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עֲנָוָה

𐤏𐤍𐤅𐤄

ʻănâvâh

H6038 noun

SILEX Entry

Root ענה to be bowed down, to be afflicted, to be humbled

Definition

Disposition characterized by a humble, unassuming attitude—frequently translated as 'humility' or 'meekness'—expressed in modest self-regard, lack of arrogance, and a gentle manner. May refer to the quality of being lowly in spirit, recognizing one's position before others or the divine. In some contexts, reflects restraint of power or status for the sake of others.

Semantic Range

humility, modesty, meekness, gentle disposition, restraining one's status, willing submission, lowliness of mind, restraint of power

Root / Etymology

Derived from the root ענה (ʿ-n-h), whose core meaning is 'to be bowed down, to be afflicted, to be humbled.' עֲנָוָה is the noun form corresponding to the quality or state of being 'humble' (from עָנָו‎). While the root most often refers to affliction or oppression in other noun forms, here it denotes voluntary or internalized humility rather than external suffering.

Historical & Contextual Notes

עֲנָוָה (ʿănāvâh) appears principally in later biblical Hebrew, especially in wisdom literature such as Proverbs, and in Psalms. In these contexts, it denotes a praiseworthy and desirable disposition, associated with being teachable, not seeking one's own advancement, and responding gently to others. Unlike some English translations that render it as 'meekness,' which can connote weakness or passivity, the Hebrew concept regularly aligns with strength under control and an intentional positioning of oneself with humility. In Second Temple and later periods, עֲנָוָה became a central attribute of the righteous. Distinct from words denoting humiliation by external force, עֲנָוָה refers to a self-chosen or inner humility. The translation 'gentleness' only captures part of the semantic range; the primary focus remains on humility and modesty before others and before God. Although English 'meekness' or 'humility' are broad equivalents, they do not entirely encompass the positive, active aspect of the Hebrew term. In biblical contexts, עֲנָוָה does not imply low self-worth but rather a measured and modest disposition, often in contrast to pride (גָּאוֹן‎ ga'ōn).

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from עָנָו; condescension, human and subjective (modesty), or divine and objective (clemency); gentleness, humility, meekness.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

ענה (ʿ-n-h) — to be bowed down, to be afflicted, to be humbled

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H1042 בֵּית עֲנוֹת answering of
H1195 בַּעֲנָא Son of Affliction
H1196 בַּעֲנָה In Affliction
H2057 וַנְיָה Yah Answers
H3283 יָעֵן ostriches

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H6038-01 עֲנָוָ֔ה anavah HNcfsa humility humble lowliness 4

Occurrences in Scripture

4 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H6038-01 Zephaniah 2:3 עֲנָוָ֔ה anavah HNcfsa humility humble lowliness
H6038-01 Proverbs 15:33 עֲנָוָֽה anavah HNcfsa humility humble lowliness
H6038-01 Proverbs 18:12 עֲנָוָֽה anavah HNcfsa humility humble lowliness
H6038-01 Proverbs 22:4 עֲ֭נָוָה anavah HNcfsa humility humble lowliness
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