Bible Dictionaries
Anak, Anakim

Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible

ANAK, ANAKIM . Early inhabitants of the high levels of Judah, whom tradition credited with colossal height. The word Anak is properly a race-name, and, being often used with the article, it is really an appellative, probably meaning ‘the long-necked (people).’ In the genealogizing narrative of Joshua 15:13-14 there were three sons or clans of Anak; Sheshai, Ahiman, and Talmai. These were all driven out by Caleb (cf. Judges 1:20 ). Joshua 11:21 gives them a wider habitat , as scattered over the hill-country of Palestine generally, whence they were exterminated by Joshua. In Gaza, Gath, and Ashdod some remnants were to be found after Joshua’s time ( Joshua 11:22 ). See also Arba.

J. F. McCurdy.

Bibliography Information
Hastings, James. Entry for 'Anak, Anakim'. Hastings' Dictionary of the Bible. https://www.studylight.org/​dictionaries/​eng/​hdb/​a/anak-anakim.html. 1909.