Lexical Summary Anayah: Anayah Original Word: עֲנָיָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Anaiah From anah; Jah has answered; Anajah, the name of two Israelites -- Anaiah. see HEBREW anah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition an Isr. NASB Translation Anaiah (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs עֲנָיָה proper name, masculine Nehemiah 8:4; Nehemiah 10:23, Ανανια(ς). עָנָיו see עָנָו below III. ענה. עָנִים. עִנְיָן see [II. ענה]. עָנֵם see עֵין גְּנִּים. Topical Lexicon AnaiahOccurrences in Scripture 1. Nehemiah 8:4 – Named among six men who stood at Ezra’s right hand while the Law was read to the returned exiles. Historical Context Both references fall within the fifth century B.C. restoration period, after Judah’s return from Babylonian captivity. The events are set in Jerusalem during the governorship of Nehemiah and the ministry of Ezra. The fledgling community, vulnerable politically and spiritually, was being re-oriented around worship, Scripture, and covenant fidelity. Role in the Assembly of Nehemiah 8 Standing beside Ezra on the newly built platform, Anaiah visually affirmed the public reading of the Torah. The presence of trusted representatives on either side of the scribe underscored communal agreement with the authority of God’s Word. Their stance modeled Psalm 119:24, “Your testimonies are indeed my delight; they are my counselors”. Anaiah’s support signaled that the Law was not merely Ezra’s personal project but the shared foundation of the nation. Signer of the Covenant in Nehemiah 10 When the people pledged, “We will not neglect the house of our God” (Nehemiah 10:39), Anaiah’s name appeared among those committing to specific reforms—support for temple worship, Sabbath observance, and separation from pagan practices. His inclusion indicates recognized leadership, likely among the Levites or princely families, and a willingness to be publicly accountable. By sealing the document he became, in effect, a guarantor that future generations would “carefully obey all the commands, ordinances, and statutes of the Lord” (Nehemiah 10:29). Ministry Significance 1. Support of Scriptural proclamation – Anaiah’s first appearance highlights the necessity of godly men standing with Bible expositional ministries. Theological Insights • God preserves a remnant of faithful servants in every era. Anaiah’s brief but decisive actions fit the pattern of “hidden” workers who advance redemption history. Lessons for Today • Stand with Scripture – Believers are called to align publicly with the preaching of God’s Word, even when culture drifts. Related Figures Anaiah should not be confused with Ananias of Acts 5 or Acts 9; the former is a Greek rendering of a different Hebrew name. Nor is he to be merged with Ananiah, the Benjaminite town (Nehemiah 11:32). The distinction safeguards precise historical interpretation. Summary Anaiah emerges in Scripture as a post-exilic leader who partnered with Ezra in proclaiming the Law and with Nehemiah in formalizing covenant loyalty. His brief appearances exemplify steadfast support of God’s Word, covenant obedience, and the enduring influence of faithful service within the community of God’s people. Forms and Transliterations וַ֠עֲנָיָה ועניה עֲנָיָֽה׃ עניה׃ ‘ă·nā·yāh ‘ănāyāh anaYah Vaanayah wa‘ănāyāh wa·‘ă·nā·yāhLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Nehemiah 8:4 HEB: מַתִּתְיָ֡ה וְשֶׁ֡מַע וַ֠עֲנָיָה וְאוּרִיָּ֧ה וְחִלְקִיָּ֛ה NAS: Shema, Anaiah, Uriah, KJV: and Shema, and Anaiah, and Urijah, INT: Mattithiah Shema Anaiah Uriah Hilkiah Nehemiah 10:22 2 Occurrences |
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