Anath
PeopleWhat is the meaning of Anath in the Bible?
Anath was the father of Shamgar, a judge of Israel mentioned in Judges 3:31 and 5:6. The name is linguistically connected to the Canaanite goddess Anat, indicating the presence of Canaanite naming conventions among Israelites during the period of the Judges.
SIGNIFICANCE
Understanding Anath as a figure with a theophoric name helps readers recognize the cultural and religious syncretism present in early Israelite society, where Canaanite linguistic and religious elements persisted alongside Yahwistic worship.
Bible Study Quick-Reference Guide
Genealogy & Community Insight: When reading, notice how the lineage and actions of Anath reveal God's preservation of family clans and community records across generations.
Bible Study Reflection Prompts:
- Why did the biblical author mention Anath in this passage?
- What cultural or historical assumption does Anath clarify?
Scripture Passages Mentioned:
Judges 3:31
Source Attribution
Built upon the 1915 International Standard Bible Encyclopedia and Easton's Bible Dictionary (1897). Entries have been modernized, checked for academic truthfulness, and shortened for clarity.
How to Cite This Entry
"Anath." Ancient Context Dictionary. Accessed 2026. https://ancientcontext.com/context/anath/