צַאֲנָן (tsa.a.nan)
tsa.a.nan
Zaanan
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Tza’anann, rendered as Zaanan in English translations, is a proper noun designating a specific town located in the lowlands of Judah. Its etymological root suggests the meaning "pointed," which may refer to the geographical character of the site or simply serve as a distinctive identifier for the settlement.
This location appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, within the prophetic book of Micah (1:13). The text uses the town as part of a list of Judah’s cities that are called upon to flee from impending judgment. Its solitary mention highlights its role as a concrete example of the widespread devastation predicted by the prophet, grounding his message in real geography.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Zaanan appears in a single verse, Micah 1:11, where it stands as a concrete example of the judgment falling on Judah. The prophet calls its inhabitants to flee, noting that they will not come out. This specific detail grounds the abstract concept of divine discipline in real geography and human experience.
For your faith, this reminds us that God’s word is precise and historical. It is not vague poetry but a serious warning to actual people in real towns. When Scripture mentions such places, it invites us to take the message seriously. The call to flee from judgment is a call to seek refuge in God before it is too late.
Even though Zaanan is mentioned only once, its inclusion shows that no place is too small or obscure for God’s attention. Your life, with all its specific details and locations, is equally known and addressed by Him. This offers comfort: you are not overlooked in the grand narrative of redemption.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Zaanan1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- צַֽאֲנָ֔ן1×
Key Verses
-
Micah 1:11
Pass on, inhabitant of Shaphir, in nakedness and shame. The inhabitant of Zaanan won’t come out. The wailing of Beth Ezel will take from you his protection.
This verse uses Zaanan to illustrate the total isolation and inability to escape judgment, as its inhabitants 'won’t come out' due to shame or fear.