Bible Dictionary
Anan
Anan was one of the leaders who sealed the covenant with Nehemiah after the exile. The name is also associated with a returned exile in an apocryphal parallel account.
Definition
Anan was an Israelite leader who sealed the covenant made with Nehemiah after the return from Babylon. The name means “cloud.” The same name is also associated with a returned exile in 1 Esdras.
Biblical Usage
Anan is named among the heads of the people who signed the covenant recorded in Nehemiah. The biblical record identifies him as one of those formally committing themselves to the covenant.
Historical Background
Smith dates Anan’s participation in the covenant to approximately 410 B.C. A returned exile named Anan in 1 Esdras is identified with Hanan in Ezra and Nehemiah.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
Cloud, one of the Israelites who sealed the covenant after the return from Babylon (Neh. 10:26).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(a cloud), one of the “heads of the people” who signed the covenant with Nehemiah. (Nehemiah 10:26) (B.C. 410.)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>a'-nan (`anan, "cloud"):</p><p>(1) One of those who, with Nehemiah, sealed the covenant (Ne 10:26).</p><p>(2) A returned exile (1 Esdras 5:30). He is called Hanan in Ezr 2:46 and Ne 7:49.</p>