עֲנָוָה (a.na.vah)
a.na.vah
humility
H:N-FQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 5 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-F
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun anovah signifies a quiet strength found in humility or meekness. It describes a posture of the heart that is lowly and receptive, rather than one defined by weakness. In the biblical text, this quality is often presented as a virtue that invites divine favor, standing in contrast to the arrogance that leads to downfall.
This term appears five times in Scripture, with a notable concentration in Proverbs where it is linked to wisdom and honor (Proverbs 15:33; 22:4). It also surfaces in historical narratives, such as when King David acknowledges his own lowliness before God in Second Samuel 7:18. The prophet Zephaniah uses the word to describe the remnant of Israel who will seek refuge in the name of the Lord (Zephaniah 3:12).
The word carries a specific theological weight by associating humility with trust in God’s justice. It suggests that true dignity comes not from self-exaltation but from a right relationship with the divine. Translators often render anovah as "humility" or "meekness," capturing the essence of a gentle spirit that does not contend aggressively but rests in God's sovereignty.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word anovah describes a quiet strength found in humility or meekness. It is not a posture of weakness, but one of the heart that is lowly and receptive. In Scripture, this quality often invites divine favor, standing in contrast to the arrogance that leads to downfall. True dignity comes not from self-exaltation, but from a right relationship with God.
This virtue is closely linked to wisdom and honor. Proverbs 22:4 reminds us that the result of humility and the fear of Yahweh is wealth, honor, and life. When we acknowledge our need for God, as King David did in II Samuel 7:18, we open ourselves to His guidance and protection. This gentle spirit does not contend aggressively but rests in God's sovereignty.
For your faith, anovah offers a path of peace. It invites you to trust in God’s justice rather than striving for your own glory. By seeking righteousness and humility, as Zephaniah 2:3 encourages, you may find refuge and hope in the Lord. This posture allows you to walk with confidence, knowing that God honors those who humble themselves before Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 5 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- humility4×
- and/ answering/ your1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֲנָוָֽה\׃1×
- עֲנָוָֽה\׃1×
- עֲנָוָ֔ה1×
- עֲ֭נָוָה1×
- וַ/עֲנֹתְ/ךָ֖1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 22:4
The result of humility and the fear of Yahweh is wealth, honor, and life.
This verse directly links anovah with the fear of Yahweh, presenting humility as the pathway to true wealth, honor, and life.
-
II Samuel 22:36
You have also given me the shield of your salvation. Your gentleness has made me great.
Here, David credits God's gentleness (anovah) for his elevation, showing that divine favor often comes through a humble reliance on the Lord rather than personal power.
-
Zephaniah 2:3
Seek Yahweh, all you humble of the land, who have kept his ordinances. Seek righteousness. Seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of Yahweh’s anger.
The prophet calls the 'humble of the land' to seek righteousness and anovah as a means of being hidden or protected during God's judgment.