from the same as עֵנָב; fruit; Anab, a place in Palestine; Anab.
Transliteration:ʻĂnâb
Pronunciation:an-awb'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma עֲנָב (ʻĂnâb, `{{H6024}}`) functions primarily as a proper noun, designating a specific geographical location in ancient Palestine. Its etymological root, however, is significant. It is derived from עֵנָב (ʻênâb, `{{H6025}}`), which means "grape" or "fruit of the vine." Thus, while ʻĂnâb itself refers to the place Anab, its underlying semantic range carries the connotation of fruitfulness, viticulture, or produce, linking the place name to the concept of agricultural bounty.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The word ʻĂnâb (`{{H6024}}`) appears twice in the Masoretic Text, both instances within the book of Joshua:
* **[[Joshua 11:21]]**: "And at that time Joshua came and cut off the Anakim from the hill country, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, from all the hill country of Judah, and from all the hill country of Israel. Joshua devoted them to destruction with their cities."
In this verse, Anab is identified as one of the key strongholds of the Anakim, a formidable race of giants, in the hill country. Its inclusion in this list highlights its strategic importance and the severity of the threat it posed to the Israelite conquest. Joshua's successful campaign against Anab, alongside other Anakim strongholds, underscores the fulfillment of God's promise to give the land to Israel and to empower them against their enemies.
* **[[Joshua 15:50]]**: "Anab, Eshtemoh, Anim,"
Here, Anab is listed among the cities allocated to the tribe of Judah as part of their inheritance in the Promised Land. This placement within the tribal allotment lists confirms its geographical location within the southern hill country of Judah. The inclusion of Anab, a former Anakim stronghold, within Judah's territory signifies the complete subjugation of the land and its integration into the twelve tribes' inheritance.
In both contexts, Anab is a testament to the historical reality of the conquest and the subsequent settlement of the land of Canaan by the Israelites under divine guidance.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most direct linguistic relation to ʻĂnâb (`{{H6024}}`) is its root word, עֵנָב (ʻênâb, `{{H6025}}`), meaning "grape." This connection suggests a potential association with the fertility of the land or the produce of the region where Anab was located.
Conceptually, ʻĂnâb is strongly linked to:
* **Conquest and Inheritance**: Its mention in the context of the Anakim's defeat and its subsequent inclusion in Judah's inheritance (e.g., [[Numbers 13:28]], [[Deuteronomy 9:2]]) connects it to the overarching theme of God fulfilling His covenant promises to Israel.
* **The Anakim**: The inhabitants of Anab, the Anakim (`{{H6061}}`), represent the formidable obstacles faced by Israel, whose defeat signifies God's power and faithfulness in delivering His people.
* **The Promised Land**: Anab is an integral part of the geographical description of the land God promised to Abraham's descendants (e.g., [[Genesis 12:7]]).
* **Divine Empowerment**: The ability of Joshua and the Israelites to conquer such a stronghold, despite the presence of giants, speaks to the divine assistance provided for the fulfillment of God's will.
Other related terms might include general words for "fruit" (פְּרִי, pᵉrî, `{{H6529}}`) or "vine" (גֶּפֶן, gephen, `{{H1612}}`), reinforcing the etymological link.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of Anab, though a place name, is profound, particularly when considering its etymological root and its biblical context. The name's connection to "grape" or "fruit" may subtly allude to the inherent fruitfulness and bounty of the Promised Land, even in areas that were initially occupied by formidable adversaries. God promised a land "flowing with milk and honey" (e.g., [[Exodus 3:8]]), and the very names of its locations could reflect this divine provision.
More overtly, the conquest of Anab by Joshua ([[Joshua 11:21]]) serves as a powerful testament to God's faithfulness and omnipotence. The Anakim, described as giants, represented an insurmountable human obstacle (e.g., [[Numbers 13:33]]). Yet, their defeat at Anab and other strongholds demonstrates that no enemy, however mighty, can stand against the Lord and His people when they act in obedience to His command. This narrative reinforces the theological truth that victory is ultimately from the Lord (e.g., [[Psalm 20:7]]).
Furthermore, Anab's inclusion in the territory of Judah ([[Joshua 15:50]]) aligns it with the lineage through which the Messiah would ultimately come. This detail, though seemingly minor, integrates Anab into the broader redemptive history, underscoring God's meticulous plan for the land and its people, culminating in the advent of Christ. The cleansing of the land from the Anakim can be seen as a shadow of the spiritual cleansing and victory over spiritual giants that Christ accomplishes.
### Summary
עֲנָב (ʻĂnâb, `{{H6024}}`) is a Hebrew proper noun referring to a city in the hill country of Judah. Its etymological root in עֵנָב (ʻênâb, `{{H6025}}`), meaning "grape," subtly connects it to the theme of fruitfulness within the Promised Land. Biblically, Anab is significant for two primary reasons: it was a stronghold of the formidable Anakim, conquered by Joshua as part of Israel's divinely assisted conquest ([[Joshua 11:21]]), and it was subsequently allotted to the tribe of Judah ([[Joshua 15:50]]). Theologically, Anab stands as a powerful symbol of God's faithfulness in fulfilling His covenant promises, His omnipotence in overcoming seemingly insurmountable obstacles (the Anakim), and His meticulous ordering of the land's inheritance, all pointing to His sovereign plan for His people and the ultimate redemption through the lineage of Judah.
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