עֲנָה (a.nah)
a.nah
Anah
N:N-F-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 10 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-F-P
Word Overview
The name Anah appears primarily in Genesis and Chronicles as a figure within the genealogies of Esau and the Horites. It is most notably identified as the son of Zibeon, who discovered water sources in the wilderness, and as the father of Oholibamah, one of Esau’s wives. The text presents this individual as a key link in the lineage that connects the Edomites to their earlier inhabitants.
Etymologically, the name derives from the Hebrew root meaning "to answer" or "to respond." While the biblical narrative does not explicitly explain the origin of the name through an event of answering, the linguistic connection remains a standard feature of ancient naming conventions. This etymology is shared by other figures in Scripture whose names reflect divine interaction or human response.
Its occurrence is limited to ten verses, concentrated in the records of tribal ancestry rather than narrative action. The sources highlight its role in establishing family connections rather than describing personal deeds. Translators consistently render it as a proper noun, preserving the distinct identity of this patriarch within the broader historical framework of the region.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Anah appears in the biblical record as a link between different peoples in ancient Edom. It belongs to a man who discovered water sources in the wilderness, providing life for his father’s donkeys and sustaining his family. This detail highlights how ordinary acts of care and discovery played a role in preserving lineage and community during early history.
While genealogies can feel distant, they remind us that God records the lives of many individuals beyond the central narratives. Anah’s story shows that faithfulness in small duties, like caring for animals or finding resources, contributes to the broader tapestry of human history. His name connects the Horites with Esau’s family, showing how different groups intertwined over time.
For readers today, these records invite reflection on how our own lives fit into God’s larger plan. We may not always see the immediate impact of our actions, but every act of stewardship and care matters in the eyes of God. The preservation of such names encourages us to trust that our contributions, however small, are part of a meaningful story.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 10 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Anah7×
- and/ Anah4×
- [was] Anah1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֲנָ֖ה3×
- עֲנָֽה\׃2×
- וַ/עֲנָֽה\׃2×
- עֲנָ֛ה1×
- עֲנָ֗ה1×
- עֲנָ֔ה1×
- וַֽ/עֲנָ֑ה1×
- וַ/עֲנָ֑ה1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 36:24
These are the children of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah. This is Anah who found the hot springs in the wilderness, as he fed the donkeys of Zibeon his father.
This verse identifies Anah as the one who found hot springs in the wilderness while feeding his father's donkeys, highlighting his role in providing resources.
-
Genesis 36:20
These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah,
Here Anah is listed among the sons of Seir the Horite, establishing his place within the indigenous inhabitants of the land before Esau’s descendants arrived.
-
Genesis 36:25
These are the children of Anah: Dishon and Oholibamah, the daughter of Anah.
This passage lists Anah’s children, including Oholibamah, who later becomes a wife of Esau, linking his family to the Edomite leadership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Anah in the Bible?
Why is Anah included in the Bible?
What does the name Anah mean?
Every Occurrence (10 verses across 2 books)
Genesis 7 verses
Esau took his wives from the daughters of Canaan: Adah the daughter of Elon, the Hittite; and Oholibamah the daughter…
Genesis 36:14These were the sons of Oholibamah, the daughter of Anah, the daughter of Zibeon, Esau’s wife: she bore to Esau Jeush,…
Genesis 36:18These are the sons of Oholibamah, Esau’s wife: chief Jeush, chief Jalam, chief Korah. These are the chiefs who came of…
Genesis 36:20These are the sons of Seir the Horite, the inhabitants of the land: Lotan, Shobal, Zibeon, Anah,
Genesis 36:24These are the children of Zibeon: Aiah and Anah. This is Anah who found the hot springs in the wilderness, as he fed…
Genesis 36:25These are the children of Anah: Dishon and Oholibamah, the daughter of Anah.
Genesis 36:29These are the chiefs who came of the Horites: chief Lotan, chief Shobal, chief Zibeon, chief Anah,