### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻÂnâq**, represented by `{{H6061}}`, refers to **Anak, a Canaanite**. It appears 9 times across 8 unique verses in the Bible. The term primarily serves to identify the progenitor of the Anakim, a formidable people who inhabited the land of Canaan before the Israelite conquest.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6061}}` is central to the account of the spies sent into Canaan. The children of **ʻÂnâq** are found dwelling in Hebron [[Numbers 13:22]] and are a cause for fear due to their stature and the strength of their cities [[Numbers 13:28]]. The report of the spies explicitly connects the sons of **ʻÂnâq** with giants, stating, "we saw the giants, the sons of **Anak**, which come of the giants" [[Numbers 13:33]]. The lineage is further clarified through Arba, who is identified as the "father of **Anak**" ([[Joshua 15:13]], [[Joshua 21:11]]). The story culminates in Caleb driving out the three sons of **ʻÂnâq** from Hebron ([[Joshua 15:14]], [[Judges 1:20]]).
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are used to describe the people and context surrounding **ʻÂnâq**:
* `{{H6062}}` **ʻĂnâqîy** (Anakim): This patronymic term identifies the descendants of Anak. They are described as a "people great and tall" [[Deuteronomy 9:2]] who were ultimately cut off from the mountains by Joshua [[Joshua 11:21]].
* `{{H5303}}` **nᵉphîyl** (giant): This word, defined as a bully or tyrant, is directly applied to the sons of Anak, solidifying their reputation as fearsome **giants** in the land [[Numbers 13:33]].
* `{{H1419}}` **gâdôwl** (great): This adjective is used to describe both the people descended from Anak and their cities, emphasizing the scale of the challenge they presented to the Israelites ([[Numbers 13:28]], [[Deuteronomy 9:2]]).
* `{{H7311}}` **rûwm** (tall): Used alongside 'great', this word highlights the imposing physical stature of the children of the Anakim, contributing to the fear they inspired [[Deuteronomy 9:2]].
### Theological Significance
The narrative weight of `{{H6061}}` is significant in the story of the conquest of Canaan.
* **Symbol of Opposition:** The descendants of **ʻÂnâq** represent a major human obstacle to fulfilling God's promise. Their fearsome reputation gave rise to the rhetorical question, "Who can stand before the children of **Anak**!" [[Deuteronomy 9:2]].
* **A Test of Faith:** The spies' report about the sons of **ʻÂnâq** caused the Israelites to see themselves as "grasshoppers" in comparison, revealing a crisis of faith that delayed their entry into the promised land [[Numbers 13:33]].
* **Progenitor of a Formidable People:** **ʻÂnâq** is the named ancestor of the Anakim. His identity is linked to Arba, "a great man among the Anakims" [[Joshua 14:15]], establishing a lineage associated with giants and power.
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6061}}` is more than just a name; it is the anchor for the identity of one of the most intimidating groups encountered by the Israelites. The story of **ʻÂnâq**'s descendants functions as a powerful narrative device, contrasting the debilitating effects of human fear with the faithfulness of God's promises, which are ultimately realized through the conquest of their land.
TRV