrew Bible to describe a quality of character that is valued and esteemed, often associated with humility before God and others. It is a trait that is encouraged among the faithful and is seen as a virtue that leads to divine favor and wisdom.

Context: • The concept of עַנְוָה (anavah) is deeply rooted in the Hebrew understanding of humility and meekness. It is not merely an external demeanor but an internal disposition that reflects a person's relationship with God and others. In the biblical context, humility is often contrasted with pride and arrogance, and it is seen as a prerequisite for receiving God's guidance and blessing.
• In the Old Testament, עַנְוָה is frequently associated with the righteous and those who seek to live in accordance with God's will. For example, in Proverbs 22:4, it is written, "The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life" (BSB). This verse highlights the blessings that accompany a humble spirit.
• The Psalms also emphasize the importance of humility, as seen in Psalm 25:9: "He guides the humble in what is right and teaches them His way" (BSB). Here, humility is linked to divine instruction and guidance, suggesting that those who are humble are more receptive to God's teachings.
• The concept of עַנְוָה is not limited to personal piety but extends to social relationships. It involves a willingness to serve others and to place their needs above one's own. This is evident in the life of Moses, who is described as "very humble, more than any man on the face of the earth" (Numbers 12:3, BSB).
• In the prophetic literature, humility is often called for as a response to God's judgment and as a means of seeking His mercy. Zephaniah 2:3 encourages the people to "Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, who carry out His justice. Seek righteousness, seek humility" (BSB).

Forms and Transliterations

וְֽעַנְוַתְךָ֥ וְעַנְוָה־ וענוה־ וענותך veanvah veanvatCha wə‘anwāh- wə‘anwaṯḵā wə·‘an·wāh- wə·‘an·waṯ·ḵā

Englishman's Concordance

Psalm 18:35
HEB: וִֽימִינְךָ֥ תִסְעָדֵ֑נִי וְֽעַנְוַתְךָ֥ תַרְבֵּֽנִי׃
KJV: hath holden me up, and thy gentleness hath made me great.
INT: and your right upholds gentleness makes

Psalm 45:4
HEB: דְּבַר־ אֱ֭מֶת וְעַנְוָה־ צֶ֑דֶק וְתוֹרְךָ֖
KJV: of truth and meekness [and] righteousness;
INT: the cause of truth and meekness righteousness teach

2 Occurrences

Strong's Hebrew 6037
2 Occurrences

wə·‘an·wāh- — 1 Occ.
wə·‘an·waṯ·ḵā — 1 Occ.