Original Word: עַנְוָה
Part of Speech: Noun Feminine
Transliteration: `anvah
Pronunciation: an-VAH
Phonetic Spelling: (an-vaw')
KJV: gentleness, meekness
Word Origin: [feminine of H6035 (עָנָו עָנָיו - humble)]

1. mildness (royal)
2. (concretely) oppressed

gentleness, meekness

Feminine of anav; mildness (royal); also (concretely) oppressed -- gentleness, meekness.

see HEBREW anav

Word Origin
the same as anavah, q.v.

עֲנָוָה noun feminine humility: — Proverbs 15:33 3t.; עַנְוָהֿ (contracted because of Maqqeph, see Br^Mp) Psalm 45:5; עֶנְוָָֽתְךָ Psalm 18:36 (= עֲנֹתְךָ 2 Samuel 22:36 see I. ענה; read עֶזְרָֽתְךְ Ol We); —

1 humility, meekness Psalm 45:5 (dubious), Proverbs 15:33; Proverbs 18:12; Proverbs 22:4; Zephaniah 2:3 (probably gloss, see We Now).

2 condescension Psalm 18:36 (dubious, see above).

Definition and Essence

עַנְוָה expresses the inner posture of humility, meekness, and gentle condescension that willingly places self beneath God and serves others without self-assertion. It is not weakness but controlled strength that seeks another’s good. Scripture portrays it as both a divine attribute and a Spirit-wrought virtue in the believer.

Occurrences in Scripture

Psalm 18:35 celebrates God’s condescending care: “Your gentleness has exalted me”. The psalmist attributes his rise and stability not to personal prowess but to the LORD’s gracious stooping. Psalm 45:4 depicts the royal Messiah advancing “in the cause of truth and humility and justice”, binding עַנְוָה to the righteous reign of David’s greater Son.

Connection to Divine Character

The passages ground humility first in God Himself. The warrior-King of Psalm 18 draws near with tenderness, shielding and raising the weak. Such paradox—majesty expressed through meekness—establishes the biblical pattern: true greatness is revealed in lowliness. The LORD’s readiness to bend toward His covenant partner foreshadows the incarnation, where ultimate regal power is clothed in servant garb.

Messianic Implications

Psalm 45 is messianic in tone and scope, culminating in Hebrews 1:8-9, which applies the psalm to Jesus Christ. The King rides forth bearing “humility,” highlighting that Messiah’s victory is achieved not by oppressive force but by moral beauty. Zechariah 9:9 amplifies the theme (“humble and mounted on a donkey”), fulfilled in Matthew 21:5. Thus עַנְוָה becomes a hallmark of Christ’s kingdom and the ethic He imparts to His disciples.

Practical Spiritual Formation

Believers are repeatedly summoned to emulate the Lord’s humility. Numbers 12:3 identifies Moses as “very humble,” setting a leadership paradigm confirmed in Matthew 11:29 where Jesus invites, “Learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart.” Cultivating עַנְוָה involves surrendering self-promotion, receiving grace, and extending graciousness, as modeled in Philippians 2:3-8.

Humility in Corporate Worship and Leadership

David’s testimony (Psalm 18) shows that deliverance and exaltation spring from divine gentleness, not human merit. Corporate worship should therefore magnify God’s condescending mercy, fostering a communal ethos that honors the lowly (James 2:1-5) and guards against prideful platforming. Leaders, mindful that they are upheld by God’s humility, are called to “shepherd the flock… not lording it over those entrusted” (1 Peter 5:2-3).

Historical Reception among God’s People

Rabbinic tradition esteemed humility as the foundation of Torah observance, citing Moses and David. Early church fathers contrasted Christian humility with Greco-Roman honor culture, presenting it as a revolutionary virtue. Reformation preaching retained the theme, urging rulers to govern under the yoke of Christlike meekness. Throughout revivals, genuine spiritual awakening has been marked by confession, lowliness, and dependence—practical embodiments of עַנְוָה.

New Testament Resonances

Though Greek πραΰτης (prautēs, gentleness) and ταπείνωσις (tapeinōsis, humility) differ lexically, they echo the Hebrew concept. Jesus blesses “the meek” (Matthew 5:5). Paul lists gentleness among the Spirit’s fruit (Galatians 5:23) and links it to wisdom (James 3:13). The New Testament thus carries forward the Old Testament witness: divine power is perfected in humble service.

Applications for Ministry Today

1. Preaching: Emphasize that God’s greatness is displayed through His gentleness, inviting hearers to trust rather than strive.
2. Discipleship: Mentor believers in practices of submission, gratitude, and quiet service.
3. Conflict Resolution: Model meekness that speaks truth without rancor (2 Timothy 2:24-25).
4. Social Engagement: Pursue justice with humility, reflecting the King who rides out “in the cause of truth and humility and justice.”
5. Leadership Evaluation: Assess authority not by charisma or achievement but by the presence of Christlike עַנְוָה.

When embraced, this virtue magnifies the Savior who “humbled Himself” yet is now exalted above all (Philippians 2:9), ensuring that any greatness found in His people redounds to His glory.

וְֽעַנְוַתְךָ֥ וְעַנְוָה־ וענוה־ וענותך veanvah veanvatCha wə‘anwāh- wə‘anwaṯḵā wə·‘an·wāh- wə·‘an·waṯ·ḵāInterlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel Texts