from עָנָו; condescension, human and subjective (modesty), or divine and objective (clemency); gentleness, humility, meekness.
Transliteration:ʻănâvâh
Pronunciation:an-aw-vaw'
Detailed Word Study
AI-Generated
Loading Study...
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term עֲנָוָה (ʻănâvâh), Strong's H6038, derives from the root עָנָו (ʻānāv), which typically denotes a state of being "lowly," "humble," "poor," or "afflicted." Consequently, ʻănâvâh itself primarily signifies "humility," "meekness," and "gentleness." It describes a disposition of spirit characterized by an absence of arrogance, a recognition of one's proper place before God and others, and a willingness to submit or yield. The extended definition provided also introduces the nuance of "condescension," which can be understood in two ways: human and subjective (modesty), reflecting a humble self-assessment, or divine and objective (clemency), implying God's gracious lowering of Himself to interact with humanity or to show mercy. This latter aspect is particularly profound, suggesting that the highest form of humility mirrors a divine attribute.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The term ʻănâvâh appears in several significant passages, primarily within the wisdom literature and prophetic books, consistently highlighting its importance as a virtue:
* **Proverbs 15:33**: "The fear of the LORD is instruction in wisdom, and before honor is humility [[H6038]]." Here, ʻănâvâh is presented as a prerequisite for honor and is intrinsically linked with the fear of the Lord and the acquisition of wisdom. It suggests that true elevation comes not from self-assertion but from a humble posture.
* **Proverbs 18:12**: "Before destruction a man's heart is haughty, but before honor is humility [[H6038]]." This verse strongly contrasts ʻănâvâh with haughtiness, reiterating the principle that humility precedes honor, while pride leads to downfall.
* **Proverbs 22:4**: "The reward for humility [[H6038]] and fear of the LORD is riches and honor and life." This passage explicitly states the tangible blessings associated with ʻănâvâh when combined with reverence for God, underscoring its value in God's economy.
* **Zephaniah 2:3**: "Seek the LORD, all you humble [[H6039]] of the land, who do his just commands; seek righteousness; seek humility [[H6038]]; perhaps you may be hidden on the day of the LORD's wrath." In this prophetic context, ʻănâvâh is something to be actively sought, a virtue that aligns one with God's will and potentially offers protection during times of divine judgment. The connection to H6039 (the adjectival form of the root) reinforces the idea of seeking the very character of humility.
* **Micah 6:8**: "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly [[H6038]] with your God?" This iconic verse places ʻănâvâh as one of the three core requirements for a righteous life before God, alongside justice and kindness. It highlights the relational and practical dimension of humility, emphasizing a humble walk with God.
* **Psalm 45:4**: "In your majesty ride out victoriously for the cause of truth and meekness [[H6038]] and righteousness; let your right hand teach you awesome deeds!" In this royal psalm, ʻănâvâh is attributed to the king/messiah, suggesting that even in majesty and power, a true ruler embodies gentleness and humility alongside truth and righteousness.
Across these contexts, ʻănâvâh is consistently portrayed as a highly valued spiritual and ethical quality, essential for a right relationship with God and a life that attracts divine favor.
### Related Words & Concepts
The semantic field of ʻănâvâh is rich and interconnected with several other significant biblical concepts:
* **עָנָו (ʻānāv) `{{H6035}}` and עָנִי (ʻāniy) `{{H6041}}`**: These are the foundational terms, meaning "humble," "poor," or "afflicted." They often describe those who are socially or economically disadvantaged, but whose humility and dependence on God make them objects of His special care. ʻănâvâh is the abstract noun derived from this root, signifying the quality itself.
* **עָנָה (ʻānâh) `{{H6031}}`**: The verbal root meaning "to be bowed down," "to be afflicted," or "to humble oneself." This verb emphasizes the action or state of being humbled, whether by circumstances or by intentional self-abasement before God.
* **Pride/Haughtiness (e.g., גָּאוֹן ga'on `{{H1346}}`, גָּבַהּ gavah `{{H1361}}`)**: ʻănâvâh stands in direct antithesis to these concepts. Biblical wisdom literature frequently contrasts the destructive path of pride with the life-giving path of humility.
* **Fear of the LORD (יִרְאַת יְהוָה yir'at Yahweh `{{H3374}}`)**: As seen in Proverbs, ʻănâvâh is often coupled with the fear of the Lord. This reverence for God is the wellspring of true humility, as it places human existence in its proper, subordinate position before the Almighty.
* **Righteousness (צֶדֶק tsedeq `{{H6664}}`) and Justice (מִשְׁפָּט mishpat `{{H4941}}`)**: Micah 6:8 and Zephaniah 2:3 demonstrate that ʻănâvâh is not merely an internal disposition but is inextricably linked to ethical conduct, social justice, and actively seeking God's righteous standards.
* **New Testament Parallels**: In the Greek New Testament, similar concepts are conveyed by terms such as πραΰτης (prautēs) `{{G4240}}`, referring to meekness or gentleness, often associated with strength under control (e.g., [[Matthew 11:29]], where Jesus describes himself as "meek and lowly in heart"), and ταπεινοφροσύνη (tapeinophrosynē) `{{G5012}}`, meaning humility of mind or lowliness (e.g., [[Philippians 2:3]], [[Colossians 3:12]]). These Greek terms underscore the continuity of this virtue in God's redemptive plan.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻănâvâh is profound and multifaceted:
* **Divine Requirement and Character**: ʻănâvâh is presented as a fundamental expectation from God for His people ([[Micah 6:8]]). It reflects a proper understanding of one's creaturely status before the sovereign Creator. The concept of divine "condescension" inherent in the broader definition of ʻănâvâh suggests that humility, in its most perfect form, is an attribute of God Himself—His willingness to humble Himself for the sake of His creation, culminating in the incarnation of Christ.
* **Pathway to Blessing and Honor**: Throughout the Old Testament, humility is consistently linked with divine favor, honor, wisdom, and life ([[Proverbs 15:33]], [[Proverbs 22:4]]). It is the antithesis of pride, which invariably leads to downfall and destruction. God exalts the humble and resists the proud.
* **Protection and Deliverance**: In times of impending judgment, seeking ʻănâvâh is presented as a means of seeking divine protection and deliverance ([[Zephaniah 2:3]]). This highlights God's special regard for those who humble themselves before Him, demonstrating His covenant faithfulness to the meek.
* **Foundation for Righteous Living**: ʻănâvâh is not merely a passive state but an active posture that undergirds ethical conduct. Walking humbly with God entails doing justice and loving kindness ([[Micah 6:8]]), demonstrating that true spirituality is expressed through both internal disposition and outward action.
* **Messianic Trait**: The application of ʻănâvâh to the king/messiah in Psalm 45 foreshadows the character of Jesus Christ, who, though divine, exemplified perfect humility and meekness, serving rather than being served ([[Matthew 20:28]]).
### Summary
ʻănâvâh (H6038) is a pivotal Hebrew term denoting humility, meekness, and gentleness, rooted in the concept of lowliness and dependence. It encapsulates a spiritual disposition that acknowledges one's place before God and eschews arrogance. Biblically, ʻănâvâh is consistently portrayed as a divine requirement and a prerequisite for honor, wisdom, and life, standing in stark contrast to destructive pride. It is deeply intertwined with the fear of the Lord, righteousness, and justice, underscoring its role in both personal piety and ethical conduct. Moreover, the nuanced understanding of ʻănâvâh as divine "condescension" suggests that this virtue, in its most profound sense, reflects an attribute of God Himself. Seeking ʻănâvâh is therefore a pursuit of a right standing with God, promising divine favor, protection, and a life aligned with His will.
TRV