עֲנָמִים
𐤏𐤍𐤌𐤉𐤌
Anamim
H6047 noun
SILEX Entry
Definition
ʻĂnāmîm refers to the Anamim, a group or people appearing in genealogical lists as descendants of Mizraim (Egypt) in Genesis 10:13 and 1 Chronicles 1:11. The term functions as a proper ethnonym, designating a people group, likely situated geographically in relation to ancient Egypt. No clear evidence establishes a Hebrew meaning beyond the name itself, which appears only in genealogical contexts. The semantic range is thus restricted to a proper name for this non-Israelite people.
Semantic Range
proper name of a people group descended from Mizraim (Egypt); an ethnonym; name of a group associated with Egypt
Root / Etymology
Root/Etymology: The word עֲנָמִים (ʻĂnāmîm) is best understood as a loan, possibly Egyptian in origin, and not derivable from a standard Hebrew root. Strong's suggests the plural ending (ים-) with the base taken as an Egyptian term, but the Egyptian etymology remains uncertain. The formation appears as a plural proper noun.
Historical & Contextual Notes
Historical & Contextual Notes: The word עֲנָמִים appears only in Genesis 10:13 and 1 Chronicles 1:11, both within the so-called 'Table of Nations'—ancient genealogical schemas that assign groups descending from Noah's sons. ʻĂnāmîm is listed among descendants of Mizraim, generally understood as Egypt, and likely refers to a group known to ancient Israelites as inhabiting a region in or adjacent to Egypt. The historical identity of the Anamim is uncertain; some suggest possible links with groups mentioned in later Egyptian or classical sources, but no consensus exists. The term remains an ethnonym rather than an ethnic, national, religious, or geographic designation familiar in later periods. English translations retain the Hebrew form 'Anamim' due to the absence of further historical or geographical information; prior traditions sometimes read this as a generalized 'people of Anam.' Later translations and religious traditions may conflate 'Anamim' with other North African or Egyptian groups, but the biblical usage is limited and specific to genealogy lists without narrative expansion or theological development.
Original Strong's Gloss (1890)
xlit ʻĂnâmîm corrected to ʻĂnâmîym; as if plural of some Egyptian word; Anamim, a son of Mizraim and his descendants, with their country; Anamim.
Bantu Hebrew
No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.
+ Add Bantu Hebrew WordRoot Family
uncertain (unknown) — uncertain; not a standard Hebrew root; possible Egyptian loanword designating a people group or region
| Strong's | Lemma | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
| H1085 | בִּלְדַּד | Bildad |
| H1095 | בֵּלְטְשַׁאצַּר | Belteshatsar |
| H1114 | בִּלְשָׁן | Bilshan |
| H1150 | בִּנְעָא | Bin'a |
| H116 | אֱדַיִן | and then |
Word Forms
1 distinct form
| SIDANCE | Surface | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 | Occurrences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6047-01 |
עֲנָמִ֛ים | anamim | HNgmpa |
Anamim | Anamim | 2 |
Occurrences in Scripture
2 total occurrences
| SIDANCE | Reference | Word | Transliteration | Morphology | Common | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
H6047-01 |
Genesis 10:13 | עֲנָמִ֛ים | anamim | HNgmpa |
Anamim | Anamim |
H6047-01 |
1 Chronicles 1:11 | עֲנָמִ֛ים | anamim | HNp |
the Anamites | Anamim |