from the dual of עַיִן; two fountains; Anem, a place in Palestine; Anem.
Transliteration:ʻÂnêm
Pronunciation:aw-name'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma `{{H6046}}` (עָנֵם, ʻÂnêm) is a proper noun, specifically a place name. Its etymology is derived from the dual form of `{{H5869}}` (עַיִן, ayin), which means "eye" or, more commonly in a geographical context, "fountain" or "spring." Therefore, ʻÂnêm literally translates to "two fountains" or "two springs." This name directly reflects a prominent topographical feature of the location, indicating a site blessed with a pair of significant water sources. Its semantic range is exclusively geographical, referring to a specific town in ancient Israel.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name ʻÂnêm appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, consistently referring to the same location:
* [[Joshua 21:29]]: In this passage, ʻÂnêm is listed among the cities allotted to the Kohathite Levites from the tribe of Issachar. The text states: "And from the tribe of Issachar, Kishion with its pasture lands, Daberath with its pasture lands, Jarmuth with its pasture lands, En-gannim with its pasture lands, Hazar-Shual with its pasture lands, and Anem with its pasture lands; four cities." (Note: The specific listing in some translations might vary slightly, but ʻÂnêm is consistently present as a Levitical city).
* [[1 Chronicles 6:73]]: This parallel passage also enumerates the cities given to the Kohathite Levites. It states: "and from the tribe of Issachar: Kedesh with its pasture lands, Daberath with its pasture lands, Ramoth with its pasture lands, and Anem with its pasture lands." (Again, variations in specific city names or order may exist across translations, but ʻÂnêm remains).
Both occurrences place ʻÂnêm within the territory of the tribe of Issachar, designated as one of the cities given to the Levites. This highlights its role as a priestly dwelling place, likely serving as a center for religious instruction and service within its region. The repetition in both Joshua and Chronicles underscores the meticulous record-keeping of the tribal allotments and the establishment of the Levitical cities as part of Israel's divinely ordained structure.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is `{{H5869}}` (עַיִן, ayin), the root from which ʻÂnêm is derived. Ayin broadly means "eye," but in geographical contexts, it frequently denotes a "spring" or "fountain." This is evident in numerous other biblical place names incorporating "En-" (e.g., En-Gedi, "spring of the kid"; En-Roguel, "spring of the fuller"; En-Dor, "spring of habitation"). The dual form in ʻÂnêm (two springs) emphasizes the abundance or significance of these water sources at that particular location.
The concept of "Levitical cities" is also highly relevant. These cities, distributed throughout the territories of the twelve tribes, served as centers for the Levites who had no tribal land inheritance of their own. Their presence ensured that the priestly and teaching functions of the Levites were accessible across Israel, fostering spiritual instruction and the maintenance of Mosaic law. The designation of ʻÂnêm as such a city connects it to the broader divine plan for Israel's spiritual well-being.
### Theological Significance
While ʻÂnêm is primarily a geographical designation, its underlying meaning ("two fountains") carries subtle theological resonance. In the arid landscape of the ancient Near East, water sources were synonymous with life, blessing, and divine provision. The presence of "two fountains" suggests a place of particular blessing and sustenance. Metaphorically, fountains and springs often symbolize God's life-giving presence and the refreshing truth of His word (e.g., [[Jeremiah 2:13]], [[Psalm 36:9]]). As a Levitical city, ʻÂnêm would have been a place where the Law of God was taught and where the Levites ministered, effectively serving as a spiritual "fountain" for the surrounding communities, providing spiritual refreshment and guidance.
Furthermore, the meticulous listing of ʻÂnêm among the Levitical cities in both Joshua and Chronicles testifies to God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises regarding the land distribution and the establishment of a structured society. It underscores the divine order and precision in the organization of Israel, ensuring that every tribe and every Levite had their designated place and purpose within the covenant community.
### Summary
ʻÂnêm (`{{H6046}}`) is a Hebrew place name meaning "two fountains" or "two springs," derived from the dual form of `{{H5869}}` (עַיִן, ayin). It appears twice in the biblical record, in [[Joshua 21:29]] and [[1 Chronicles 6:73]], consistently identified as a city within the territory of Issachar, specifically allotted to the Kohathite Levites. Its name highlights the natural abundance of water at the site. Theologically, ʻÂnêm serves as a testament to God's precise fulfillment of His promises in the land distribution and the establishment of the Levitical cities. As a Levitical center, it would have been a source of spiritual instruction and worship, metaphorically reflecting the life-giving nature of its name, "two fountains."
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