בַּעֲנָא (ba.a.na)
ba.a.na
Baana
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Baana, meaning "in affliction" or "son of distress," appears only three times in the Hebrew Bible. It identifies two distinct men from different eras who served as officials under powerful leaders. The first Baana was a son of Ahilud and brother of Jehoshaphat, listed among Solomon’s commissariat officers responsible for supplying food to the royal household in Jezreel and the north of the Jordan valley (1 Kings 4:12).
The second occurrence refers to a later figure, father of Zadok, who is mentioned in Nehemiah 3:4 as helping to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. This Baana lived during the post-exilic period when the community was restoring its defenses. The name’s meaning likely reflected a family history of hardship or a theological acknowledgment of God’s presence through difficulty.
Though brief, these mentions connect two periods of Israel’s history: the united monarchy under Solomon and the restoration after exile. Both men held positions of responsibility in rebuilding or maintaining the nation’s structure. The name serves as a reminder that leadership and service often emerge from contexts of struggle, with individuals contributing to larger communal goals despite personal or national challenges.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Baana carries a weight that resonates with many who feel the pressure of daily responsibilities. Meaning "in affliction" or "son of distress," it reminds us that our backgrounds do not disqualify us from service. In the Bible, two men bear this name, each stepping into roles of significant responsibility despite what their name might suggest about their origins.
One Baana managed food supplies for King Solomon’s court in Jezreel, ensuring the royal household was fed. Another, centuries later, helped rebuild the walls of Jerusalem after the exile. Their stories show that God uses people from all walks of life, even those who have known hardship, to contribute to the restoration and order of His people.
When you feel overwhelmed by the burdens of life, remember that your current struggles do not define your future usefulness. Like Baana, you can find purpose in serving others and building up your community, trusting that God sees your efforts even when the work feels heavy or unnoticed.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Baana3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בַּֽעֲנָא֙2×
- בַּעֲנָֽא\׃\ \ס1×
Key Verses
-
I Kings 4:12
Baana the son of Ahilud, in Taanach and Megiddo, and all Beth Shean which is beside Zarethan, beneath Jezreel, from Beth Shean to Abel Meholah, as far as beyond Jokmeam;
This verse identifies Baana as a key administrator responsible for feeding Solomon’s household, showing how leadership roles were distributed across specific regions like Jezreel.
-
Nehemiah 3:4
Next to them, Meremoth the son of Uriah, the son of Hakkoz made repairs. Next to them, Meshullam the son of Berechiah, the son of Meshezabel made repairs. Next to them, Zadok the son of Baana made repairs.
Here, Zadok the son of Baana is listed among those repairing the wall of Jerusalem, linking this family to the post-exilic restoration efforts.