עֲנָת (a.nat)
a.nat
Anath
N:N-M-PQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N-M-P
Word Overview
The name Anath appears only twice in the Hebrew Bible, specifically in the book of Judges. It identifies a man who lived during the period before Israel established its monarchy. The text introduces him as the father of Shamgar, a notable judge and deliverer mentioned alongside Ehud and Deborah.
Lexical sources associate the name with the root meaning "answer." While this etymological link is noted in traditional concordances, the biblical narrative itself focuses on his role as a progenitor. His significance lies primarily in his connection to Shamgar, whose military exploits are recorded in the same chapter (Judges 3:31). The brevity of the reference suggests Anath was known within the tribal traditions but is not a central character in the broader historical account.
Because the name occurs so rarely, it serves as a specific genealogical marker rather than a theological term. It anchors Shamgar’s lineage in the pre-monarchic era, highlighting the diverse origins of Israel’s early leaders. The limited usage underscores how individual family lines contributed to the collective history of the tribes during the time of the Judges.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Anath appears only twice in Scripture, serving as a brief but vital link in the chain of Israel’s history. It identifies the father of Shamgar, a judge who delivered his people with an ox goad. This single detail reminds us that God often works through ordinary family lines and humble tools to bring about significant change.
Shamgar’s story shows that deliverance does not always require grand armies or royal titles. Sometimes it comes from unexpected places, using what is at hand to protect the vulnerable. The mention of Anath anchors this event in a real lineage, reminding us that our own ancestors’ stories are part of God’s larger narrative.
When we feel small or insignificant, these brief references offer comfort. Your role in God’s plan may not be headline news, but it is recorded and valued. Just as Shamgar’s father is remembered for his son’s faithfulness, your quiet obedience contributes to the collective witness of faith across generations.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Anath2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עֲנָת֙1×
- עֲנָ֔ת1×
Key Verses
-
Judges 3:31
After him was Shamgar the son of Anath, who struck six hundred men of the Philistines with an ox goad. He also saved Israel.
This verse establishes Anath as the father of Shamgar, highlighting his role in the lineage of a deliverer who used an ox goad to save Israel.
-
Judges 5:6
“In the days of Shamgar the son of Anath, in the days of Jael, the highways were unoccupied. The travelers walked through byways.
In Deborah’s song, Anath is mentioned again to anchor the timeline of peace during Shamgar’s leadership, emphasizing the security he provided for travelers.