The meaning of “אָנָּא”
Understanding ʼânnâʼ reveals the original theological depth often simplified in translation.
or אָנָּה ʼânnâh (awn-naw'); apparent contracted from אַהֲבָה and נָא I (me) beseech (pray) thee, O. - oh now! 1) ah now...
אָנָּא
or אָנָּה ʼânnâh (awn-naw'); apparent contracted from אַהֲבָה and נָא I (me) beseech (pray) thee, O. - oh now! 1) ah now! I/we beseech you, oh now!, pray now! (participle of entreaty usually followed by the imperative verb)
Occurrences in the Bible
| Reference | Text | |
|---|---|---|
| Genesis 50:17 | “So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.” Word: אָנָּא (ʼânnâʼ) | |
| Exodus 32:31 | “And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.” Word: אָנָּא (ʼânnâʼ) | |
| 2 Kings 20:3 | “I beseech thee, O Lord, remember now how I have walked before thee in truth and with a perfect heart, and have done that which is good in thy sight. And Hezekiah wept sore.” Word: אָנָּא (ʼânnâʼ) | |
| Nehemiah 1:11 | “O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king’s cupbearer. ” Word: אָנָּא (ʼânnâʼ) | |
| Psalms 116:16 | “O Lord, truly I am thy servant; I am thy servant, and the son of thine handmaid: thou hast loosed my bonds.” Word: אָנָּא (ʼânnâʼ) |