Lexical Summary Ananyah: Ananiah Original Word: עֲנַנְיָה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Ananiah From anan and Yahh; Jah has covered; Ananjah, the name of an Israelite and of a place in Palestine -- Ananiah. see HEBREW anan see HEBREW Yahh NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom anan Definition an Isr., also a place near Jer. NASB Translation Ananiah (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs עֲנַנְיָה proper name 1. person, masculine. Nehemiah 3:23, Ανανια(ς). 2. location Nehemiah 11:32, Ανανια, Ανια; perhaps modern Beit –anîna, approximately 4 miles north-northwest from Jerusalem, compare BuhlGeogr. 167. ענף (√ of following; meaning unknown; Late Hebrew עָנָף = Biblical Hebrew, ᵑ7 עַנְמָּא (both rare), Syriac Topical Lexicon Name and Meaning עֲנַנְיָה (Ananiah) likely conveys the thought “Yahweh has covered/answered.” The name suggests divine protection or response, concepts that resonate with the cloud imagery of the Exodus and Yahweh’s faithful oversight of His covenant people. Occurrences in Scripture 1. A forefather in the rebuilding generation (Nehemiah 3:23). Historical Setting Both references fall within the ministries of Ezra and Nehemiah (mid-fifth century B.C.), a period marked by the return from Babylonian exile, the re-establishment of worship, and the reconstruction of Jerusalem’s wall. These verses underscore how God preserved both people and place to accomplish His redemptive purposes. The Person Ananiah Nehemiah 3:23 records Ananiah as the grandfather of Azariah, one of the wall builders. His appearance in a genealogical note places him among the faithful families whose descendants actively participated in restoring Jerusalem. By tracing Azariah back to Ananiah, the text highlights legacy: covenant loyalty passing from one generation to the next, culminating in practical service “beside his house.” “Beyond them, Benjamin and Hasshub made repairs opposite their house, and beside them Azariah son of Maaseiah, the son of Ananiah, made repairs beside his house.” (Nehemiah 3:23) The Village Ananiah Nehemiah 11:31-32 lists villages inhabited by returning Benjamites: “Anathoth, Nob, Ananiah”. Situated north-northeast of Jerusalem, the site likely lay along the route between Nob and Hazor. Its inclusion verifies that Benjamin’s inheritance was re-occupied, preserving tribal identity and securing agricultural support for the capital. The settlement’s name reminded inhabitants of Yahweh’s covering presence amid surrounding adversaries. Spiritual Themes 1. Covenant Continuity – A name echoed in both a person and a place testifies that God sustains families and territory alike. Lessons for Today • Cherish godly heritage: Quiet ancestors like Ananiah can influence future builders of the kingdom. Forms and Transliterations עֲנָֽנְיָ֖ה עֲנָֽנְיָֽה׃ ענניה ענניה׃ ‘ă·nā·nə·yāh ‘ănānəyāh ananeYahLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Nehemiah 3:23 HEB: מַעֲשֵׂיָ֛ה בֶּן־ עֲנָֽנְיָ֖ה אֵ֥צֶל בֵּיתֽוֹ׃ NAS: son of Ananiah, carried out repairs KJV: the son of Ananiah by INT: of Maaseiah son of Ananiah beside his house Nehemiah 11:32 2 Occurrences |
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