### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **ʻĂnâthôwth**, represented by `{{H6068}}`, is the name of a place in the territory of Benjamin and is also used for two Israelites. It appears **15 times** across **15 unique verses** in the Bible. It is identified as a priestly city and is most notably the hometown of the prophet Jeremiah.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H6068}}` is central to the life and ministry of the prophet **Jeremiah** `{{H3414}}`, who was the **son** `{{H1121}}` of **Hilkiah** `{{H2518}}`, one of the **priests** `{{H3548}}` in **Anathoth** [[Jeremiah 1:1]]. The city became a place of intense conflict, as its men **sought** `{{H1245}}` Jeremiah's **life** `{{H5315}}`, telling him not to **prophesy** `{{H5012}}` in the **name** `{{H8034}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` [[Jeremiah 11:21]]. As a result, the LORD promised that there would be no **remnant** `{{H7611}}` of them and that he would **bring** `{{H935}}` **evil** `{{H7451}}` upon the **men** `{{H582}}` of **Anathoth** [[Jeremiah 11:23]]. The location is also where **Abiathar** `{{H54}}` the **priest** `{{H3548}}` was exiled by the **king** `{{H4428}}` [[1 Kings 2:26]]. In an act of prophetic hope, Jeremiah **bought** `{{H7069}}` a **field** `{{H7704}}` in **Anathoth** from his **uncle's** `{{H1730}}` **son** `{{H1121}}`, **Hanameel** `{{H2601}}`, because the **right** `{{H4941}}` of **redemption** `{{H1353}}` was his [[Jeremiah 32:7-9]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words provide deeper context for the significance of **Anathoth**:
* `{{H3414}}` **Yirmᵉyâh** (Jeremiah): The prophet from **Anathoth** [[Jeremiah 1:1]]. His personal history is deeply intertwined with the town's rejection of God's **word** `{{H1697}}` and its subsequent judgment.
* `{{H3548}}` **kôhên** (priest): **Anathoth** was a city designated for **priests** [[Jeremiah 1:1]] and Levites, receiving it as one of their cities with **suburbs** `{{H4054}}` from the **tribe** `{{H4294}}` of **Benjamin** `{{H1144}}` [[1 Chronicles 6:60]].
* `{{H1144}}` **Binyâmîyn** (Benjamin): The territory where **Anathoth** was located. This tribal land provides the geographical and political setting for many of the events concerning the city ([[Jeremiah 1:1]], [[Jeremiah 32:8]]).
* `{{H1353}}` **gᵉʼullâh** (redemption): This term is central to Jeremiah’s purchase of land in **Anathoth**, signifying that the **right** `{{H4941}}` of **redemption** affirmed a future for Israel in the land despite impending exile [[Jeremiah 32:7-8]].
### Theological Significance
The story of `{{H6068}}` carries significant weight, illustrating themes of rejection, judgment, and hope.
* **Prophetic Rejection:** **Anathoth** serves as a prime example of a prophet being rejected by his own people. The **men** `{{H582}}` of **Anathoth** threatened to **kill** `{{H4191}}` Jeremiah for speaking the **word** `{{H1697}}` of the **LORD** `{{H3068}}`, demonstrating the deep-seated resistance to God's message [[Jeremiah 11:21]].
* **Divine Judgment:** The opposition from **Anathoth** did not go unanswered. God declared that He would **bring** `{{H935}}` **evil** `{{H7451}}` upon the town in the **year** `{{H8141}}` of their **visitation** `{{H6486}}`, leaving no **remnant** `{{H7611}}` [[Jeremiah 11:23]]. This shows the consequence of actively opposing God's messengers.
* **Symbol of Restoration:** Amidst judgment, Jeremiah’s purchase of a **field** `{{H7704}}` in **Anathoth** stands as a powerful symbol of future restoration. This act, rooted in the **right** `{{H4941}}` of **inheritance** `{{H3425}}` and **redemption** `{{H1353}}`, was a tangible promise from the **LORD** `{{H3068}}` that the people would one day return and repossess the **land** `{{H776}}` [[Jeremiah 32:8]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H6068}}` **ʻĂnâthôwth** is far more than a geographical location. It is introduced as a Levitical **city** `{{H5892}}` in **Benjamin** `{{H1144}}` and the hometown of Jeremiah, but it becomes a microcosm of Israel's journey. It represents the rejection of God's prophets, the resulting divine judgment, and the unfailing promise of redemption and restoration demonstrated through Jeremiah’s faithful act of buying a field.
TRV