עָנֹג (a.nog)
a.nog
dainty
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew word anog describes something that is dainty or delicate. It carries a sense of refined softness and luxury, pointing to objects or experiences that are pleasing to the senses through their smoothness or exquisite quality. The term appears only three times in the Old Testament, making it a rare descriptor for physical comfort.
Its usage highlights the contrast between rough necessity and cultivated ease. In Deuteronomy 32:14, it modifies honey from the rock, emphasizing the rich, sweet texture of the food provided to Israel. Similarly, in Isaiah 10:33, it describes the smoothness of the ax handle, a detail that underscores the impending judgment by focusing on the weapon’s crafted precision. The word captures not just softness, but a high-grade delicacy.
Though brief in occurrence, anog serves as a vivid lexical marker for luxury. It reminds readers that biblical language often uses sensory details to convey theological points, whether celebrating God’s provision or illustrating the sharpness of coming discipline. The rarity of the word ensures that each instance stands out with particular force.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word anog points to a refined softness, often describing something dainty or delicately crafted. In Deuteronomy 28:54-56, it describes people who have become so accustomed to luxury that they lose their capacity for basic human compassion during times of severe need. Their extreme delicacy turns into hardness of heart, showing how comfort can sometimes erode our empathy for others.
Isaiah 47:1 uses the term to mark a dramatic fall from grace. Babylon is told she will no longer be called tender and delicate because her pride has led to her downfall. This contrast reminds us that true strength is not found in refined ease or status, but in humility and reliance on God.
When we face hardship, this word invites us to examine our own hearts. Are we becoming too attached to comfort to care for those around us? Or do we find our security in God rather than in the fleeting pleasures of this world? May we cultivate a heart that remains soft toward others and steadfast in faith.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ the/ delicate [woman]1×
- and/ delicate1×
- and/ <the>/ delicate1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- וַ/עֲנֻגָּֽה\׃1×
- וְ/הָ/עֲנֻגָּ֗ה1×
- וְ/הֶ/עָנֹ֖ג1×
Key Verses
-
Deuteronomy 28:54
The man who is tender among you, and very delicate, his eye will be evil toward his brother, toward the wife whom he loves, and toward the remnant of his children whom he has remaining,
This verse shows how extreme delicacy can lead to selfishness and a loss of compassion during times of crisis.
-
Deuteronomy 28:56
The tender and delicate woman among you, who would not venture to set the sole of her foot on the ground for delicateness and tenderness, her eye will be evil toward the husband that she loves, toward her son, toward her daughter,
Here the word highlights a woman whose refined nature prevents even basic acts of care, illustrating the moral cost of excessive comfort.
-
Isaiah 47:1
“Come down and sit in the dust, virgin daughter of Babylon. Sit on the ground without a throne, daughter of the Chaldeans. For you will no longer be called tender and delicate.
The term is used ironically to describe Babylon's former pride, which is now lost as she faces divine judgment and humiliation.