Lexical Summary Anaq: Anak Original Word: עָנָק Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Anak The same as anaq; Anak, a Canaanite -- Anak. see HEBREW anaq NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom an unused word Definition "neck," a Canaanite NASB Translation Anak (9). Brown-Driver-Briggs 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 MeyZAW i (1881), 139 GFMJudges 1:10. 20 CheEncy. Bib. ANAK. Topical Lexicon 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. 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. Lessons for Faith and Ministry • Obstacles often appear “larger than life,” yet they fall to persevering faith. Caleb claimed the very territory others dreaded. 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 Forms and Transliterations 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 haaNokLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Numbers 13:22 HEB: וְתַלְמַ֔י יְלִידֵ֖י הָעֲנָ֑ק וְחֶבְר֗וֹן שֶׁ֤בַע NAS: the descendants of Anak were. (Now Hebron KJV: the children of Anak, [were]. (Now Hebron INT: and Talmai the descendants of Anak Hebron seven Numbers 13:28 Numbers 13:33 Deuteronomy 9:2 Joshua 15:13 Joshua 15:14 Joshua 15:14 Joshua 21:11 Judges 1:20 9 Occurrences |