or (by intermixture with עָנִי) עָנָיו; from עָנָה; depressed (figuratively), in mind (gentle) or circumstances (needy, especially saintly); humble, lowly, meek, poor. Compare עָנִי.
Transliteration:ʻânâv
Pronunciation:aw-nawv'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term ʻânâv (`{{H6035}}`) derives from the verbal root ʻânâ (`{{H6031}}`), which fundamentally conveys the idea of being "bowed down," "humbled," or "afflicted." From this root, ʻânâv emerges with a rich semantic range encompassing both an external state and an internal disposition. Primarily, it describes someone who is "depressed" or "lowly," but this lowliness is understood in two significant dimensions:
1. **Circumstantial Lowliness:** This refers to an individual's external condition, often characterized by poverty, affliction, or oppression. In this sense, ʻânâv can mean "needy" or "poor." However, it is crucial to note that this is not merely a description of destitution but often carries a spiritual connotation, referring to those who are poor yet righteous, relying on God rather than worldly power or wealth. This aligns closely with the related term ʻânî (`{{H6041}}`).
2. **Internal Lowliness (Humility/Meekness):** This is the more profound and virtuous aspect. It describes a disposition of mind characterized by gentleness, humility, and meekness. It signifies a person who is not arrogant or self-assertive but rather submissive to God's will and gentle in their dealings with others. This humility is not weakness but a profound strength rooted in dependence upon the Almighty. The definition "especially saintly" underscores this spiritual dimension, indicating that ʻânâv often refers to those who are humble *before God* and therefore righteous.
Thus, ʻânâv encapsulates the idea of someone who is lowly either by circumstances or by choice of character, often both, and who in this lowliness finds a special relationship with God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻânâv (`{{H6035}}`) appears consistently throughout the Old Testament, particularly in the Pentateuch, Psalms, and prophetic books, highlighting its significance.
One of the most prominent occurrences is in [[Numbers 12:3]], where Moses is described as "very ʻânâv (meek), more than all people who were on the face of the earth." This portrayal of Moses as supremely ʻânâv is highly instructive. It does not imply timidity or weakness, but rather a profound humility and submission to God's authority, even in the face of rebellion from his own siblings. Moses's meekness allowed him to be a faithful and obedient servant, uniquely qualified for direct communication with God.
In the Psalms, ʻânâv frequently refers to those who are oppressed or afflicted but who trust in Yahweh. For instance, [[Psalm 22:26]] states, "The ʻânâv (afflicted) shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the Lord." Similarly, [[Psalm 25:9]] declares, "He leads the ʻânâv (humble) in justice, and he teaches the ʻânâv (humble) his way." [[Psalm 37:11]] famously promises, "But the ʻânâv (meek) shall inherit the land and delight themselves in abundant peace." Here, the term often identifies a socio-economic group of the poor and oppressed, but crucially, it also signifies their spiritual posture of humble reliance on God in the face of injustice. Their ʻânâv disposition is what makes them recipients of God's favor and justice.
Prophetic texts also employ ʻânâv to describe the righteous remnant or those whom God will save. [[Isaiah 29:19]] speaks of a time when "the ʻânâv (meek) shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel." [[Zephaniah 2:3]] exhorts, "Seek the Lord, all you ʻânâv (meek) of the earth, who have executed his justice; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the Lord's wrath." These passages underscore that ʻânâv is a divinely favored characteristic, a spiritual virtue that positions individuals to receive God's blessings and salvation.
### Related Words & Concepts
The understanding of ʻânâv (`{{H6035}}`) is significantly enriched by examining its linguistic relatives and conceptual parallels:
* **ʻânâ (`{{H6031}}`):** This is the verbal root from which ʻânâv is derived. ʻânâ means "to be bowed down," "to be afflicted," "to humble oneself," or "to respond." ʻânâv is the one who is in a state of being ʻânâ, whether by external circumstances or by internal choice. The act of humbling oneself (ʻânâ) leads to the state of being ʻânâv.
* **ʻânî (`{{H6041}}`):** This noun is closely related and often used interchangeably or in parallel with ʻânâv. ʻânî primarily denotes someone who is "poor," "afflicted," or "suffering." While ʻânî describes the *condition* of poverty or affliction, ʻânâv often emphasizes the *disposition* that arises from such a condition, particularly a spiritual meekness or humility. The "intermixture" mentioned in the Strong's definition highlights this close semantic overlap, often referring to the same group of people known as the *ʻanawim* (the humble/afflicted ones) who are righteous.
* **ʻanawah (`{{H6038}}`):** This is the feminine noun form, meaning "humility" or "meekness" (e.g., [[Proverbs 15:33]], [[Micah 6:8]]). It represents the abstract quality embodied by the ʻânâv.
In the New Testament, the concept of ʻânâv finds its parallel in the Greek terms πραΰς (prays, `{{G4239}}`), meaning "meek" or "gentle," and πτωχός (ptochos, `{{G4434}}`), meaning "poor," often in a spiritual sense. The Beatitude in [[Matthew 5:5]] ("Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth") is a direct echo of [[Psalm 37:11]], demonstrating the continuity of this virtue into the Christian understanding. Jesus himself declares, "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am πραΰς (meek) and lowly in heart" ([[Matthew 11:29]]), embodying the ultimate ʻânâv.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻânâv (`{{H6035}}`) is profound, touching upon God's character, human virtue, and the nature of salvation.
1. **Divine Favor and Justice:** God consistently demonstrates a special regard for the ʻânâv. He is depicted as hearing their cries ([[Psalm 69:33]]), delivering them ([[Psalm 76:9]]), and bringing them justice ([[Psalm 147:6]]). This indicates that humility and reliance upon God, often cultivated through affliction, are conditions that attract divine blessing and intervention. God's kingdom is one where the humble are exalted and the proud are abased.
2. **A Prerequisite for Wisdom and Guidance:** The ʻânâv are those whom God guides and teaches. [[Psalm 25:9]] explicitly states that God "leads the ʻânâv in justice, and he teaches the ʻânâv his way." This suggests that humility is essential for receiving divine instruction and discerning God's will. An arrogant spirit is closed to God's truth, but the humble heart is receptive.
3. **Messianic Ideal:** The concept of the ʻânâv finds its fullest expression in the person of the Messiah. Prophecies like [[Zechariah 9:9]] ("Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey") portray the Messiah as ʻânâv. Jesus's life, from His humble birth to His sacrificial death, perfectly embodies this meekness and lowliness, contrasting sharply with worldly power and pride. His ʻânâv nature is foundational to His redemptive work, demonstrating that true power is found in humble service and self-sacrifice.
4. **Core Spiritual Virtue:** ʻânâv is presented as a fundamental spiritual virtue for believers. It is not a sign of weakness but of strength derived from absolute dependence on God. It involves a willingness to submit to God's will, to endure affliction with patience, and to treat others with gentleness. This humility is a pathway to righteousness and a necessary disposition for walking in covenant with God.
### Summary
The Hebrew term ʻânâv (`{{H6035}}`) encapsulates a rich and multifaceted concept of lowliness. Deriving from the root ʻânâ (`{{H6031}}`), it describes an individual who is "bowed down" either by external circumstances of poverty and affliction or by an internal disposition of humility and meekness. While often referring to the "poor" or "afflicted" (ʻânî - `{{H6041}}`), ʻânâv particularly emphasizes the spiritual posture of reliance on God that such conditions can cultivate.
Biblical occurrences, from Moses's unparalleled meekness in [[Numbers 12:3]] to the promises for the ʻânâv in the Psalms ([[Psalm 37:11]]) and prophetic books ([[Isaiah 29:19]]), consistently highlight this term as a divinely favored characteristic. The ʻânâv are those whom God hears, guides, and saves, standing in stark contrast to the proud. Theologically, ʻânâv signifies a profound spiritual virtue, a prerequisite for divine wisdom, and a core aspect of God's character as demonstrated in His care for the humble. Ultimately, the concept finds its perfect embodiment in the person of Jesus Christ, the meek and lowly King, making ʻânâv a timeless and essential quality for all who seek to walk with God.
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