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Meaning, origin and etymology of the name Anak


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Anak Anak Anakim Anakim

Anak and his descendants the Anakim are a tall and numerous people, reckoned among the Nephilim (Num 13:33) and the Rephaim (Deut 2:10). The name of the father of Anak is Arba, and his city, Hebron, is given to Caleb (Josh 15:13). Caleb subsequently drives out the three sons of Anak (perhaps again three subdivisions of the Anakim), whose names are Sheshai, Ahiman and Talmai.
Other related peoples are the Zumim and the Emim.

The name Anak comes from the assumed root Anak ('nq 1658), whose derivations are rarely used: Anak (anaq 1658b) means necklace and is used in SS 4:9, Ju 8:26 and figuratively in Pr 1:9. This word is spelled and pronounced identical to the name Anak. As a verb the word Anak (anaq 1658c) means to serve as a necklace (Ps 73:6) or figuratively bestow someone with riches (Deut 15:14). The name Anak (1658a) is said to means Neck, long-necked tall men, explains BDB, but even though these Anakim were certainly tall, there is no indication that they specifically had long necks (the regular word for neck is sawwar).

They were possibly called Anakim (=Necklaces) because they wore ornaments around their necks. This name may also allude to their wealth.



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