עֲנָן (a.nan)
a.nan
cloud
A:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:N-M
Word Overview
The word ‘anan denotes a cloud, appearing in Daniel 7:13 as part of the Aramaic phrase “coming with the clouds of heaven.” In this vision, it serves as the vehicle for the “one like a son of man,” emphasizing divine authority and majesty rather than mere weather. The term functions here to signal a heavenly origin, setting the figure apart from earthly powers.
This Aramaic form is directly related to the Hebrew ‘anan (H6051), sharing the same core meaning. While less common in the Hebrew Bible, its use in Daniel highlights the cross-linguistic consistency of cloud imagery as a symbol of God’s presence and glory. The sources confirm its identity with the Hebrew term, ensuring clarity for readers navigating both languages.
The choice of ‘anan in Daniel 7:13 underscores the supernatural nature of the vision. Clouds often accompany divine manifestations in Scripture, from Sinai to the Transfiguration. Here, they frame the arrival of a figure who receives everlasting dominion, linking earthly kingship with heavenly sovereignty. This usage invites reflection on how ancient audiences understood divine intervention through natural phenomena.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word עֲנָן (a.nan) appears in Daniel 7:13 to describe the clouds carrying a figure like a son of man. This image does not refer to ordinary weather but signals divine authority and majesty. It sets this heavenly figure apart from earthly powers, emphasizing his supernatural origin.
For your faith, this reminds us that God’s presence is often veiled in mystery yet unmistakably powerful. The clouds frame the arrival of one who receives everlasting dominion, linking earthly struggles with heavenly sovereignty. This vision invites trust in a God who acts beyond human limits.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- [the] clouds of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֲנָנֵ֣י1×
Key Verses
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Daniel 7:13
“I saw in the night visions, and behold, there came with the clouds of the sky one like a son of man, and he came even to the Ancient of Days, and they brought him near before him.
The clouds serve as the vehicle for the 'one like a son of man,' highlighting his divine authority rather than mere physical movement.