Original Word: עָנָק
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: `Anaq
Pronunciation: ah-nahk'
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-nawk')
KJV: Anak
NASB: Anak
Word Origin: [the same as H6060 (עָנָק - neck bands)]

1. Anak, a Canaanite

Anak

The same as anaq; Anak, a Canaanite -- Anak.

see HEBREW anaq

Word Origin
from an unused word
Definition
"neck," a Canaanite
NASB Translation
Anak (9).

I. עֲנָק noun [masculine] neck, only in

epithet of people בְּנֵי הָעֲנָק long-necked (tall) men, early giant people about Hebron and in Philistia, Ενακ, Εναχ, Joshua 15:14 (JE) = Judges 1:20, without article Numbers 13:33 (JE), Deuteronomy 9:2; also ׳יְלִדַי הָע Numbers 13:22,28; Joshua 15:14 (all J E); called also עֲנָקִים long-necks, Ενακειμ, Joshua 14:12,15 (JE), Joshua 11:21,22 (D), Deuteronomy 2:10,11,21 + Jeremiah 47:5 (read עֲנָקִים for ᵑ0 עִמְקָם), and perhaps 1 Chronicles 12:16 (see עֵמֶק near the end); בְּנֵי עֲנָקִים 1 Chronicles 1:28 (ᵐ5 γίγαντες, compare Numbers 13:33), Numbers 9:2; עֲנָק later (erroneously) as eponymous ancestor of Anakim Joshua 15:13 = עֲנוֺק Joshua 21:11 (both P). — See especially Mey^{ZAW i (1881), 139} GFM^{Judges 1:10. 20} Che^{Ency. Bib. ANAK}.

Name and Lineage

Anak stands as the eponymous ancestor of the Anakim, a clan renowned for extraordinary stature and formidable presence. Scripture identifies his three sons—Ahiman, Sheshai, and Talmai (Numbers 13:22)—through whom the lineage continued. Hebron, formerly called Kiriath Arba, is repeatedly linked to both Anak and his father Arba (Joshua 15:13).

Geographical Setting

Every occurrence of the name Anak is tied to the hill-country around Hebron in southern Canaan. This strategic region became the focus of the spies’ reconnaissance, Caleb’s inheritance, and Judah’s territorial consolidation. By embedding Anak’s memory in Hebron, Scripture highlights how the very heartland of the Anakim became a testimony to the fulfillment of divine promise.

Biblical Narrative Overview

1. Reconnaissance and Fear (Numbers 13). The spies’ report magnified the physical stature of Anak’s descendants:

“We even saw the Nephilim there—the descendants of Anak that come from the Nephilim. We seemed like grasshoppers in our own sight” (Numbers 13:33).

Their exaggerated comparison fostered national discouragement and unbelief.
2. Divine Assurance (Deuteronomy 9:2). Before Israel crossed the Jordan, Moses reminded them that the Anakim, though “strong and tall,” would fall because “the Lord your God Himself will go before you.”
3. Caleb’s Conquest (Joshua 15:13-14; Judges 1:20). Caleb, whose faith had never wavered, received Hebron and “drove out from there the three sons of Anak.” The most daunting obstacle became the trophy of steadfast trust.
4. Priestly Possession (Joshua 21:11). After conquest, Hebron—with fields once controlled by Anak’s line—was granted to the Levites, illustrating total transition from fearsome enemy stronghold to center of worship.

Theological Themes

• Faith versus Fear: Anak and his sons symbolize the giants every generation encounters. Israel’s first reaction was intimidation; Caleb’s response was confidence in God’s promise.
• Covenant Fulfillment: The removal of Anak’s lineage from Hebron demonstrates God’s faithfulness to Abraham’s descendants regarding the land.
• Reversal of Power: What once epitomized human strength becomes a stage for divine supremacy when dedicated to priestly service.

Lessons for Faith and Ministry

• Obstacles often appear “larger than life,” yet they fall to persevering faith. Caleb claimed the very territory others dreaded.
• Spiritual leadership must model courage; Moses, Joshua, and Caleb kept God’s pledge before the people until fulfillment.
• Places of former bondage or fear can become centers of blessing and ministry when surrendered to the Lord.

Intertextual Connections and Later Tradition

The Anakim are grouped with other oversized peoples such as the Rephaim (Deuteronomy 2:10-11), linking Anak to a broader biblical motif of giant opponents. While Goliath is never called a son of Anak, the echo of towering adversaries persists into David’s era, emphasizing an enduring theme: divine victory over intimidating powers.

Selected Biblical References

Numbers 13:22; Numbers 13:28; Numbers 13:33

Deuteronomy 9:2

Joshua 15:13; Joshua 15:14

Joshua 21:11

Judges 1:20

הָֽעֲנ֛וֹק הָֽעֲנָ֖ק הָעֲנָ֑ק הָעֲנָ֖ק הָעֲנָֽק׃ הענוק הענק הענק׃ עֲנָ֖ק עֲנָֽק׃ ענק ענק׃ ‘ă·nāq ‘ănāq aNak hā‘ănāq hā‘ănōwq hā·‘ă·nāq hā·‘ă·nō·wq haaNak haaNokInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts