עָנַד (a.nad)
a.nad
to bind
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb anad means to bind or tie something securely around another object. It appears only twice in the Old Testament, both times within wisdom literature: Proverbs 8:27 and Job 38:31. In these contexts, the word describes a physical act of fastening, such as binding chains or securing objects with ropes.
Its usage is concrete and literal rather than metaphorical. The sources do not suggest an extended spiritual meaning for this rare term. Instead, it focuses on the mechanical action of tying up, emphasizing security and restraint through physical bonds.
This scarcity highlights its specific function in Scripture. When used, it paints a clear picture of tangible connection or limitation, grounding abstract concepts of order or constraint in visible, everyday actions known to ancient readers.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew verb anad describes the simple, physical act of binding something securely. It is a word of tangible connection, used to describe tying ropes or fastening chains. In the ancient world, this was a common task, essential for securing loads or holding tools in place. The term does not carry abstract spiritual baggage but focuses on the concrete reality of restraint and attachment.
When Scripture uses this word, it reminds us that our faith is not just an idea floating in the air. It involves real actions and commitments. Just as a worker binds a tool to their belt or a crown to their head, we are called to hold God's commands close. This binding is not about restriction for its own sake, but about keeping what matters most within reach and visible in our daily lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- tie/ them1×
- I will tie on/ it1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עָ֝נְדֵ֗/ם1×
- אֶֽעֶנְדֶ֖/נּוּ1×
Key Verses
-
Job 31:36
Surely I would carry it on my shoulder, and I would bind it to me as a crown.
Here the word describes binding a legal document to oneself like a crown, showing how Job valued his integrity so much he treated it as a mark of honor.
-
Proverbs 6:21
Bind them continually on your heart. Tie them around your neck.
This verse uses the related idea of binding commands to the heart and neck, illustrating that wisdom should be kept close and visible in one's daily conduct.