a primitive root (perhaps rather identical with אָנָה through the idea of contraction in anguish); to approach; hence, to meet in various senses; befall, deliver, happen, seek a quarrel.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼânâh**, represented by `{{H579}}`, is a primitive root used to describe how events approach or meet a person. It appears **4 times** across **4 unique verses**, conveying a range of meanings from a chance encounter to a sovereign act, including to **befall**, **deliver**, **happen**, or to **seek a quarrel**.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The uses of `{{H579}}` illustrate a spectrum of causality, from human intent to divine providence. In a negative sense, the king of Israel accuses a rival of using a request for healing as a pretext to **seek a quarrel** [[2 Kings 5:7]]. In a providential sense, the word describes an accidental death where God is said to **deliver** the victim into the offender's hand, establishing a distinction from premeditated murder [[Exodus 21:13]]. The word is also used in promises of divine protection, assuring the righteous that no evil will **happen** to them [[Proverbs 12:21]] and no evil will **befall** those who dwell with God [[Psalms 91:10]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the context in which `{{H579}}` is used:
* `{{H7451}}` **raʻ** (bad or (as noun) evil): This word frequently describes the **adversity**, **mischief**, or **evil** that is prevented from happening to God's people. It is the object that will not **befall** the faithful in [[Psalms 91:10]] and the **mischief** that fills the wicked in [[Proverbs 12:21]].
* `{{H205}}` **ʼâven** (nothingness; also trouble. vanity, wickedness): This term is used for the **evil** or **iniquity** that will not **happen** to the just [[Proverbs 12:21]], highlighting that such trouble is ultimately a form of vanity or nothingness from which the righteous are spared.
* `{{H6658}}` **tsâdâh** (to chase; by implication, to desolate; destroy, hunt, lie in wait): This word is directly contrasted with `{{H579}}` in the law. It describes the intentional act of lying in wait to kill, which is different from a situation where God **delivers** someone into another's hand without premeditation [[Exodus 21:13]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H579}}` lies in its exploration of causality and divine will.
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The word is used to affirm God's ultimate control over life and death. In what may appear to be an accident, scripture states that God **delivers** a person into another's hand, demonstrating His providence over all events [[Exodus 21:13]].
* **Covenantal Protection:** Two of its four occurrences are in the context of God's promise to protect the righteous. It assures the faithful that no **evil** `{{H7451}}` or **iniquity** `{{H205}}` will be allowed to **befall** or **happen** to them, linking righteousness to divine security ([[Psalms 91:10]], [[Proverbs 12:21]]).
* **Intentionality vs. Providence:** The word distinguishes between malicious human intent, such as when one man **seeks a quarrel** with another [[2 Kings 5:7]], and events that occur under God's sovereign arrangement, thereby shaping concepts of justice and refuge.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H579}}` provides a nuanced understanding of events and their origins. While rare, its usage is significant, spanning from hostile human actions to divinely orchestrated encounters. It serves as a key term for understanding the biblical view of providence, contrasting human malice with God's sovereign hand and affirming His protection over the just. The word shows how a single term can encompass both chance happenings and purposeful divine delivery.
TRV