### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term עֲנָנִי ('Ananiy, `{{H6054}}`) is a proper noun, a personal name, derived from the root עָנָן ('anan, `{{H6051}}`), which means "cloud" or "clouds." The suffix "-i" often denotes a possessive ("my cloud") or an adjectival quality ("cloudy," "of the cloud"). Thus, the name Ananiy fundamentally signifies "my cloud" or "cloudy." This etymology immediately connects the name to a potent symbol in biblical theology: the cloud as a manifestation of divine presence, mystery, and power. While the literal meaning points to a physical phenomenon, its semantic range within a personal name implies a connection to the divine or a characteristic associated with clouds, such as obscurity, protection, or the harbinger of blessing (rain) or judgment.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name Ananiy (עֲנָנִי, `{{H6054}}`) appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the genealogical records of the post-exilic period:
* **[[1 Chronicles 3:24]]**: "and the sons of Elioenai: Hodaviah, and Eliashib, and Pelaiah, and Akkub, and Johanan, and Delaiah, and Anani, seven."
In this sole occurrence, Ananiy is listed as one of the seven sons of Elioenai, a descendant of King David through Zerubbabel. The context is purely genealogical, providing a lineage without any narrative or descriptive details about the individual Ananiy. This lack of contextual information means that any deeper understanding of the name's significance for this particular person must be inferred from its etymology and the broader biblical symbolism of "cloud." The inclusion of Ananiy in this list underscores the meticulous preservation of Israelite genealogies, even for individuals about whom no further information is provided.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word is the root noun עָנָן ('anan, `{{H6051}}`), meaning "cloud" or "clouds." This word is foundational to understanding Ananiy. Related concepts stemming from עָנָן include:
* **Divine Presence (Shekinah Glory):** Clouds frequently symbolize the visible manifestation of God's presence. Examples include the pillar of cloud guiding Israel in the wilderness ([[Exodus 13:21]]), the cloud filling the tabernacle and temple ([[Exodus 40:34-35]], [[1 Kings 8:10-11]]), and the cloud on Mount Sinai during the giving of the Law ([[Exodus 19:9]], [[Exodus 24:15-18]]).
* **Mystery and Transcendence:** Clouds often obscure, symbolizing the hiddenness and unapproachable holiness of God ([[Psalm 97:2]]).
* **Divine Judgment and Power:** Clouds are associated with the coming of the Lord in judgment ([[Isaiah 19:1]], [[Nahum 1:3]]), often bringing storms or destruction.
* **Blessing and Provision:** Rain-bearing clouds are a source of life and fertility, symbolizing God's provision ([[Deuteronomy 11:11-12]], [[Psalm 65:9-10]]).
* **Theophany:** Instances where God reveals Himself, often accompanied by clouds ([[Matthew 17:5]], the Transfiguration; [[Acts 1:9]], Christ's ascension).
Other related terms include the verb עָנָן ('anan, `{{H6049}}`), "to cloud over" or "to practice soothsaying" (a distinct, negative connotation, though etymologically related to observing clouds for omens). However, the primary connection for Ananiy is to the literal "cloud" and its symbolic theological weight.
### Theological Significance
Given that Ananiy is a proper name with no accompanying narrative, its theological significance is primarily derived from the rich symbolism of its root word, עָנָן ("cloud"). The naming convention in ancient Israel often carried profound meaning, reflecting hopes, circumstances, or theological truths.
The name "my cloud" or "cloudy one" could reflect:
1. **Aspiration for Divine Presence:** The parents might have named their son Ananiy hoping for God's constant, guiding presence in his life, much like the pillar of cloud guided Israel. It could signify a desire for God's protective covering.
2. **Recognition of Divine Mystery:** The name could acknowledge the mysterious, transcendent nature of God, who often reveals Himself from within a cloud, partially hidden yet powerfully present.
3. **Hope for Blessing:** As clouds bring life-giving rain, the name could express a hope for divine blessing and provision upon the child.
4. **A Reflection of Circumstance:** While speculative, the name might have been given in a time of divine intervention, a significant theophany, or a period marked by God's manifest presence.
Even as a seemingly minor figure in a genealogical list, the very name Ananiy serves as a subtle reminder of the pervasive biblical theme of God's presence and activity, often veiled yet powerfully revealed, much like a cloud. It underscores the belief that God's hand is active even in the lives of individuals whose stories are not fully recounted.
### Summary
Ananiy (עֲנָנִי, `{{H6054}}`) is a Hebrew proper name meaning "my cloud" or "cloudy," derived from עָנָן (`{{H6051}}`), "cloud." It appears only once in the biblical text, as a descendant of David in [[1 Chronicles 3:24]]. Despite the lack of narrative detail about the individual, the name's etymology carries significant theological weight. It evokes the powerful biblical symbolism of clouds as manifestations of God's presence, guidance, mystery, power, and blessing. Thus, Ananiy stands as a quiet testament to the pervasive biblical understanding of God's veiled yet ever-present involvement in the lives of His people, a reminder of the divine presence that both guides and transcends human comprehension.
TRV