anakim Summary and Overview

the descendants of Anak (Josh. 11:21; Num. 13:33; Deut. 9:2). They dwelt in the south of Israel, in the neighbourhood of Hebron (Gen. 23:2; Josh. 15:13). In the days of Abraham (Gen. 14:5, 6) they inhabited the region afterwards known as Edom and Moab, east of the Jordan. They were probably a remnant of the original inhabitants of Israel before the Canaanites, a Cushite tribe from Babel, and of the same race as the Phoenicians and the Egyptian shepherd kings. Their formidable warlike appearance, as described by the spies sent to search the land, filled the Israelites with terror. They seem to have identified them with the Nephilim, the "giants" (Gen. 6:4; Num. 13:33) of the antediluvian age. There were various tribes of Anakim (Josh. 15:14). Joshua finally expelled them from the land, except a remnant that found a refuge in the cities of Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod (Josh. 11:22). The Philistine giants whom David encountered (2 Sam. 21:15-22) were descendants of the Anakim. (See GIANTS T0001474.)

(long-necked), a race of giants, descendants of Arba, #Jos 15:13; 21:11| dwelling in the southern part of Canaan, and particularly at Hebron, which from their progenitor received the name of "city of Arba." Anak was the name of the race rather than that of an individual. #Jos 14:15| The race appears to have been divided into three tribes or families, bearing the names Sheshai, Ahiman and Talmai. Though the war-like appearance of the Anakim had struck the Israelites with terror in the time of Moses, #Nu 13:28; De 9:2| they were nevertheless dispossessed by Joshua, #Jos 11:21,22| and their chief city, Hebron, became the possession of Caleb. #Jos 15:14; Jud 1:20| After this time they vanish from history.

AN'AKIM (Anak, sing., neck chain ; Anakim, plur., long-necked persons), a race of giants, the descendants of Arba, who gave the name of Kirjath-arba, city of Arba, to the city which the Jews called Hebron. The name Anak belongs to the race, not to an individual. The race was divided into three tribes, called in common the Anakim, and remarkable for their fierceness and stature. In the time of the Conquest they occupied the territory between Hebron and Jerusalem. Josh 11:21, Josh 11:22. Their gigantic size had terrified the spies Moses sent out. Num 13:28, but they were defeated by the Israelites, who entered into their possessions, Hebron becoming the portion of Caleb. Josh 14:15. See Giants

(long-necked, or strong-necked). Descended from Arba (Joshua 15:13; Joshua 21:11), dwelling in the S. of Canaan. Hebron was called from him Kirjath Arba, i.e. city of Arba. Anak is the name of the race rather than an individual; compare Joshua 14:15. The three tribes bore the names of Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai. They were in the spies' time a terror to Israel (Numbers 13:28), but were destroyed by Joshua, except a remnant who escaped to the Philistine cities, Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod (Joshua 11:21-22). Caleb, who brought tidings as a spy concerning them, was eventually their destroyer (Joshua 15:14). Hence we find a giant race among the Philistines, and in Gath, in David's days (1 Samuel 17; 2 Samuel 21:15-22); an undesigned coincidence between the independent histories Joshua and 1 and 2 Samuel, confirming the truth of both. Their chief city Hebron became Caleb's possession for his faith, shown in having no fear of their giant stature since the Lord was on Israel's side (Joshua 15:14; Judges 1:20; compare Numbers 13:22; Numbers 13:28; Numbers 13:30-33; Numbers 14:24). They are represented on Egyptian monuments as tall and fair. The hieroglyphic Tanmahu represents Talmai, and one of his tribe is depicted on the tomb of Oimenapthah I.