Lexical Summary Anem: Anem Original Word: עָנֵם Strong's Exhaustive Concordance two fountains; Anem, a place in Palestine From the dual of ayin; two fountains; Anem, a place in Palestine: Anem. see HEBREW ayin NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition a city of Issachar, perhaps the same as NH5873 NASB Translation Anem (1). Topical Lexicon Biblical Occurrence and Context Anem is mentioned one time in the Old Testament, in a catalog of Levitical towns: “Ramoth in Issachar, and Anem with its pasturelands” (1 Chronicles 6:73). The verse appears in the Chronicler’s rehearsal of the priestly and Levitical genealogy, emphasizing God’s provision for the servants of the tabernacle. Levitical Allocation Anem belonged to the Gershonite clan of the Levites (1 Chronicles 6:62, 71-73). Numbers 35:1-8 required every tribe to set aside towns for the Levites so “that they may live in the towns and have pasturelands around them” (Numbers 35:3). By receiving a town within Issachar’s inheritance, the Gershonites became a continual spiritual presence among the northern tribes, ensuring that the worship of the LORD was not centralized only in the south but diffused throughout Israel. Anem’s inclusion in this system testifies to the covenant principle that the entire nation was responsible to support those who ministered on its behalf (Deuteronomy 18:1-8). Geographical Considerations The precise location of Anem is uncertain. Many scholars associate it with En-gannim (“spring of gardens,” modern Jenin) listed in Joshua 19:21 and Joshua 21:29. The consonantal similarity between עָנֵם (Anem) and עֵין גַּנִּים (En-gannim) suggests either a scribal variation or two closely related sites in the fertile Jezreel Valley. If the identification with Jenin is correct, Anem lay on a strategic route linking the Jordan Valley with the coastal plain, giving Levites influence in a commercial and military corridor. Theological and Ministry Implications 1. Divine Provision: By distributing Levitical towns, the LORD demonstrated that those who devoted themselves exclusively to His service would not lack (Psalm 37:25). Connections with Other Scriptural Themes • Pasturelands (migraʿ): The recurring note that Anem possessed “pasturelands” links it with the picture of the LORD as Shepherd (Psalm 23:1-2) and underscores the need for physical sustenance alongside spiritual ministry. Archaeological and Historical Insights The Jezreel Valley is rich in springs, fertile soil, and trade routes—qualities illumining why a “spring-town” such as Anem (if equated with En-gannim) would be valuable real estate. While no excavation has definitively identified Anem, pottery and architectural remains from Iron Age II at nearby Tel Jenin confirm sustained occupation in the period of the united and divided monarchies, consistent with a Levitical presence maintaining continuity amid the shifting political landscape. Application for the Contemporary Church • Support for Ministers: Anem reminds congregations that material provision enables spiritual labor (1 Corinthians 9:11-14). Anem thus stands as a quiet yet instructive testimony to God’s careful ordering of His people, His sustaining grace toward those who serve Him, and His desire for every corner of the land—and every sphere of society—to be touched by faithful instruction in His Word. Forms and Transliterations עָנֵ֖ם ענם ‘ā·nêm ‘ānêm aNemLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Chronicles 6:73 HEB: מִגְרָשֶׁ֔יהָ וְאֶת־ עָנֵ֖ם וְאֶת־ מִגְרָשֶֽׁיהָ׃ NAS: lands, Anem with its pasture lands; KJV: with her suburbs, and Anem with her suburbs: INT: and Ramoth pasture Anem lands |
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