### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʼânan**, represented by `{{H596}}`, is a primitive root meaning **to mourn, i.e. complain**. Despite appearing only **2 times** in **2 unique verses**, its usage carries significant weight, describing a form of complaint that provokes a divine response.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H596}}` is used to describe a specific kind of negative utterance. In Numbers, when the people `{{H5971}}` **complained** `{{H596}}`, it displeased `{{H7451}}` the LORD `{{H3068}}`, and His anger `{{H639}}` was kindled `{{H2734}}`, resulting in a destructive fire `{{H784}}` at the edges of the camp `{{H4264}}` [[Numbers 11:1]]. In Lamentations, the term is used in a rhetorical question: "Wherefore doth a living `{{H2416}}` man `{{H120}}` **complain** `{{H596}}`, a man `{{H1397}}` for the punishment of his sins `{{H2399}}`?" [[Lamentations 3:39]]. This connects the act of complaining directly to the just consequences of sin.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words clarify the context and consequences of complaining:
* `{{H7451}}` **raʻ** (bad or (as noun) evil): This word describes the nature of the people's complaint in God's ears, as something that was **evil** or that **displeased** him, leading to judgment [[Numbers 11:1]].
* `{{H2734}}` **chârâh** (to blaze up, of anger): This term illustrates the direct emotional response of the LORD to the complaint. His anger was **kindled** or blazed up as a result of what He heard [[Numbers 11:1]].
* `{{H2399}}` **chêṭᵉʼ** (a crime or its penalty; sin): This connects complaining to its moral context. The question in Lamentations suggests that complaining is inappropriate for one who is facing the just penalty for their **sin** [[Lamentations 3:39]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H596}}` centers on the appropriate response to hardship and divine judgment.
* **Divine Displeasure:** Complaining is not presented as neutral but as an act that displeases `{{H7451}}` the LORD `{{H3068}}`. The incident in the camp `{{H4264}}` shows that such expressions can provoke divine anger `{{H639}}` and swift retribution [[Numbers 11:1]].
* **Complaint vs. Repentance:** The question in [[Lamentations 3:39]] frames complaining `{{H596}}` as an illegitimate response to suffering for sin `{{H2399}}`. It implies that introspection and acceptance of judgment, rather than complaining, are the proper postures for a person under punishment.
* **God's Attentiveness:** The narrative explicitly states that "the LORD heard it" `{{H8085}}` [[Numbers 11:1]]. This underscores that God is attentive to the words of His people `{{H5971}}`, and that murmuring and complaining are heard just as clearly as prayers of faith, though they elicit a very different response.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H596}}` **ʼânan** defines a specific type of complaint that is viewed as offensive to God. Though used rarely, its appearances in scripture are powerful, linking it directly to divine anger, judgment by fire `{{H784}}`, and the consequences of sin `{{H2399}}`. It serves as a stark warning about the posture of the heart when facing hardship, contrasting a murmuring spirit with one of humble acceptance or faithful petition.
TRV