Bible Dictionary
Anath
Anath was the father of Shamgar, one of Israel’s judges. The name may preserve a connection with the Canaanite goddess Anat, though Scripture presents Anath as a personal name.
Definition
Anath was the father of Shamgar. The name is explained as “answer” or “an answer,” with the fuller sense connected with prayer.
Biblical Usage
Anath is mentioned as the father of Shamgar, one of Israel’s judges. The name occurs in the accounts associated with Shamgar’s deliverance of Israel.
Historical Background
The name is connected in the supplied material with the Phoenician and Canaanite goddess Anat, who was also worshiped in Egypt. Scripture itself presents Anath as a personal name.
Scripture References
Related Figures
Historical Bible Dictionaries
Easton's Bible Dictionary
An answer; i.e., to “prayer”, the father of Shamgar, who was one of the judges of Israel (Judg. 3:31).
Smith's Bible Dictionary
(answer), father of Shamgar. (Judges 3:31; 5:6)
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia (ISBE)
<p>a'-nath (`anath): Father of Shamgar (Jud 3:31; 5:6). This name is connected with the Phoenician and Canaanite goddess `Anat, which was also worshipped in Egypt. She is mentioned in monuments of the 18th Dynasty, coupled with the war- goddess Astart (Moore, Judges, 105-896; DB; EB).</p>