Lexical Definition
עָנַן ʻânan (aw-nan') to cloud H:V
a primitive root; to cover; used only as a denominative from עָנָן, to cloud over
[idiom] bring, enchanter, Meonemin, observe(-r of) times, soothsayer, sorcerer.
- figuratively, to act covertly, i.e. practise magic
1) (Piel) to make appear, produce, bring (clouds)
2) (Poel) to practise soothsaying, conjure
2a) to observe times, practice soothsaying or spiritism or magic or augury or witchcraft
2b) soothsayer, enchanter, sorceress, diviner, fortuneteller, barbarian, Meonenim (participle)
See Greek: ἄνομος · ἀποβλέπω · ἀποφθέγγομαι · ἀτμίς · βλέπω · γνόφος · νέφος · σκότος
| Form | Translated As | In Verse(s) |
|---|---|---|
| מְעוֹנְנִֽים | soothsayer | Judg.9.37 |
Extended Information
- This name means soothsaying or augury
Brown-Driver-Briggs
[עָנַן] verb denominative Pi`el Infinitive construct suffix with accusative of congnate meaning with verb עַלהָֿאָרֶץ ׳בְּעַנְנִי ע Gen 9:14 (P) when I bring clouds, etc.
II. [עָנַן] verb Po`. practice soothsaying (probably denominative, but original meaning dubious; connection with I. עָנָן (DeIsa 2:6) now generally abandoned; LöwZMG xxxi (1877), 539 compare עַיִן eye, so WeSkizzen iii. 148 (but see below); RSJPhil xiv (1885), 119 f. compare Arabic nasal twang, hum of insects, whence diviners as crooning; Ew Gerber31 of diviner as interpreting hum of insects, whisper of leaves, etc.; WeHeid. 2, 204 now compare
appear, i. e. dealers in phenomena); — Perfect 3 masculine singular consecutive וְעוֺנֵן 2Kgs 21:6 = 2Chr 33:6 Imperfect 2 masculine plural וְלֹא תְעוֺנֵ֑נוּ Lev 19:26 (H); Participle as substantive מְעוֺנֵן Deut 18:10 (forbidden), plural מְעֹנְנִים vDeut 18:14, ׳מְעוֺ Mic 5:11*, אֵלוֺן מְעוֺנְנִים Judg 9:37 (see I. אֵלוֺן; seat of an oracle, compare RSSem i. 179 2nd ed. 196); also (without מְ, compare Sta§ 233 Köi. 349) עֹנְנִים Isa 2:6, suffix עֹנְנֵיכֶם Jer 27:9 feminine singular in בְּנֵי עֹנְנָה Isa 57:3 sons of a soothsaying woman, figurative of apostates. — see כִּשֵּׁף, II. [נָחַשׁ], [קָסַם].
ענז (√ of following; see Biblical Hebrew ענז, עֵז).
Brown-Driver-Briggs References
| Book | Refs |
|---|---|
| Genesis | 9:14 |
| Leviticus | 19:26 |
| Deuteronomy | 18:10 · 18:14 |
| Judges | 9:37 |
| 2 Kings | 21:6 |
| 2 Chronicles | 33:6 |
| Isaiah | 2:6 · 57:3 |
| Jeremiah | 27:9 |
| Micah | 5:11* |
Profile
Diviners' Oak • A tree near Shechem, associated with pagan divination practices.
The Diviners' Oak was a tree near Shechem, likely associated with pagan divination practices (Judges 9:37).
- A location in Shechem שְׁכֶם only mentioned at Jdg.9.37;
- only referred to as Diviners'_Oak עָנַן אֵלוֹן.
The Diviners' Oak was a tree located near the city of Shechem, mentioned in the story of Abimelech's rise to power (Judges 9:37). It was likely a prominent tree used by pagan diviners for their occult practices. In the context of the story, Gaal, one of Abimelech's opponents, refers to the Diviners' Oak when warning of an approaching army. The mention of this tree suggests that pagan divination practices were still prevalent in the region during the time of the judges. The Diviners' Oak stands as a reminder of the Israelites' struggle to remain faithful to God in the face of surrounding pagan influences.
All entries for Diviners' Oak: עָנַן