עָנַג

ʻânag /aw-nag'/ Ask about this word
Roota primitive root
Meaningto be soft or pliable, i.e. (figuratively) effeminate or luxurious
KJV usagedelicate(-ness), (have) delight (self), sport self.
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Core Meaning & Semantic Range

The Hebrew word ʻânag, represented by H6026, describes a state of being soft, pliable, or luxurious. Appearing 10 times in 10 unique verses, it figuratively expresses concepts of delicate living, personal delight, and even sporting oneself. Its meaning ranges from a tender, physical delicateness to a deep, spiritual pleasure.

Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis

In the biblical narrative, H6026 is used to convey a profound sense of satisfaction and joy, often in relation to God. Believers are called to delight themselves in the LORD H3068, with the promise that He will grant the desires of their heart Psalms 37:4. This act of delighting in the Almighty H7706 is presented as a mark of a righteous person Job 22:26, in contrast to the wicked who will not consistently call upon God Job 27:10. The word also describes the physical state of being delicate, as with the "tender and delicate" woman Deuteronomy 28:56 or the "comely and delicate" daughter of Zion Jeremiah 6:2. In a negative context, it is used for those who sport themselves in mockery Isaiah 57:4.

Related Words & Concepts

Several related words help to clarify the meaning of H6026:

  • H6028 ʻânôg (delicate): This adjectival form comes from the same root and is used alongside H6026 to emphasize a state of luxury and tenderness, as seen in the description of a woman who has never had to set her foot upon the ground Deuteronomy 28:56.
  • H1880 deshen (fatness): This term represents the source of satisfaction. In Isaiah 55:2, the soul is invited to delight itself in "fatness," signifying the rich spiritual abundance provided by God, as opposed to laboring for things that do not satisfy.
  • H6035 ʻânâv (meek): This word identifies those who will experience true delight. The Bible states that the meek will inherit the earth and delight themselves in the abundance of peace Psalms 37:11.
  • H7706 Shadday (Almighty): This name for God is the object of delight in the book of Job. One can have thy delight in the Almighty Job 22:26, a question posed to challenge the integrity of the wicked Job 27:10.

Theological Significance

The theological weight of H6026 is significant, highlighting the nature of a true relationship with God.

  • Conditional Blessing: The act of delighting in God is directly linked to receiving divine favor and promises. When one delights in the LORD, He gives the desires of the heart Psalms 37:4 and causes them to "ride upon the high places of the earth" Isaiah 58:14.
  • Spiritual Satisfaction: Isaiah contrasts spending labor H3018 for bread H3899 that does not satisfy with hearkening to God and allowing one's soul H5315 to delight itself in fatness H1880, establishing a principle that true fulfillment is found in God alone.
  • The Object of Delight: The focus is consistently placed on God as the proper source of all delight, whether referred to as the LORD H3068 or the Almighty H7706. This frames delight as an act of worship and trust.
  • Future Restoration: The term is connected to the future hope of God's people. The meek will delight in abundant peace upon inheriting the earth Psalms 37:11, and the children of Zion will be delighted with the abundance of her glory Isaiah 66:11.

Summary

In summary, H6026 is a rich term that moves beyond simple happiness. It encompasses both a physical state of softness and luxury and a profound spiritual state of finding ultimate pleasure and satisfaction in the LORD. It teaches that true delight is not found in worldly pursuits but is a gift experienced by the meek and humble who direct their hearts toward the Almighty, leading to divine blessing and eternal peace.

Grammatical Forms

In the Hebrew Old Testament, this word appears as a verb across 10 occurrences, inflected in 9 grammatical forms.

  • Hithpael Imperfect 2nd Singular Masculine 2×
  • Hithpael Conjunction+Imperfect 3rd Singular Feminine 1×
  • Hithpael Consecutive Perfect 2nd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Hithpael Consecutive Perfect 3rd Plural common gender 1×
  • Hithpael Imperative 2nd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Hithpael Imperfect 2nd Plural Masculine 1×
  • Hithpael Imperfect 3rd Singular Masculine 1×
  • Hithpael Infinitive Construct 1×
  • Pual Participle Passive Singular Feminine Absolute 1×
Singular
One.
Plural
More than one.
Masculine
Masculine grammatical gender.
Feminine
Feminine grammatical gender.
common gender
Either gender — the form does not distinguish.
2nd
Second person — the one addressed ("you").
3rd
Third person — the one spoken about ("he"/"they").
Imperfect
Ongoing or repeated action in the past — "was doing".
Perfect
A completed act whose results continue.
Passive
The subject is acted upon.
Imperative
A command or entreaty.
Infinitive
The verb as a noun — "to do".
Participle
A verbal adjective — describes while carrying the verb's action.
Pual
The passive of the intensive (Piel) stem.
Hithpael
Reflexive-intensive — the subject acts upon itself.
Consecutive Perfect
Perfect with vav — continues a sequence into the future.
Conjunction+Imperfect
Imperfect joined by a simple "and".
Absolute
The independent form of a noun (not bound to another).
Construct
Bound to a following noun — "the X of…".

Theographic Context

Biblical Distribution

Appears in 10 verses across 5 books. Most frequent in Isaiah (4 verses).

1
Deuteronomy
2
Job
2
Psalms
4
Isaiah
1
Jeremiah

Verse Explorer

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