6052. Anan
Lexical Summary
Anan: Anan

Original Word: עָנָן
Part of Speech: Proper Name Masculine
Transliteration: `Anan
Pronunciation: ah-NAHN
Phonetic Spelling: (aw-nawn')
KJV: Anan
NASB: Anan
Word Origin: [the same as H6051 (עָנָן - cloud)]

1. cloud
2. Anan, an Israelite

Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
Anan

The same as anan; cloud; Anan, an Israelite -- Anan.

see HEBREW anan

NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Origin
from 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
• “By day the LORD went before them in a pillar of cloud” (Exodus 13:21).
• The name Anan thus recalls Israel’s historic reliance on divine leading.
2. God’s Presence and Glory
• “The cloud filled the house of the LORD” (1 Kings 8:10–11).
• A covenant signer named “Cloud” stands as a reminder that the renewed community desired Yahweh’s abiding presence in post-exilic Jerusalem.
3. Promise of Coming Salvation
Daniel 7:13 presents “One like a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven,” later echoed by Jesus (Matthew 24:30). By bearing a “cloud” name, Anan’s participation in covenant renewal foreshadows the eschatological hope embedded in Israel’s Scriptures.

Related Biblical Imagery

Clouds symbolize:
• Protection (Psalm 105:39)
• Judgment (Ezekiel 30:3)
• Revelation (Exodus 19:9)
• Ascension and return of Christ (Acts 1:9; Revelation 1:7)

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.
2. Living Under the Cloud

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.
3. Anticipating Greater Glory

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 aNan
Links
Interlinear GreekInterlinear HebrewStrong's NumbersEnglishman's Greek ConcordanceEnglishman's Hebrew ConcordanceParallel Texts
Englishman's Concordance
Nehemiah 10:26
HEB: וַאֲחִיָּ֥ה חָנָ֖ן עָנָֽן׃
NAS: Ahiah, Hanan, Anan,
KJV: And Ahijah, Hanan, Anan,
INT: Ahiah Hanan Anan

1 Occurrence

Strong's Hebrew 6052
1 Occurrence


‘ā·nān — 1 Occ.

6051
Top of Page
Top of Page