Original Word: עֲנַן
Part of Speech: Noun Masculine
Transliteration: `anan
Pronunciation: ah-nan'
Phonetic Spelling: (an-an')
NASB: clouds
Word Origin: [(Aramaic) corresponding to H6051 (עָנָן - cloud)]

1. cloud

cloud

(Aramaic) corresponding to anan -- cloud.

see HEBREW anan

Word Origin
(Aramaic) corresponding to anan
Definition
a cloud
NASB Translation
clouds (1).

[עֲנָן K^{§ 57} a) α)]

noun [masculine] cloud (see Biblical Hebrew I. ענן); — plural construct עֲנָנֵי שְׁמַיָּא Daniel 7:13.

Occurrence in Daniel 7:13

“In my vision in the night I continued to watch, and I saw One like a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient of Days and was led into His presence.” (Daniel 7:13)

The single Aramaic use of עֲנַן (’ǎnan) is the hinge of Daniel’s climax: the heavenly enthronement of the Son of Man. The term “clouds” links this scene to a well-established biblical motif in which clouds function as the visible vehicle of divine presence.

Clouds as the Manifestation of Divine Presence

• Exodus 13:21; Exodus 14:24 – The pillar of cloud guides and guards Israel, embodying God’s nearness and protection.
• Exodus 19:9; Exodus 24:15-16 – Sinai is cloaked in cloud; God descends to covenant with His people.
• 1 Kings 8:10-11 – At the dedication of Solomon’s temple, the cloud fills the sanctuary, testifying to Yahweh’s glory.

Though these passages employ the Hebrew cognate עָנָן (’ānān), the continuity of imagery underscores the revelatory purpose of clouds throughout the canon.

Clouds as the Vehicle of Judgment and Deliverance

• Isaiah 19:1 – “The LORD rides on a swift cloud” to judge Egypt.
• Psalm 18:11-12 – Dark clouds surround the Divine Warrior in battle.
• Nahum 1:3 – “The LORD … His way is in the whirlwind and the storm, and the clouds are the dust beneath His feet.”

The motif communicates transcendent authority: clouds veil yet confirm the Holy One’s activity.

From Prophecy to Fulfillment: The Son of Man

Daniel’s vision joins the cloud-theophany to messianic expectation. Jesus openly identifies Himself with Daniel 7:13:

• Matthew 24:30; Mark 13:26; Luke 21:27 – The Son of Man will be seen “coming on the clouds of heaven.”
• Matthew 26:64; Mark 14:62 – In His trial, Jesus cites the verse to announce His future vindication.

Thus, the ’ǎnan of Daniel is foundational to New Testament Christology, asserting both the humanity (“Son of Man”) and the divine prerogatives (cloud-borne approach to the Ancient of Days) of the Messiah.

Ascension and Consummation

• Acts 1:9 – A cloud receives Christ at His ascension, echoing Daniel 7:13 and pledging His return.
• 1 Thessalonians 4:17 – Believers will be “caught up … in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.”
• Revelation 1:7; Revelation 14:14 – The returning Christ is again associated with clouds, closing the canonical arc begun in Daniel.

Ministry Implications

1. Assurance of Sovereign Rule

Daniel’s cloud scene secures hope amid earthly turmoil: the Son of Man now holds everlasting dominion (Daniel 7:14).

2. Motivation for Witness

Jesus’ appropriation of the cloud imagery charges believers to proclaim His impending return (Acts 1:11).

3. Pattern for Worship

The cloud-theophany invites reverence and awe; corporate worship reflects heavenly reality when it exalts the enthroned Christ (Hebrews 12:22-24).

4. Pastoral Comfort

For the grieving, the promise of meeting the Lord “in the clouds” affirms reunion and eternal fellowship (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).

Summary

Though עֲנַן appears only once in its Aramaic form, its placement in Daniel 7:13 illumines the biblical theology of clouds: the visible sign of God’s presence, judgment, guidance, and ultimately the triumphant arrival of the Son of Man. From Exodus to Revelation, the cloud motif consistently testifies to the faithfulness, majesty, and coming victory of the Lord Jesus Christ.

עֲנָנֵ֣י ענני ‘ă·nā·nê ‘ănānê anaNeiInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts