עֲנָק (a.naq)
a.naq
Anak
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 8 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The noun anaq refers to a specific individual mentioned in the wilderness narratives, identified as the father of Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai (Numbers 13:22). His name is etymologically linked to the Hebrew word for "neck" or "collar," suggesting a person of imposing stature. This linguistic root provides the basis for the collective term Anakim, which designates the prominent lineage of giants inhabiting southern Canaan.
Scripture records this family in several contexts, particularly when the Israelite spies report from the land (Numbers 13:22) and when Deuteronomy describes the formidable nature of the inhabitants they faced. The descendants of anaq are portrayed as a significant military obstacle, their size and strength serving as a stark contrast to the smallness of the Israelite camp. Their presence in Hebron underscores the difficulty of the conquest.
The legacy of this name extends beyond a single biography to define a class of people known for their physical dominance. The biblical text uses the Anakim to illustrate the magnitude of the challenge before Israel, highlighting that victory would require divine intervention rather than human strength alone. Their eventual removal marks a decisive shift in the possession of the land.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Anak appears in Scripture not merely as a historical footnote, but as a symbol of overwhelming odds. When the spies reported seeing the descendants of Anak, they described themselves as grasshoppers in comparison. This vivid imagery reminds us that some challenges in life feel insurmountable by human standards alone. The size and strength of these inhabitants highlighted the gap between human capability and divine promise.
Yet the narrative does not end with fear. Caleb, trusting in God’s command, was able to drive out these formidable families. His story shows that faith is not the absence of giants, but the confidence that God fights for His people. When we face obstacles that seem too large to overcome, we can look to Caleb as an example of steadfast trust.
Ultimately, the removal of the Anakim points to a greater truth: victory belongs to the Lord. Their presence served to test Israel’s reliance on God rather than their own strength. This pattern continues in our lives, where difficult circumstances often serve to deepen our dependence on divine intervention and grace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 8 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- <the>/ Anak7×
- Anak2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הָ/עֲנָֽק\׃2×
- הָ/עֲנָ֑ק2×
- עֲנָֽק\׃1×
- עֲנָ֖ק1×
- הָֽ/עֲנָ֖ק1×
- הָֽ/עֲנ֛וֹק1×
- הָ/עֲנָ֖ק1×
Key Verses
-
Numbers 13:33
There we saw the Nephilim, the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim. We were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.”
This verse captures the spies' despair by comparing themselves to grasshoppers against the sons of Anak, highlighting the psychological weight of the challenge.
-
Deuteronomy 9:2
a people great and tall, the sons of the Anakim, whom you know, and of whom you have heard say, “Who can stand before the sons of Anak?”
Moses reminds Israel that these people were known for their height and strength, reinforcing why standing before them seemed impossible without God.
-
Joshua 15:14
Caleb drove out the three sons of Anak: Sheshai, and Ahiman, and Talmai, the children of Anak.
This record confirms Caleb’s successful campaign to drive out the three sons of Anak, fulfilling the promise made decades earlier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the children of Anak?
What does the name Anak mean?
Did Caleb defeat the Anakim?
Every Occurrence (8 verses across 4 books)
Numbers 3 verses
They went up by the South, and came to Hebron; and Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai, the children of Anak, were there. (Now…
Numbers 13:28However, the people who dwell in the land are strong, and the cities are fortified and very large. Moreover, we saw the…
Numbers 13:33There we saw the Nephilim, the sons of Anak, who come from the Nephilim. We were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and…