צַעֲנַנִּים (tsa.a.nan.nim)
tsa.a.nan.nim
Zaanannim
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 2 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The proper noun Tsaanannim refers to a specific locality within the territory of the tribe of Naphtali, situated in close proximity to the city of Kedesh. Its name derives from a Hebrew root meaning "removings" or "movements," suggesting a place associated with transit, shifting populations, or perhaps a boundary marker that was subject to change.
This location appears only twice in the biblical text, both within the historical narratives of Joshua and Judges. In Joshua 19:37, it is listed among the fortified cities assigned to Naphtali during the distribution of the land. Later, in Judges 4:11, Heber the Kenite is described as having moved away from his kinsmen to pitch his tent by the oak of Zaanannim, near Kedesh.
The etymology highlights the transient nature of this site’s significance. Rather than being a permanent capital or major stronghold, the name implies a place defined by movement or displacement. This aligns with its narrative role in Judges, where it serves as a backdrop for a personal relocation rather than a central stage for national events.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Zaanannim points to a place defined by movement rather than permanence. It appears only twice in Scripture, marking a boundary for the tribe of Naphtali and serving as a resting spot for Heber the Kenite near Kedesh. This suggests that even small, seemingly insignificant locations play a role in God’s larger plan for His people.
Heber’s decision to pitch his tent by the oak at Zaanannim shows how individuals can find their place within God’s story through faithful choices. Though we may feel like outsiders or transients, Scripture reminds us that God places us where He intends for us to be. This word encourages trust in His guidance, even when our path feels uncertain.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 2 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- in/ Zaanannim2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בְּ/צַעֲנַנִּ֗ים1×
- בְּ/צַעֲנַנִּ֖ים1×
Key Verses
-
Joshua 19:33
Their border was from Heleph, from the oak in Zaanannim, Adami-nekeb, and Jabneel, to Lakkum. It ended at the Jordan.
This verse lists Zaanannim as part of Naphtali’s border, showing its role in defining the tribe’s inheritance.
-
Judges 4:11
Now Heber the Kenite had separated himself from the Kenites, even from the children of Hobab, Moses’ brother-in-law, and had pitched his tent as far as the oak in Zaanannim, which is by Kedesh.
Heber the Kenite chooses to dwell near this oak, highlighting how individuals navigate their place within God’s territory.