Lexical Summary Aner: Aner Original Word: עָנֵר Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Aner Probably for na'ar; Aner, a Amorite, also a place in Palestine -- Aner. see HEBREW na'ar NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originof uncertain derivation Definition an ally of Abram, also a place in Manasseh NASB Translation Aner (3). Brown-Driver-Briggs עָנֵר proper name 1 apparently masculine ally of Abram Genesis 14:13,24, Αυναν; compare אֶשְׁכּוֺל, מַמְרֵא. 2. location in Manasseh 1 Chronicles 6:55 Αμαρ, ᵐ5L Ανηρ. ענשׁ (√ of following; meaning dubious; compare (as denominative) Phoenician Niph`al [ש]נענ be fined CISi. 165, 20, Palmyrene ענושותא treasurership; see also Late Hebrew עוֺנֶשׁ punishment, עָנַשׁ punish (in General)). Topical Lexicon Identity and OccurrencesAner appears in two distinct settings: 1. As an Amorite chief who allies himself with Abram in Genesis 14. Aner the Ally of Abram In the narrative of Genesis 14, Abram pursues the coalition of kings who have captured Lot. Scripture records, “One who had escaped came and reported this to Abram the Hebrew. Now Abram was living near the oaks of Mamre the Amorite, a brother of Eshcol and Aner. These were allies of Abram” (Genesis 14:13). Key observations: Historical and Cultural Background Amorites were among the major peoples of the land during the patriarchal period. Their presence in Hebron (Mamre) testifies to a mixed population in which Abram sojourned as a pilgrim. Alliances for mutual protection were common, and Abram’s covenantal faith does not preclude prudent cooperation with those outside his lineage. The Levitical Town Named Aner Centuries later, the name resurfaces in tribal allotments: “From the half-tribe of Manasseh they gave Aner with its pasturelands” (1 Chronicles 6:70). Here Aner designates a town assigned to the descendants of Kohath, one of the three principal Levitical lines. The Levitical designation establishes three enduring themes: 1. Worship Center: Even small towns were set apart for priestly ministry, underscoring the pervasiveness of Israel’s sacrificial system. Theological Significance 1. Early Hint of Gentile Inclusion – Aner the Amorite stands as a living witness that God’s redemptive plan already featured righteous Gentiles who would stand with His covenant people. Lessons for Believers • Alliances should never compromise covenantal faith but can serve God’s purposes when governed by righteousness. Possible Location and Archaeological Note While definitive identification of the Levitical town is uncertain, most scholars equate it with Taanach, strategically located near Megiddo. Excavations reveal Late Bronze and Iron Age occupation, corroborating a settlement occupied during the Levitical period. This geographical setting bolsters the narrative credibility of the Chronicler’s list. Cross-References Genesis 12; Genesis 14; Joshua 21:25; 1 Chronicles 6:70; Acts 1:8; Galatians 3:8. Forms and Transliterations עָנֵ֔ר עָנֵר֙ ענר ‘ā·nêr ‘ānêr aNerLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 14:13 HEB: אֶשְׁכֹּל֙ וַאֲחִ֣י עָנֵ֔ר וְהֵ֖ם בַּעֲלֵ֥י NAS: and brother of Aner, and these KJV: and brother of Aner: and these [were] confederate INT: of Eshcol and brother of Aner and these archer Genesis 14:24 1 Chronicles 6:70 3 Occurrences |
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