תַּעֲנָךְ (ta.a.nakh)
ta.a.nakh
Taanach
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Taanach, meaning "sandy," identifies an ancient Canaanite city situated in the fertile Jezreel Valley near Megiddo. Although it lay within the tribal territory of Issachar, the city was allocated to the half-tribe of Manasseh and later designated as a refuge city for the Kohathite Levites (Joshua 17:11; 21:23). Its strategic location made it a frequent site of military conflict, including the famous battle where Deborah and Barak defeated Sisera’s forces (Judges 4:5–6).
Historical records note that Taanach remained under Canaanite control for some time after Joshua’s initial campaigns, as evidenced by the list of kings defeated by Israel in Judges 1:27. The city appears again in later narratives, such as when King Solomon administered it as part of his districtal system (1 Kings 4:12). Its presence across these texts highlights its enduring significance as a border town and administrative center in ancient Israel.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
Taanach appears in Scripture as a place name meaning "sandy," marking an ancient Canaanite city in the fertile Jezreel Valley. Its location near Megiddo made it a strategic crossroads, often at the center of military conflict and political change. The biblical record notes that while Israel claimed this territory, they did not immediately drive out its inhabitants, showing that possession of the land required persistent faith and effort over time.
This history reminds us that spiritual inheritance is not always instant. Just as Taanach remained under Canaanite control for a period, believers may face ongoing challenges in areas God has already promised to them. The text highlights that God’s promises are sure, even when their full realization takes patience and perseverance through successive generations.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Taanach6×
- at/ Taanach1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- תַּעְנַךְ֙2×
- תַּעְנַ֣ךְ2×
- תַּעְנַ֖ךְ1×
- תַעְנַךְ֙1×
- בְּ/תַעְנַ֖ךְ1×
Key Verses
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Judges 1:27
Manasseh didn’t drive out the inhabitants of Beth Shean and its towns, nor Taanach and its towns, nor the inhabitants of Dor and its towns, nor the inhabitants of Ibleam and its towns, nor the inhabitants of Megiddo and its towns; but the Canaanites would dwell in that land.
This verse records the specific failure of Manasseh to drive out the inhabitants of Taanach, illustrating the incomplete conquest of the land.
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Joshua 17:11
Manasseh had three heights in Issachar, in Asher Beth Shean and its towns, and Ibleam and its towns, and the inhabitants of Dor and its towns, and the inhabitants of Endor and its towns, and the inhabitants of Taanach and its towns, and the inhabitants of Megiddo and its towns.
Here Taanach is listed among the towns allotted to the half-tribe of Manasseh, establishing its place in Israel’s territorial inheritance.
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Judges 5:19
“The kings came and fought, then the kings of Canaan fought at Taanach by the waters of Megiddo. They took no plunder of silver.
The song of Deborah identifies Taanach as the site where Canaanite kings fought against Israel, highlighting its strategic military importance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Taanach mean?
Who owned the city of Taanach?
Why is Taanach significant in Judges?
Every Occurrence (7 verses across 4 books)
Joshua 3 verses
the king of Taanach, one; the king of Megiddo, one;
Joshua 17:11Manasseh had three heights in Issachar, in Asher Beth Shean and its towns, and Ibleam and its towns, and the…
Joshua 21:25Out of the half-tribe of Manasseh, Taanach with its pasture lands, and Gath Rimmon with its pasture lands: two cities.