Lexical Summary Anan: Anan Original Word: עָנָן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance Anan The same as anan; cloud; Anan, an Israelite -- Anan. see HEBREW anan NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom anan Definition an Isr. NASB Translation Anan (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs II. עָנָן proper name, masculine Nehemiah 10:27, Ηναμ, Η(ι)ναν (compare proper name, masculineSabean ענן SabDenkm30; Palmyrene ענני). Topical Lexicon Identity Anan appears once in the Old Testament list of covenant signatories recorded in Nehemiah 10:26. His name, “Anan,” carries the sense of “cloud,” evoking rich biblical imagery connected with the presence, guidance, and mysterious glory of God. Historical Context After the Babylonian exile, the returned community under Nehemiah and Ezra renewed its commitment to the Law. Nehemiah 10 catalogs leaders, Levites, and laymen who “entered into a curse and an oath to walk in the Law of God” (Nehemiah 10:29). Anan belonged to this group. Though nothing else is recorded of him, the inclusion of relatively obscure individuals like Anan underscores the corporate nature of covenant renewal: the people as a whole pledged obedience, not merely the famous leaders. Their collective responsibility anticipates New Testament teaching that every believer is a “living stone” in God’s house (1 Peter 2:5). Thematic Significance of the Name 1. God’s Guidance Related Biblical Imagery Clouds symbolize: These motifs enrich the understanding of a community member named Anan taking an oath to uphold the Law, implicitly anchoring that commitment in the character and future purposes of God. Spiritual Lessons and Ministry Application 1. Every Covenant-Keeper Matters The brevity of Anan’s appearance highlights that covenant faithfulness is measured not by prominence but by commitment. Churches today still require “ordinary” saints who pledge steady obedience. Just as Israel followed the pillar, believers walk by the Spirit’s leading (Galatians 5:25). Anan reminds modern readers that renewed covenant life rests on continual dependence on God’s presence. Clouds in Scripture often precede revelation; thus, the renewal covenant of Nehemiah prepares the stage for the ultimate unveiling of the Messiah. Personal fidelity, exemplified by Anan, participates in God’s unfolding redemptive story. Summary Anan, though mentioned only once, testifies to post-exilic Israel’s wholehearted pledge to the Law. His “cloud” name weaves together themes of divine presence, guidance, and eschatological hope, encouraging believers to embrace humble covenant faithfulness while living expectantly under the glory-laden “cloud” of God’s abiding grace. Forms and Transliterations עָנָֽן׃ ענן׃ ‘ā·nān ‘ānān aNanLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Nehemiah 10:26 HEB: וַאֲחִיָּ֥ה חָנָ֖ן עָנָֽן׃ NAS: Ahiah, Hanan, Anan, KJV: And Ahijah, Hanan, Anan, INT: Ahiah Hanan Anan |
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