passive participle from the same as עֵנָב; borne (as fruit); Anub, an Israelite; Anub.
Transliteration:ʻÂnûwb
Pronunciation:aw-noob'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term עָנוּב (ʻÂnûwb), Strong's H6036, is a proper noun, specifically a personal name. Its base definition indicates it is a passive participle derived from the same root as עֵנָב (ʻênâb, `{{H6025}}`), which means "grape" or "grape cluster." Thus, the name עָנוּב carries the semantic sense of "borne (as fruit)," "fruitful," or perhaps "grape-like." This etymological connection immediately associates the name with concepts of productivity, offspring, and the natural abundance of the earth. In ancient Israelite culture, names often held significant meaning, reflecting hopes, circumstances of birth, or even prophetic declarations. The passive voice ("borne") suggests something that is produced or brought forth, implying a state of being fruitful or having been given as fruit.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name עָנוּב (ʻÂnûwb) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in a genealogical context:
* **[[1 Chronicles 4:8]]**: "And Koz begot Anub, and Zobebah, and the families of Aharhel the son of Harum."
In this passage, Anub is listed as one of the sons of Koz, within the extensive genealogies of the tribe of Judah. The book of 1 Chronicles places a high emphasis on lineage and tribal identity, meticulously detailing the descendants of Israel. Within these lists, individual names often serve not merely as identifiers but as carriers of meaning that contribute to the broader narrative of God's covenant with His people and the continuity of His promises. Anub's placement here, though brief, signifies his inclusion within the divinely ordered lineage of Judah, from whom the Messiah would ultimately descend. While no specific actions or narratives are attributed to Anub himself, his presence in this vital genealogical record underscores the meticulous preservation of family lines.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is עֵנָב (ʻênâb, `{{H6025}}`), meaning "grape" or "grape cluster." This connection firmly grounds the name Anub in the imagery of fruitfulness and agricultural bounty, which are rich biblical metaphors for blessing and prosperity.
Other related concepts include:
* **Fruitfulness (פָּרָה, pârâh, `{{H6509}}`):** The concept of bearing fruit is central to God's blessing from creation (e.g., [[Genesis 1:28]]) to the promised land's abundance, and metaphorically, to spiritual productivity (e.g., [[Psalm 1:3]], [[John 15:5]]).
* **Offspring/Seed (זֶרַע, zeraʻ, `{{H2233}}`):** Names like Anub, signifying "borne" or "fruitful," resonate with the biblical emphasis on progeny as a sign of divine favor and the continuation of the covenant.
* **Names as Prophetic/Descriptive:** Throughout the Bible, names often encapsulate a person's character, destiny, or the circumstances of their birth (e.g., Jacob/Israel, Nabal). Anub's name, though not elaborated upon, implicitly carries a positive connotation of fruitfulness.
* **Genealogy:** The context of [[1 Chronicles 4:8]] places Anub within the broader biblical theme of genealogies, which establish identity, inheritance, and the unfolding of God's redemptive plan through specific lineages.
### Theological Significance
While Anub is a minor figure, his name, עָנוּב, carries theological weight through its etymological roots. The meaning "borne (as fruit)" or "fruitful" points to several significant theological themes:
1. **Divine Blessing and Providence:** Fruitfulness, whether of the land, flocks, or human lineage, is consistently presented in Scripture as a sign of God's blessing and favor. Anub's name can be seen as an implicit testament to God's providential care over the families of Israel, ensuring their growth and continuation.
2. **Covenantal Faithfulness:** The genealogies in Chronicles serve to affirm God's faithfulness to His covenant promises, particularly those made to Abraham regarding his numerous descendants. Each name, including Anub, represents a link in the chain of God's unfolding plan.
3. **The Significance of Names:** The practice of naming children with meaningful names reflects a worldview where identity is deeply intertwined with divine purpose and blessing. Anub's name, signifying fruitfulness, could have been a prayer or declaration over his life, echoing the broader biblical emphasis on God's desire for His people to be fruitful in all aspects of life.
4. **Anticipation of Messiah:** As part of the genealogy of Judah, Anub's inclusion, however brief, contributes to the meticulous record leading to the lineage of David and ultimately, the Messiah. The "fruit" of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1) and the "fruit of the womb" (Psalm 127:3) are key messianic and blessing motifs, and Anub's name subtly resonates with this theme of divine generation and produce.
### Summary
The Hebrew name עָנוּב (ʻÂnûwb, `{{H6036}}`) is a proper noun derived from a root meaning "grape" or "fruit," carrying the sense of "borne (as fruit)" or "fruitful." It appears only once in the biblical text, in [[1 Chronicles 4:8]], as a son of Koz within the genealogies of Judah. Despite its singular occurrence and the absence of narrative detail about the individual, the name's etymology is rich with theological significance. It connects to the broader biblical themes of divine blessing, fruitfulness, and the importance of lineage in God's covenant plan. Anub's name subtly affirms God's providential care over the families of Israel and the continuation of His promises through generations, including the ultimate "fruit" of the Messiah.
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