(Aramaic) corresponding to עָנָן; {a cloud (as covering the sky), i.e. the nimbus or thunder-cloud}; cloud.
Transliteration:ʻănan
Pronunciation:an-an'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Aramaic term `{{H6050}}` (ʻănan) denotes "cloud." It is the direct Aramaic equivalent of the Hebrew `{{H6051}}` (ʻānān), sharing the same fundamental semantic range. The base definition emphasizes its nature as a covering of the sky, specifically referencing a "nimbus" or "thunder-cloud." This suggests a substantial, often dense or dark cloud, rather than a light, wispy one. The nuance implies a significant atmospheric phenomenon, capable of obscuring, bringing forth weather (rain or storm), or serving as a medium for divine manifestation. The root concept revolves around covering, veiling, or encompassing.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The primary, and arguably singular, occurrence of `{{H6050}}` in the Aramaic portions of the Old Testament is found in the pivotal prophetic vision of Daniel:
* **[[Daniel 7:13]]**: "I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him."
In this profound eschatological passage, the "clouds of heaven" (עִם־עֲנָנֵי שְׁמַיָּא) serve as the vehicle for the "one like a son of man." The context is one of divine judgment and the establishment of an eternal kingdom. The clouds here are not merely weather phenomena but are imbued with symbolic weight, representing divine presence, majesty, and the heavenly realm. The Son of Man's arrival with clouds signifies his divine origin, authority, and the transcendent nature of his dominion, contrasting sharply with the earthly, beastly kingdoms that precede him in the vision. This imagery directly connects to earlier biblical portrayals of Yahweh's appearances, where clouds often accompany His glory and power.
### Related Words & Concepts
The most significant related word is its Hebrew cognate, `{{H6051}}` (ʻānān), which also means "cloud." This Hebrew term is extensively used throughout the Old Testament to describe:
* The pillar of cloud that guided Israel in the wilderness ([[Exodus 13:21]]).
* The cloud that covered Mount Sinai during the giving of the Law, signifying God's awesome presence ([[Exodus 19:9]], [[Exodus 24:15-18]]).
* The cloud of glory that filled the Tabernacle and Temple, indicating the Lord's indwelling presence ([[Exodus 40:34-35]], [[1 Kings 8:10-11]]).
* Clouds as a source of rain and blessing ([[Deuteronomy 11:11]], [[Isaiah 5:6]]).
* Clouds as a symbol of divine judgment or wrath ([[Ezekiel 30:3]], [[Joel 2:2]]).
The verbal root `{{H6054}}` (ʻānan), "to cloud over" or "to practice soothsaying," also shares a connection, though the latter meaning carries a negative connotation related to forbidden divination, perhaps linked to observing atmospheric signs.
Conceptually, `{{H6050}}` is deeply intertwined with themes of theophany (divine manifestation), divine sovereignty, heavenly authority, eschatology, and the veiled nature of God's presence.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6050}}` is profound, largely due to its singular, yet immensely impactful, appearance in [[Daniel 7:13]].
1. **Divine Presence and Theophany**: Consistent with the broader biblical motif of clouds, `{{H6050}}` signifies the immediate presence of the divine. The "clouds of heaven" are not merely a backdrop but an integral part of the Son of Man's majestic arrival before the Ancient of Days, underscoring his heavenly origin and divine commissioning.
2. **Sovereignty and Authority**: The imagery of coming *with* the clouds bestows ultimate authority and dominion upon the Son of Man. This is a heavenly investiture, not an earthly ascension, establishing his rule as transcendent and eternal, directly from God. This vision provides the theological foundation for the New Testament's understanding of Jesus as the Son of Man who will return on the clouds ([[Matthew 24:30]], [[Acts 1:9-11]], [[Revelation 1:7]]).
3. **Eschatological Hope**: `{{H6050}}` in Daniel 7 contributes significantly to biblical eschatology. It paints a picture of a future, decisive divine intervention where God's righteous ruler will establish an everlasting kingdom, bringing an end to human tyranny and suffering. The clouds, in this context, symbolize the grand, public, and undeniable nature of this final manifestation.
4. **Mystery and Revelation**: While clouds can obscure, they also serve as a medium through which God reveals Himself. In Daniel, the clouds facilitate the revelation of the Son of Man's identity and role, moving from prophetic vision to ultimate reality.
### Summary
`{{H6050}}` (ʻănan) is an Aramaic term for "cloud," directly corresponding to the Hebrew `{{H6051}}`. Its primary biblical significance stems from its use in [[Daniel 7:13]], where "clouds of heaven" serve as the majestic vehicle for the "one like a son of man." This imagery powerfully conveys divine presence, ultimate heavenly authority, and the transcendent nature of the Son of Man's eternal dominion. Theologically, `{{H6050}}` underscores the themes of theophany, divine sovereignty, and eschatological hope, prefiguring the glorious and authoritative arrival of God's chosen ruler.
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