עֲנָה (a.nah)
a.nah
to answer
A:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 22 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:V
Word Overview
The Aramaic verb anah means to answer or respond, but its roots go deeper than simple conversation. It originally carried the sense of singing, shouting, or declaring something with a loud, solemn voice. This explains why it is used for soldiers raising a battle cry and for jackals howling in the desert, as well as for witnesses giving formal testimony in court.
In the Book of Daniel, this word appears frequently during high-stakes dialogues between the king and his advisors. When Nebuchadnezzar demands that the wise men recount his dream before interpreting it, they struggle to anah him—answering with a request for more information rather than a direct solution (Daniel 2:8). The term emphasizes the weight of the speech act itself, whether it is a divine oracle or a human reply in a royal court.
Translators often render this word as "answer" or "speak," capturing the formal nature of the exchange. Its usage highlights that in these ancient contexts, speaking was an act of power and declaration, not merely the transmission of information. The word connects the mundane act of reply to the solemnity of prophecy and judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word anah carries a weight that goes far beyond simple conversation. In the ancient world, to answer was often an act of power, declaration, or even battle cry. It implies a response that is solemn, formal, and significant. When we see this word in Scripture, it reminds us that our words carry gravity. We are not just exchanging information; we are engaging in acts that reflect who we are and who we serve.
In the book of Daniel, this dynamic plays out vividly. Daniel uses his voice to declare God’s wisdom before a powerful king, while others use their answers to plead for time or defend their faith under threat. This word invites us to consider the tone and intent behind our own replies. Whether in a royal court or a quiet conversation, our responses can reveal trust in God or fear of man.
As you navigate your own conversations this week, remember that every answer is an opportunity to reflect divine character. You do not need to have all the solutions; you only need to speak with integrity and faith. Let your words be grounded in truth, offering peace and clarity to those around you.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 22 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [was] replying12×
- [he was] replying5×
- they replied4×
- she replied1×
- [they were] replying1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עָנֵ֤ה7×
- עָנֵ֨ה4×
- עָנֵ֣ה4×
- עָנַ֤יִן1×
- עָנֵה֩1×
- עָנֵ֧ה1×
- עֲנוֹ֙1×
- עֲנָ֨ת1×
- עֲנ֨וֹ1×
- עֲנ֥וֹ1×
- עֲנ֗וֹ1×
Key Verses
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Daniel 2:20
Daniel answered, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever; for wisdom and might are his.
Daniel uses this word to shift the focus from human wisdom to God’s sovereignty, declaring that true power belongs to Him.
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Daniel 3:16
Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, “Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.
The three friends use this term to assert their confidence in God, showing that their answer is rooted in faith rather than fear of the king.
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Daniel 2:10
The Chaldeans answered the king and said, “There is not a man on the earth who can show the king’s matter, because no king, lord, or ruler has asked such a thing of any magician, enchanter, or Chaldean.
Here the Chaldeans use the word to highlight their inability to meet the king’s demand, illustrating a response born of desperation and limitation.
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Daniel 5:17
Then Daniel answered before the king, “Let your gifts be to yourself, and give your rewards to another. Nevertheless, I will read the writing to the king, and make known to him the interpretation.
Daniel employs this verb to politely decline royal gifts while still fulfilling his duty, demonstrating that faithful service does not require personal gain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word anah mean?
How is anah different from other words for 'speak'?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Why is this word important for understanding biblical dialogue?
Every Occurrence (22 verses across 1 books)
Daniel 22 verses
The king answered the Chaldeans, “The thing has gone from me. If you don’t make known to me the dream and its…
Daniel 2:7They answered the second time and said, “Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will show the interpretation.”
Daniel 2:8The king answered, “I know of a certainty that you are trying to gain time, because you see the thing has gone from me.
Daniel 2:10The Chaldeans answered the king and said, “There is not a man on the earth who can show the king’s matter, because no…
Daniel 2:15He answered Arioch the king’s captain, “Why is the decree so urgent from the king?” Then Arioch made the thing known to…
Daniel 2:20Daniel answered, “Blessed be the name of God forever and ever; for wisdom and might are his.
Daniel 2:26The king answered Daniel, whose name was Belteshazzar, “Are you able to make known to me the dream which I have seen,…
Daniel 2:27Daniel answered before the king, and said, “The secret which the king has demanded can’t be shown to the king by wise…
Daniel 2:47The king answered to Daniel, and said, “Of a truth your God is the God of gods, and the Lord of kings, and a revealer…
Daniel 3:9They answered Nebuchadnezzar the king, “O king, live for ever!
Daniel 3:14Nebuchadnezzar answered them, “Is it true, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, that you don’t serve my gods and you don’t…
Daniel 3:16Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered the king, “Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter.
Daniel 3:19Then Nebuchadnezzar was full of fury, and the form of his appearance was changed against Shadrach, Meshach, and…
Daniel 3:24Then Nebuchadnezzar the king was astonished and rose up in haste. He spoke and said to his counselors, “Didn’t we cast…
Daniel 3:25He answered, “Look, I see four men loose, walking in the middle of the fire, and they are unharmed. The appearance of…
Daniel 3:26Then Nebuchadnezzar came near to the mouth of the burning fiery furnace. He spoke and said, “Shadrach, Meshach, and…
Daniel 3:28Nebuchadnezzar spoke and said, “Blessed be the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, who has sent his angel and…
Daniel 5:7The king cried aloud to bring in the enchanters, the Chaldeans, and the soothsayers. The king spoke and said to the…
Daniel 5:10The queen by reason of the words of the king and his lords came into the banquet house. The queen spoke and said, “O…
Daniel 5:13Then Daniel was brought in before the king. The king spoke and said to Daniel, “Are you that Daniel of the children of…
Daniel 5:17Then Daniel answered before the king, “Let your gifts be to yourself, and give your rewards to another. Nevertheless, I…
Daniel 7:2Daniel spoke and said, “I saw in my vision by night, and, behold, the four winds of the sky broke out on the great sea.