Meaning
The Anakim were a people of great stature who lived in the land of Canaan before the Israelites entered the Promised Land.
They are identified in Scripture as the descendants of Anak and are remembered for their impressive size and strength.
Biblical Usage
The Anakim appear in the Old Testament during Israel’s journey from Egypt to Canaan.
The spies sent by Moses reported seeing the children of Anak in the land, describing them as formidable inhabitants. Later passages record that Joshua defeated many of the Anakim during the conquest of Canaan, although some remained in cities such as Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod.
Key References
- Numbers 13:22
- Numbers 13:28
- Numbers 13:33
- Deuteronomy 1:28
- Deuteronomy 2:10-11
- Deuteronomy 9:2
- Joshua 11:21-22
- Joshua 14:12-15
- Joshua 15:13-14
Related Terms
- Giants
- Canaan
- Spies
- Conquest
- Nephilim
- Hebron