Lexical Summary Tsaanannim: Tsaanannim Original Word: צַעֲנַנִּים Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Zaannannim, Zaanaim Or (dual) Tsaeanayim {tsah-an-ah'-yim}; plural from tsa'an; removals; Tsaanannim or Tsaanajim, a place in Palestine -- Zaannannim, Zaanaim. {tsah-an-ah'-yim}; plural from tsa'an; removals; Tsaanannim or Tsaanajim, a place in Palestine -- Zaannannim, Zaanaim. X NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom tsaan Definition a place on the border of Naphtali NASB Translation Zaanannim (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs צַעֲנַנִּים proper name, of a location only with בְּ, pointed as preposition, and so most (but ב perhaps radical, see GFM); on border of Naphtali, near Kedesh; — ׳בְּצ Joshua 19:33 (Βεσεμεειν, Σεενανειμ, etc.) + Judges 4:11 Qr (Kt בצענים), ᵐ5 πλεονεκτούντων (√ בָּצַע), ἀναπαυομένων. צעף (√ of following; compare Arabic Topical Lexicon Geographical SettingZaanannim was a landmark on the northern frontier of the tribal inheritance of Naphtali. Both passages that mention the site associate it with a conspicuous oak tree (“the oak in Zaanannim,” Joshua 19:33; Judges 4:11), suggesting a well-known solitary terebinth that served as a natural way-marker in the rugged terrain west of the Sea of Galilee and south of Mount Hermon. The text locates it “near Kedesh,” and the broader context places it on the main route that skirted the Hula Valley, giving access from the interior highlands to the northern coastal plains. Biblical Occurrences 1. Joshua 19:33 establishes Zaanannim as a boundary point in the allotment to Naphtali. The oak stood roughly midway between Heleph and the Jordan, marking the outermost edge of Naphtali’s stewardship. 2. Judges 4:11 records that Heber the Kenite “pitched his tent by the oak of Zaanannim, which is near Kedesh”. This verse sets the stage for the deliverance narrative in which Jael, the wife of Heber, will later strike down Sisera (Judges 4:17-22), fulfilling Deborah’s prophetic word. Historical Context During the settlement period, oaks and terebinths often functioned as unofficial “signposts” for tribal boundaries and gathering spots. Because the oak of Zaanannim lay on a border, it became a natural campsite for pastoralists like the Kenites, who maintained friendly ties with Israel while preserving nomadic freedom. Heber’s decision to separate from the main Kenite group and dwell at Zaanannim placed his household in the direct path of the fleeing Canaanite commander Sisera, thereby turning a quiet border tree into the backdrop for one of Israel’s most decisive deliverances. Theological and Ministry Implications 1. Divine Sovereignty in Geography Scripture shows that even seemingly incidental topographical details fall under God’s governance. The placement of one family’s tent by an oak tree ultimately shapes the outcome of a national crisis. For ministry, Zaanannim reminds believers that ordinary locations can become settings for extraordinary acts when God ordains them. 2. Boundaries and Covenant Responsibility Naphtali’s border at Zaanannim underscores the principle of inheritance: each tribe received land to steward in faithfulness (Joshua 13–21). Ministry leaders may draw from this example the importance of recognizing and guarding the “territory”—whether physical, spiritual, or relational—that God entrusts to His people. 3. Hospitality and Spiritual Warfare Jael’s hospitality at her tent near Zaanannim becomes a strategic weapon against Israel’s oppressor. The account encourages contemporary Christians to view hospitality not merely as kindness but as a potential instrument of spiritual victory (Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 4:9). Lessons for Today • Ordinary landmarks can serve divine purposes when God’s people remain attentive and obedient. Forms and Transliterations בְּצַעֲנַנִּ֗ים בְּצַעֲנַנִּ֖ים בצעננים bə·ṣa·‘ă·nan·nîm bəṣa‘ănannîm betzaananNimLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Joshua 19:33 HEB: מֵחֵ֨לֶף מֵֽאֵל֜וֹן בְּצַעֲנַנִּ֗ים וַאֲדָמִ֥י הַנֶּ֛קֶב NAS: from the oak in Zaanannim and Adami-nekeb KJV: from Allon to Zaanannim, and Adami, INT: Heleph Allon Zaanannim and Adami-nekeb Nekeb Judges 4:11 2 Occurrences |
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III. make double, 
double; Ethiopic 
fold, double, so Aramaic עוּף, 
,
double (for 
= צָעִיף), compare ᵑ7 עֵיפָא for Hebrew צָעִיף (properly a double or folded thing); see especially Lagsem.i.23.f f.).