Anan
Jump to: Smith'sISBEEaston'sWebster'sConcordanceThesaurusHebrewLibrarySubtopicsTerms
Topical Encyclopedia
Anan is a biblical figure mentioned in the Old Testament, specifically in the post-exilic period of Israel's history. He is listed among the descendants of the people of Israel who returned from the Babylonian exile. Anan's name appears in the context of the covenant renewal led by Nehemiah, a significant event in the restoration of the Jewish community in Jerusalem.

Biblical References:

1. Nehemiah 10:26 : Anan is mentioned as one of the signatories of the covenant in Nehemiah 10. This chapter details the solemn agreement made by the leaders, Levites, and priests to follow the Law of God given through Moses. The covenant was a commitment to live according to God's commandments, separate from the surrounding peoples, and support the temple services. Anan's inclusion in this list indicates his role as a leader or representative of the people during this critical period of reformation and spiritual renewal.

Historical and Cultural Context:

The return from Babylonian exile marked a pivotal moment in Jewish history. Under the leadership of figures like Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah, the Jewish community sought to reestablish their identity and religious practices centered around the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem. The covenant renewal was a public declaration of their dedication to God's laws and a rejection of the idolatrous practices that had led to their exile.

Anan's participation in this covenant signifies his commitment to the spiritual and communal restoration of Israel. The act of signing the covenant was not merely a personal commitment but a public and communal declaration of faithfulness to God. It underscored the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining the purity and distinctiveness of the Jewish faith and community.

Theological Significance:

The mention of Anan in the context of the covenant renewal highlights several theological themes:

· Covenant Faithfulness: Anan's role as a signatory emphasizes the importance of covenant faithfulness in the life of God's people. The covenant was a binding agreement that required adherence to God's commandments and a commitment to live as His chosen people.

· Community and Leadership: Anan's inclusion among the leaders who signed the covenant underscores the role of leadership in guiding and upholding the spiritual and moral standards of the community. It reflects the biblical principle that leaders are called to set an example and lead their people in righteousness.

· Restoration and Renewal: The post-exilic period was a time of restoration and renewal for Israel. Anan's participation in the covenant renewal signifies the hope and determination of the Jewish people to rebuild their lives and their relationship with God after the exile.

In summary, Anan's mention in the book of Nehemiah, though brief, is significant in understanding the collective efforts of the Jewish community to restore their covenant relationship with God during a crucial period in their history. His role as a signatory of the covenant reflects the broader themes of faithfulness, leadership, and communal responsibility in the biblical narrative.
Smith's Bible Dictionary
Anan

(a cloud), one of the "heads of the people" who signed the covenant with Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 10:26) (B.C. 410.)

Easton's Bible Dictionary
Cloud, one of the Israelites who sealed the covenant after the return from Babylon (Nehemiah 10:26).
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
(interj.) An expression equivalent to What did you say? Sir? Eh?
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
ANAN

a'-nan (`anan, "cloud"):

(1) One of those who, with Nehemiah, sealed the covenant (Nehemiah 10:26).

(2) A returned exile (1 Esdras 5:30). He is called Hanan in Ezra 2:46 and Nehemiah 7:49.

Strong's Hebrew
6052. Anan -- an Israelite
... 6051, 6052. Anan. 6053 . an Israelite. Transliteration: Anan Phonetic Spelling:
(aw-nawn') Short Definition: Anan. Word Origin from anan Definition an Isr. ...
/hebrew/6052.htm - 6k

6049. anan -- to practice soothsaying
... 6048, 6049. anan. 6049a . to practice soothsaying. Transliteration: anan Phonetic
Spelling: (aw-nan') Short Definition: bring. ... see HEBREW anan. 6048, 6049 ...
/hebrew/6049.htm - 5k

7487. ra'anan -- to be or grow luxuriant, fresh, or green
ra'anan. 7486, 7487. ra'anan. 7487a . to be or grow luxuriant, fresh,
or green. Transliteration: ra'anan Phonetic Spelling: (rah ...
/hebrew/7487.htm - 5k

6051. anan -- a cloud mass, cloud
... 6050, 6051. anan. 6052 . a cloud mass, cloud. Transliteration: anan Phonetic
Spelling: (aw-nawn') Short Definition: cloud. ... see HEBREW anan. 6050, 6051. ...
/hebrew/6051.htm - 6k

6050. anan -- a cloud
... 6049b, 6050. anan. 6051 . a cloud. Transliteration: anan Phonetic Spelling:
(an-an') Short Definition: clouds. ... cloud. (Aramaic) corresponding to anan -- cloud ...
/hebrew/6050.htm - 6k

6049b. anan -- to bring a cloud
... 6049a, 6049b. anan. 6050 . to bring a cloud. Transliteration: anan Short
Definition: bring. ... 6049a, 6049b. anan. 6050 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/6049b.htm - 5k

596. anan -- to complain, murmur
... 595, 596. anan. 597 . to complain, murmur. Transliteration: anan Phonetic Spelling:
(aw-nan') Short Definition: complain. ... 595, 596. anan. 597 . ...
/hebrew/596.htm - 5k

6049a. anan -- to practice soothsaying
... 6049, 6049a. anan. 6049b . to practice soothsaying. Transliteration: anan Short
Definition: witchcraft. Word Origin a prim. ... 6049, 6049a. anan. 6049b . ...
/hebrew/6049a.htm - 5k

7946. shalanan -- being at ease
... Word Origin the same as shaanan, qv. being at ease For sha'anan; tranquil -- being
at ease. see HEBREW sha'anan. 7945, 7946. shalanan. 7947 . Strong's Numbers
/hebrew/7946.htm - 5k

6799. Tsenan -- a place in the Shephelah of Judah
... Zenan. Probably for Tsa'anan; Tsenan, a place near Palestine -- Zenan. see HEBREW
Tsa'anan. 6798, 6799. Tsenan. 6800 . Strong's Numbers.
/hebrew/6799.htm - 6k

Library

Abgar Sends Princes to Marinus; These Deputies See Our Saviour ...
... Abgar sent to him two of his principal officers, Mar-Ihap prince of Aghtznik, and
Chamchacram chief of the house of the Abahouni, as well as Anan his confidant ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/v abgar sends princes to.htm

Answer to Abgar's Letter, which the Apostle Thomas Wrote to this ...
... I shall go away I will send one of my disciples, who will cure thy diseases, and
give life to thee and to all those who are with thee." Anan, Abgar's courier ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/vii answer to abgars letter.htm

Some Other Memorable Places of the City.
... After which, ascending along the sepulchre of Anan the chief priest, and enclosing
the mountain where Pompey pitched his tents, he bended to the north side ...
/.../lightfoot/from the talmud and hebraica/chapter 35 some other memorable.htm

In Galilee at the Time of Our Lord
... The Rabbis mention Kefar Hananyah, probably the modern Kefr Anan, to the
north-west of Safed, as the first place in Upper Galilee. ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 3 in galilee at.htm

Thesaurus
Anan (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ANAN. a'-nan (`anan, "cloud"): (1) One of those
who, with Nehemiah, sealed the covenant (Nehemiah 10:26). ...Anan (1 Occurrence). ...
/a/anan.htm - 7k

Za'anan (1 Occurrence)
Za'anan. Zaanan, Za'anan. Zaanannim . Multi-Version Concordance
Za'anan (1 Occurrence). Micah 1:11 Pass on, inhabitant ...
/z/za'anan.htm - 6k

Za-anan'nim (2 Occurrences)
Za-anan'nim. Zaanannim, Za-anan'nim. Zaavan . Multi-Version
Concordance Za-anan'nim (2 Occurrences). Joshua 19:33 And ...
/z/za-anan'nim.htm - 7k

Zaanan (1 Occurrence)
... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. ZAANAN. za'-a-nan (tsa`anan; Sennaar):
A place named by Micah in the Shephelah of Judah (1:11). ...
/z/zaanan.htm - 7k

Zaanannim (2 Occurrences)

/z/zaanannim.htm - 8k

Flourish (26 Occurrences)
... 7:12; the Revised Version (British and American) "budded"); of tsuts "to bloom"
(Psalm 72:16, 90:6; Psalm 92:7; Psalm 103:15; 132:18); ra`anan, "green," "fresh ...
/f/flourish.htm - 18k

Ease (46 Occurrences)
... ez (sha'anan, shal'anan, chiefly, "at ease"): Used 19 times in the Old Testament
and once in the New Testament, most frequently meaning tranquillity, security ...
/e/ease.htm - 23k

Zebulun (46 Occurrences)
... Northwest. The line ran northward from Mt. Tabor, keeping on the heights
West of the Sea of Galilee, on to Kerr `Anan (Hannathon). It ...
/z/zebulun.htm - 29k

Zaavan (2 Occurrences)

/z/zaavan.htm - 7k

Resources
Anan: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Anammelech: An Assyrian Idol
Top of Page
Top of Page