עֲנָקִי (a.na.qi)
a.na.qi
Anakite
N:N--PGQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--PG
Word Overview
The noun anaqi refers to the Anakites, a people group described as descendants of Anak who lived in the southern regions of Canaan during the time of Israel’s wilderness wanderings and conquest. The sources identify them specifically as a tribe of giants, with their name etymologically linked to the word for "neck" or "long-necked," suggesting a physical stature that stood out to observers.
These figures appear most prominently in the books of Deuteronomy and Joshua, where they serve as examples of the formidable obstacles facing Israel. The texts recount how spies reported seeing them in Hebron (Numbers 13:22), noting their intimidating presence. Later passages, such as Deuteronomy 9:2, emphasize their size to highlight the magnitude of the challenge Israel faced, contrasting human fear with divine promise.
While the term appears nine times in Scripture, its primary function is historical and descriptive rather than theological. It anchors the narrative in a specific geographic and ethnic reality, reminding readers that the land was inhabited by powerful groups before Israel’s arrival. The mention of their lineage, including sons like Ahiman and Sheshai, adds depth to the account of this distinct clan.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The term 'Anakite' describes a people group noted for their imposing stature and fortified cities in ancient Canaan. When the Israelite spies reported seeing them, the news caused fear among the people because these opponents seemed insurmountable. This historical detail reminds us that the challenges we face often appear just as large and intimidating as those faced by believers in the past.
Yet the biblical narrative shows that human size or strength does not determine the outcome. God promised to give the land to Israel despite the presence of these powerful neighbors. For your faith, this means that no obstacle is too great for divine intervention. You can trust that God is present in your difficulties, just as He was with His people then.
Remembering this history encourages confidence in God's promises. It shifts focus from the size of the problem to the power of the One who fights for us. This perspective brings peace when facing seemingly impossible situations.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- like the/ Anakites3×
- [the] Anakites2×
- Anakites2×
- the/ Anakites1×
- among the/ Anakites1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- כָּ/עֲנָקִ֑ים2×
- עֲנָקִ֣ים1×
- עֲנָקִ֖ים1×
- עֲנָקִ֔ים1×
- עֲנָקִ֑ים1×
- כָּ/עֲנָקִֽים\׃1×
- הָֽ/עֲנָקִים֙1×
- בָּ/עֲנָקִ֖ים1×
Key Verses
-
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?”
This verse highlights the psychological impact of the Anakites, using their reputation to show how fear can distort perception of God's power.
-
Joshua 14:12
Now therefore give me this hill country, of which Yahweh spoke in that day; for you heard in that day how the Anakim were there, and great and fortified cities. It may be that Yahweh will be with me, and I shall drive them out, as Yahweh said.”
Caleb references the Anakites to demonstrate his enduring faith that God would fulfill His promise despite past fears.
-
Joshua 11:21
Joshua came at that time, and cut off the Anakim from the hill country, from Hebron, from Debir, from Anab, and from all the hill country of Judah, and from all the hill country of Israel. Joshua utterly destroyed them with their cities.
This occurrence marks the completion of God's judgment, showing that the formidable presence of the Anakites was fully removed from Judah.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were the Anakites?
Why does the Bible mention the Anakites?
Are the Anakites mentioned in the New Testament?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 2 books)
Deuteronomy 5 verses
Where are we going up? Our brothers have made our heart melt, saying, ‘The people are greater and taller than we. The…
Deuteronomy 2:10(The Emim lived there before, a great and numerous people, and tall as the Anakim.
Deuteronomy 2:11These also are considered to be Rephaim, as the Anakim; but the Moabites call them Emim.
Deuteronomy 2:21a great people, many, and tall, as the Anakim; but Yahweh destroyed them from before Israel, and they succeeded them,…
Deuteronomy 9:2a people great and tall, the sons of the Anakim, whom you know, and of whom you have heard say, “Who can stand before…