### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻânôg**, represented by `{{H6028}}`, means **luxurious** or **delicate**. It is derived from the root `{{H6026}}` **ʻânag**, which means to be soft or pliable. Appearing just **3 times** in **3 unique verses**, its usage is specific, often describing a state of refined comfort that is vulnerable to reversal.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In its biblical appearances, `{{H6028}}` consistently describes a state of refined living that is subject to judgment or collapse. In [[Isaiah 47:1]], the personified city of Babylon, once powerful and comfortable, is told it will no longer be called "tender and **delicate**" as it is brought down from its throne. Similarly, in Deuteronomy, the word is used to describe the consequences of disobedience. Both the "very **delicate**" man [[Deuteronomy 28:54]] and the "**delicate** woman" [[Deuteronomy 28:56]] are portrayed as turning against their own families in times of severe hardship, their pampered nature giving way to cruelty.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words help clarify the meaning of a pampered or luxurious state:
* `{{H7390}}` **rak** (tender): This word is used alongside `{{H6028}}` in all three of its occurrences, signifying a state of softness or weakness. Babylon is described as "tender and **delicate**" before its fall [[Isaiah 47:1]].
* `{{H6026}}` **ʻânag** (to be soft, delight): As the root of `{{H6028}}`, this verb describes the action or state of being luxurious. It is used in [[Deuteronomy 28:56]] to explain why the delicate woman would not set her foot on the ground, because of her "delicateness".
* `{{H3415}}` **yâraʻ** (to be broken up, fear, be grevious): This word describes the outcome for the delicate person under duress. In the curses of Deuteronomy, both the delicate man's and woman's eye "shall be evil" toward their family, showing a turn from luxury to cruelty ([[Deuteronomy 28:54]], [[Deuteronomy 28:56]]).
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H6028}}` is found in its cautionary tone against a certain way of life.
* **The Peril of Luxury:** The word `{{H6028}}` is used to illustrate the dangers of a life of ease that is not tempered by spiritual fortitude. It describes a condition that is unprepared for hardship.
* **Judgment on Pride:** The term is used in the context of judgment against the proud nation of Babylon. Its status as "tender and **delicate**" is stripped away as it is brought down to sit in the dust, no longer on a throne [[Isaiah 47:1]].
* **Character Under Duress:** In Deuteronomy, the "delicate" man and woman serve as a warning. Their pampered lifestyle leads to a shocking lack of compassion when tested, as they turn against their own brother, wife, and children ([[Deuteronomy 28:54]], [[Deuteronomy 28:56]]).
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6028}}` **ʻânôg** defines a state of luxury and delicacy. Though rare, its three appearances in Scripture are impactful, consistently portraying this condition in a negative light. The word is not used to describe a blessing, but rather a vulnerability—a softness that leads to pride that will be humbled [[Isaiah 47:1]] or a weakness that results in cruelty when faced with hardship ([[Deuteronomy 28:54]], [[Deuteronomy 28:56]]). It serves as a biblical caution about the spiritual perils of an overly pampered life.
TRV