feminine of עָנָו; mildness (royal); also (concretely) oppressed; gentleness, meekness.
Transliteration:ʻanvâh
Pronunciation:an-vaw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term עַנְוָה (ʻanvâh, `{{H6037}}`) is a feminine noun derived from the root עָנָה (anah, `{{H6031}}`), which primarily signifies "to be afflicted," "to be humbled," or "to be bowed down." As an abstract noun, ʻanvâh denotes the quality or state of being עָנָו (anaw, `{{H6035}}`), meaning "humble," "meek," or "afflicted." Its semantic range encompasses "mildness," "gentleness," and "meekness," often carrying the connotation of a virtuous humility rather than mere weakness. The base definition's inclusion of "mildness (royal)" is particularly insightful, suggesting that this quality is not antithetical to strength or authority but can indeed be a characteristic of righteous leadership. Conversely, it can also concretely refer to the state of being "oppressed," highlighting the inherent connection between humility and the experience of affliction or lowliness. This duality underscores a profound biblical paradox: true strength and exaltation often emerge from a posture of humility and dependence on God.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻanvâh appears in several significant contexts within the Hebrew Bible, each shedding light on its rich meaning:
* **[[Psalm 45:4]]**: "In your majesty ride forth victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!" Here, ʻanvâh (translated as "meekness" or "humility") is presented as a kingly virtue, alongside truth and righteousness. It is an attribute of the righteous monarch, suggesting that true royal power is exercised with restraint, justice, and a humble spirit, rather than arbitrary might. This aligns perfectly with the "mildness (royal)" aspect of the definition.
* **[[Psalm 18:35]]**: "You have given me your shield of salvation, and your right hand supported me, and your gentleness made me great." In this psalm of David, ʻanvâh (rendered "gentleness" or "condescension") is attributed to God Himself. It is God's humble, gentle dealing with David that leads to the king's exaltation and victory. This is a profound theological statement: divine power is not expressed solely through overwhelming force but also through a gracious, humble care that elevates the lowly.
* **[[Proverbs 15:33]]**: "The fear of the Lord is instruction in wisdom, and humility comes before honor." Here, ʻanvâh is explicitly linked with wisdom and honor, presented as a prerequisite for true elevation. It is a human virtue cultivated through the fear of the Lord.
* **[[Proverbs 22:4]]**: "The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life." Similar to [[Proverbs 15:33]], this verse reinforces ʻanvâh as a virtue that brings tangible blessings. It is not merely an internal disposition but a path to a flourishing life blessed by God.
* **[[Zephaniah 2:3]]**: "Seek the Lord, all you humble of the land, who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the Lord's wrath." In this prophetic context, ʻanvâh is a characteristic sought by the righteous remnant in a time of impending judgment. Those who are humble and obedient to God's commands are given hope of preservation. This connects to the "oppressed" aspect, as the "humble of the land" (often עָנָו or עָנִי) are those who have been marginalized or afflicted, yet they are the ones who seek God.
Across these occurrences, ʻanvâh consistently denotes a quality that is highly valued, whether in God, in a king, or in a righteous individual. It is often paired with other virtues like truth, righteousness, and the fear of the Lord, indicating its integral role in a life pleasing to God.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ʻanvâh is rich and interconnected:
* **עָנָו (anaw, `{{H6035}}`)**: The masculine adjective from which ʻanvâh is derived, meaning "humble," "meek," or "afflicted." Moses is famously described as עָנָו in [[Numbers 12:3]].
* **עָנִי (ani, `{{H6041}}`)**: Another related adjective, often translated as "poor," "afflicted," or "humble." It shares the core idea of lowliness and dependence.
* **עָנָה (anah, `{{H6031}}`)**: The verbal root, meaning "to be afflicted," "to humble oneself," or "to answer/respond." The active sense of "to humble oneself" is crucial for understanding ʻanvâh as a deliberate posture.
* **עֲנָוָה (anawah, `{{H6038}}`)**: A closely related noun, also meaning "humility" or "meekness," appearing in [[Psalm 149:4]] and [[Proverbs 18:12]].
* **Contrasting Concepts**: ʻanvâh stands in stark contrast to pride (גָּאוֹן, ga'on, `{{H1346}}`), arrogance, and self-sufficiency, which are consistently condemned in Scripture.
* **New Testament Parallels**: The Greek term πραΰτης (prautēs, `{{G4240}}`), often translated as "meekness" or "gentleness," closely aligns with ʻanvâh. Jesus describes Himself as "gentle and humble in heart" ([[Matthew 11:29]]), embodying this very quality. Similarly, ταπεινοφροσύνη (tapeinophrosynē, `{{G5012}}`), "humility of mind," captures the intellectual and volitional aspect of humility.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻanvâh is profound and multifaceted:
1. **Divine Attribute**: The attribution of ʻanvâh to God in [[Psalm 18:35]] is remarkable. It reveals that God's omnipotence is not expressed as raw, unbridled power, but tempered by a divine "gentleness" or "condescension" that interacts graciously with humanity and elevates the humble. This sets a paradigm for all righteous authority.
2. **Messianic Virtue**: As a kingly virtue in [[Psalm 45:4]], ʻanvâh foreshadows the character of the Messiah. The ultimate King, Jesus, did not come in overwhelming military might but in humility, riding on a donkey ([[Zechariah 9:9]]; [[Matthew 21:5]]), and ultimately humbling Himself to death on a cross ([[Philippians 2:8]]). His meekness is a sign of His true kingship.
3. **Path to Exaltation**: The Proverbs clearly articulate that ʻanvâh is not weakness but a prerequisite for wisdom, honor, and life. This reflects the consistent biblical principle that "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" ([[Proverbs 3:34]]; [[James 4:6]]; [[1 Peter 5:5]]). True elevation comes from God, not from human striving or self-assertion.
4. **Characteristic of the Righteous**: In Zephaniah, ʻanvâh is a defining mark of the faithful remnant who seek the Lord amidst judgment. It signifies a humble reliance on God's justice and mercy, rather than trusting in human strength or worldly alliances. This posture leads to divine protection and preservation.
5. **Ethical Imperative**: For believers, ʻanvâh is a vital ethical quality, part of the "fruit of the Spirit" ([[Galatians 5:23]]) and a characteristic of those who walk worthy of their calling ([[Ephesians 4:2]]). It enables harmonious relationships and reflects the character of Christ.
### Summary
ʻanvâh (ʻanvâh, `{{H6037}}`) is a rich Hebrew term signifying humility, meekness, and gentleness. Derived from a root meaning "to be afflicted" or "to be humbled," it captures both a virtuous disposition and, at times, a state of being oppressed. Biblically, ʻanvâh is presented as a profound divine attribute, demonstrating God's gracious power that elevates the lowly. It is a crucial kingly virtue, foreshadowing the humble reign of the Messiah. For humanity, it is a highly valued quality, consistently linked with wisdom, honor, and life, and is a prerequisite for receiving God's favor and protection, especially in times of judgment. Far from being weakness, ʻanvâh embodies a powerful, controlled strength born of trust in God, leading to true exaltation and flourishing.
TRV