plural of עֲנָת; Anathoth, the name of two Israelites, also of a place in Pal; Anathoth.
Transliteration:ʻĂnâthôwth
Pronunciation:an-aw-thoth'
Detailed Word Study
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### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew lemma `{{H6068}}` 'Anathoth' (עֲנָתוֹת) is a plural form derived from 'Anath' (עֲנָת). While the root 'anah' (עָנָה) can signify 'to answer' or 'to afflict,' in the context of a proper noun, 'Anathoth' primarily functions as an identifier for a specific geographical location and, less commonly, for individuals. The plural form may suggest 'places of Anath' or 'descendants of Anath.' Its core meaning in biblical usage is tied to its role as a place name, particularly a Levitical city, and as a personal name.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
`{{H6068}}` 'Anathoth' appears multiple times in the Old Testament, predominantly referring to a significant town:
* **As a Place:**
* **Levitical City:** Anathoth was designated as one of the cities given to the Kohathite Levites within the territory of Benjamin ([[Joshua 21:18]], [[1 Chronicles 6:60]]). This highlights its priestly association and its role as a center for religious instruction.
* **Hometown of Jeremiah:** Most famously, Anathoth is identified as the hometown of the prophet Jeremiah, a priest, establishing his origins ([[Jeremiah 1:1]]).
* **Scene of Persecution:** Jeremiah faced significant opposition and threats to his life from the men of Anathoth, even from his own family ([[Jeremiah 11:21]]). This illustrates the rejection of God's message by those who should have been most receptive.
* **Symbol of Hope in Exile:** During the Babylonian siege of Jerusalem, God commanded Jeremiah to buy a field in Anathoth from his cousin Hanamel ([[Jeremiah 32:7-9]]). This act, seemingly illogical in a time of imminent destruction, served as a powerful prophetic sign of future restoration and the return of the exiles to the land.
* **Historical Mentions:** King Solomon banished Abiathar the priest to Anathoth ([[1 Kings 2:26]]). The town is mentioned as fleeing from Assyrian advance in a prophetic oracle ([[Isaiah 10:30]]). After the Babylonian exile, Anathoth was reoccupied by the Benjaminites ([[Nehemiah 11:32]]).
* **As Individuals:**
* One of the sons of Becher, a descendant of Benjamin ([[1 Chronicles 7:8]]).
* One of the leaders who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah ([[Nehemiah 10:19]]). This individual likely represented the family or inhabitants of the city.
### Related Words & Concepts
The primary associations of `{{H6068}}` 'Anathoth' are:
* **Jeremiah `{{H3414}}`:** The prophet's identity is deeply intertwined with his hometown. Anathoth serves as the geographical and social context for much of his early ministry and the opposition he faced.
* **Levitical Cities:** As a Levitical city, Anathoth is connected to the broader system of priestly service, teaching, and the distribution of land among the tribes. This highlights its intended role in the spiritual life of Israel.
* **Benjamin:** Its location within the tribal territory of Benjamin situates it within a strategically important region, often caught between the southern kingdom of Judah and the northern kingdom of Israel.
* **Exile and Restoration:** The prophetic act of Jeremiah purchasing land in Anathoth links the place directly to the themes of judgment, divine faithfulness, and the promise of future return and national restoration.
* **Prophetic Rejection:** The hostility Jeremiah experienced from his own townspeople in Anathoth exemplifies the common biblical theme of prophets being rejected by their own people or even their own kin.
### Theological Significance
The theological significance of `{{H6068}}` 'Anathoth' is profound, primarily through its connection to the prophet Jeremiah:
* **The Nature of Prophetic Calling:** Anathoth serves as a crucible for Jeremiah's prophetic ministry. The rejection he faced from his own community, even a priestly one, underscores the challenging and often unpopular nature of delivering God's unvarnished truth. It highlights the spiritual apostasy that pervaded even the religious centers of Israel.
* **Divine Faithfulness Amidst Despair:** The command for Jeremiah to buy land in Anathoth during the siege of Jerusalem ([[Jeremiah 32]]) is a powerful testament to God's unwavering faithfulness. In the face of imminent destruction and the loss of land, this act symbolizes God's covenant promise to restore His people and their inheritance. It demonstrates that God's plans transcend immediate circumstances and human despair.
* **The Failure of Religious Leadership:** As a Levitical city, Anathoth was meant to be a beacon of spiritual purity and adherence to the Torah. Yet, its inhabitants, including priests, sought to silence and even kill God's prophet. This stark contrast highlights the widespread spiritual corruption within Israel's religious leadership, emphasizing the need for true repentance and obedience.
### Summary
The Hebrew term `{{H6068}}` 'Anathoth' primarily designates a significant Levitical city in the territory of Benjamin, most famously known as the hometown of the prophet Jeremiah. While also referring to a few individuals, its enduring biblical importance stems from its role in Jeremiah's life and ministry. Anathoth serves as a poignant backdrop for the prophet's experience of rejection by his own community, even from those in a priestly city, thereby illustrating the pervasive spiritual decline in Israel. Crucially, Anathoth also becomes a powerful symbol of divine faithfulness and hope, as demonstrated by Jeremiah's prophetic act of purchasing land there during the Babylonian siege, signifying God's sure promise of future restoration for His people. The name, though perhaps rooted in concepts of 'answers' or 'afflictions,' ultimately carries deep theological weight as a place associated with prophetic struggle, divine judgment, and the unwavering certainty of God's redemptive plan.
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