### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew term H6067 (עֲנָת, ʻĂnâth) is primarily a proper noun, derived from the verb H6030 (עָנָה, ʻânâh). The root verb H6030 carries a rich semantic range, encompassing meanings such as "to answer," "to respond," "to testify," "to afflict," or "to humble oneself." In the context of H6067, the most direct and fitting derivation for a name is "answer" or "response." Thus, ʻĂnâth signifies one who is an "answer" or "response." As a proper noun, its semantic range is limited to identifying a specific individual, yet its etymological root imbues the name with profound conceptual depth. While the name bears phonetic similarity to a prominent Canaanite deity, the biblical etymology provided by the Masoretic tradition and lexicon points directly to the Hebrew root H6030, emphasizing a connection to the act of answering or responding.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
The name ʻĂnâth appears twice in the Hebrew Bible, both times in the book of Judges, identifying the father of Shamgar.
1. [[Judges 3:31]]: "After him was Shamgar the son of Anath, who struck down six hundred Philistines with an oxgoad; and he also saved Israel." Here, ʻĂnâth is presented as the lineage of Shamgar, one of the early judges who delivered Israel from oppression. The simple statement "son of Anath" establishes Shamgar's paternal connection without further elaboration on Anath himself.
2. [[Judges 5:6]]: "In the days of Jael, the highways were deserted; the travelers walked along byways. In the days of Shamgar son of Anath, the highways were deserted." This verse, part of the Song of Deborah, reiterates Shamgar's identity as "son of Anath" and places his period of leadership within a time of severe distress and insecurity for Israel.
In both occurrences, ʻĂnâth serves solely as a patronymic. The significance of the name "Anath" ("Answer") in this context is subtle but potent. Shamgar, "son of Answer," emerges as a deliverer at a time when Israel was oppressed by the Philistines. His very existence and actions could be seen as God's "answer" to the cries of His people, or perhaps as a human "answer" to the call for deliverance. The name, therefore, resonates with the theme of divine responsiveness and human agency in the unfolding narrative of salvation history.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary related word to H6067 is its root verb, H6030 (עָנָה, ʻânâh). This verb is extensively used throughout the Hebrew Bible with several key nuances:
* **To answer/respond:** This is the most direct link to ʻĂnâth. It describes God answering prayer ([[Psalm 99:6]]), prophets answering questions ([[Jeremiah 23:35]]), or individuals responding to a call. The idea of God "answering" His people's distress is a recurring motif in Judges, where judges like Shamgar are raised up in response to Israel's cries.
* **To testify/bear witness:** In legal contexts, H6030 can mean to give testimony. This highlights the concept of providing a definitive response or declaration.
* **To afflict/humble:** This meaning, while seemingly disparate, often relates to God's disciplinary actions or the self-humiliation required for true repentance. It can also describe the state of oppression from which God's "answer" delivers His people.
The connection of ʻĂnâth to H6030 thus links the proper noun to fundamental biblical concepts: divine responsiveness, human accountability, and the cycle of oppression and deliverance that characterizes the period of the Judges. Shamgar, "son of Answer," embodies the divine "answer" to Israel's plight, a physical manifestation of God's intervention.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of ʻĂnâth lies primarily in its etymological connection to "answer" and its contextual placement within the book of Judges.
1. **God's Responsive Nature:** The name ʻĂnâth subtly points to the core theological truth of God's responsiveness to His covenant people. Throughout Judges, Israel's cycle of apostasy, oppression, and crying out to the Lord is met by God's raising up of deliverers. Shamgar, "son of Answer," thus becomes a living testament to Yahweh's faithfulness in answering the distress calls of His people. He is not merely a human hero but an instrument of divine "answer."
2. **Divine Intervention in Human History:** The very existence of a judge named "son of Answer" underscores the belief that God actively intervenes in human affairs. When human efforts fail, and the people are at their lowest, God provides the necessary "answer" for their salvation. This highlights God's sovereignty and His compassionate engagement with His creation.
3. **The Call and Response of Covenant:** Beyond divine initiative, the name can also evoke the concept of human responsibility to "answer" God's call to obedience and repentance. While Shamgar is God's answer, his actions also represent a human "answer" to the dire circumstances, a willingness to be used by God.
In essence, ʻĂnâth, though a simple patronymic, serves as a poignant reminder of God's character as the One who hears and answers the cries of His people, providing deliverance through chosen instruments.
### Summary
The Hebrew word H6067 (עֲנָת, ʻĂnâth) is a proper noun, meaning "answer" or "response," derived from the verb H6030 (עָנָה, ʻânâh). It appears twice in the book of Judges, identifying Anath as the father of Shamgar, one of Israel's early deliverers. The etymology of the name "Anath" is deeply significant, suggesting that Shamgar, "son of Answer," was raised up by God as a direct "answer" to Israel's oppression by the Philistines. This highlights the theological truth of God's responsive nature, His active intervention in human history, and His faithfulness in providing deliverance for His people when they cry out to Him. Thus, even in a seemingly minor proper noun, a profound theological message of divine responsiveness and salvation is embedded.
TRV