patronymically from עָנָק; an Anakite or descendant of Anak; Anakim.
Transliteration:ʻĂnâqîy
Pronunciation:an-aw-kee'
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term `{{H6062}}` (ʻĂnâqîy), transliterated as "Anakim," is a patronymic derived from `{{H6061}}` (ʻĂnâq), the eponymous ancestor. Its core meaning denotes "descendants of Anak" or "Anakites." The root `{{H6061}}` itself is often associated with concepts of "neck" or "collar," and by extension, "tallness" or "giants." Thus, `{{H6062}}` inherently carries the semantic range of a people characterized by extraordinary stature and formidable strength, often perceived as giant-like in the biblical narrative. They represent a specific ethnic group within the broader pre-Israelite inhabitants of Canaan.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The Anakim feature prominently in the narratives of the Israelite conquest of Canaan, primarily in the books of Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua.
* **Numbers:** Their first significant mention occurs in the report of the twelve spies sent into Canaan. [[Numbers 13:22]] notes their presence in Hebron, while [[Numbers 13:28]] and [[Numbers 13:33]] describe them as "people of great stature" and even explicitly link them to the Nephilim, stating, "there we saw the Nephilim (the sons of Anak are part of the Nephilim)." This report of their imposing size and strength instilled profound fear in the majority of the Israelite congregation, leading to their rebellion and the subsequent forty years of wilderness wandering.
* **Deuteronomy:** Moses reiterates the formidable nature of the Anakim, recalling the people's fear ([[Deuteronomy 1:28]]). He assures Israel that despite the Anakim's strength and the common proverb, "Who can stand before the Anakim?" ([[Deuteronomy 9:2]]), Yahweh their God would go before them as a consuming fire. [[Deuteronomy 2:10-11]] and [[Deuteronomy 2:21]] also connect them genealogically or geographically to other giant peoples like the Emim and Zamzummim, underscoring their widespread presence and reputation.
* **Joshua:** The book of Joshua records the fulfillment of God's promise to dispossess the Anakim. [[Joshua 11:21-22]] details Joshua's campaign to cut off the Anakim from the hill country, specifically mentioning Hebron, Debir, and Anab, though some remnants survived in the Philistine cities of Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod. Most notably, [[Joshua 14:12-15]] records Caleb's courageous request to conquer Hebron, the stronghold of the Anakim, as his inheritance. His successful expulsion of the three sons of Anak (Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai) from Hebron ([[Joshua 15:14]]) stands as a testament to his unwavering faith and God's enabling power.
### Related Words & Concepts
* `{{H6061}}` (ʻĂnâq): The progenitor of the Anakim, from whom the patronymic is derived.
* `{{H7497}}` (Rāp̄ā’): Rephaim, another term for giant-like peoples often mentioned in the Old Testament. The Anakim are sometimes considered a specific clan or group within the broader category of Rephaim, or at least closely associated with them.
* `{{H5303}}` (Nəp̄îlîm): Nephilim, mentioned in [[Genesis 6:4]] and explicitly linked to the Anakim by the spies in [[Numbers 13:33]]. This connection reinforces the perception of the Anakim as ancient, preternaturally large beings.
* Canaanites: The Anakim were one of the many formidable groups inhabiting the land of Canaan prior to the Israelite conquest, representing the indigenous population that Israel was commanded to dispossess.
* Fear and Faith: The narrative surrounding the Anakim serves as a stark contrast between human fear in the face of daunting obstacles (the ten spies) and unwavering faith in God's power to overcome them (Caleb and Joshua).
### Theological Significance
The Anakim hold significant theological weight in the biblical narrative:
* **Test of Faith and Obedience:** Their formidable presence in Canaan presented a crucial test of Israel's faith in Yahweh's ability to fulfill His covenant promises. The initial failure to trust God led to severe consequences, highlighting the importance of obedience rooted in faith.
* **Divine Sovereignty and Power:** Despite the Anakim's perceived invincibility, God's command to conquer them and His subsequent empowerment of Joshua and Caleb demonstrate His absolute sovereignty and omnipotence. The defeat of the Anakim underscores that no human power or physical obstacle can thwart God's plans.
* **Fulfillment of Covenant Promises:** The dispossession of the Anakim was a vital step in Israel's inheritance of the Promised Land, directly fulfilling the covenant God made with Abraham ([[Genesis 15:18-21]]). Their removal signifies the clearing of the land for God's chosen people.
* **Symbol of Spiritual Warfare:** On a metaphorical level, the Anakim can represent the seemingly insurmountable spiritual obstacles and strongholds that believers face. Their defeat by divine power serves as an enduring reminder that believers are called to trust in God's strength to overcome all adversaries.
### Summary
The `{{H6062}}` (ʻĂnâqîy), or Anakim, were a renowned group of giant-like people in ancient Canaan, consistently portrayed as a formidable and intimidating presence. Their mention in the biblical narrative, particularly in Numbers, Deuteronomy, and Joshua, serves as a pivotal element in the story of Israel's conquest of the Promised Land. The Anakim represented the ultimate human obstacle to God's covenant promises, testing Israel's faith and highlighting the stark contrast between human fear and divine power. Their eventual defeat by Joshua and Caleb, empowered by God, powerfully underscores themes of God's unwavering faithfulness, His absolute sovereignty, and His ability to overcome any adversary, no matter how great, to fulfill His purposes for His people.
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