עֲנָמִים (a.na.mim)
a.na.mim
Anamim
N:N-M-P / N:N-M-PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P / N:N-M-PG
Word Overview
The noun Anamim refers to a specific group of people identified as descendants of Egypt in the biblical genealogies. It appears only twice in Scripture, both within lists that trace the nations descended from Noah’s son Ham. In Genesis 10:13, the text places them alongside other Egyptian clans such as the Ludim and the Pathrusim, establishing their origin in the Nile region.
Etymological sources suggest the name may mean "affliction of the waters," a phrase that likely points to the dangerous or turbulent nature of the Nile River. This linguistic detail connects the people’s identity to their geographic environment. The term serves as a proper noun for this tribe, distinguishing them from other groups in the ancient Near East.
Its rare usage highlights the biblical focus on mapping known nations rather than providing detailed history for every group. By listing the Anamim among Egypt’s offspring, the text acknowledges their existence within the broader family of nations described in the Table of Nations.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Anamim appears in the ancient records that map out humanity’s spread after the flood. These lists are not just dry genealogies; they show how God’s creation expanded into diverse cultures and regions. By mentioning this group alongside others from Egypt, the text acknowledges their place in history without adding extra commentary.
For readers today, these brief mentions remind us that every nation has a story within God’s broader plan. The inclusion of such specific names suggests that no group is too small or obscure to be recorded. It invites us to see the world’s diversity as part of a unified human family originating from common ancestors.
While we may not know all the details about this particular tribe, their presence in Scripture highlights the completeness of the biblical record. It encourages a sense of wonder at how much history is preserved, even in passing references.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] Anamites2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֲנָמִ֛ים2×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 10:13
Mizraim became the father of Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim,
This verse places Anamim within the primary genealogical list of Noah's descendants, establishing their origin as part of Mizraim's lineage.
-
I Chronicles 1:11
Mizraim became the father of Ludim, Anamim, Lehabim, Naphtuhim,
The chronicler repeats this lineage to reaffirm Israel's historical roots and the continuity of God's covenant people through recorded history.