אֲנָחָה
a.na.chah (H0585)
sighing
AI Word Study
# אֲנָחָה (anachah): Sighing in Biblical Hebrew The Hebrew word *anachah* denotes sighing—a physical expression of emotional distress or heaviness. With eleven occurrences in the Bible, this term captures a specific vocal manifestation of internal suffering, distinct from other expressions of grief. The word appears rarely enough to suggest that biblical writers reserved it for moments when sighing carried particular significance, rather than treating it as a casual or everyday utterance. The term's limited frequency and focused meaning indicate that sighing functioned as a meaningful indicator of psychological or spiritual strain in biblical narratives. Unlike more commonly used words for grief or lamentation, *anachah* emphasizes the involuntary or semi-conscious nature of distress—the kind that escapes one's lips rather than being formally expressed. This distinction suggests that ancient Hebrew speakers recognized sighing as an authentic marker of genuine, often profound, emotional burden.
AI synthesis uses only provided lexicon data -- never training knowledge.
For my sighing comes before I eat. My groanings are poured out like water.
“Even today my complaint is rebellious. His hand is heavy in spite of my groaning.
I am weary with my groaning. Every night I flood my bed. I drench my couch with my tears.
For my life is spent with sorrow, my years with sighing. My strength fails because of my iniquity. My bones are wasted away.
Lord, all my desire is before you. My groaning is not hidden from you.
A grievous vision is declared to me. The treacherous man deals treacherously, and the destroyer destroys. Go up, Elam; attack! I have stopped all of Media’s sighing.
Then Yahweh’s ransomed ones will return, and come with singing to Zion; and everlasting joy will be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy, and sorrow and sighing will flee away.”
Those ransomed by Yahweh will return, and come with singing to Zion. Everlasting joy shall be on their heads. They will obtain gladness and joy. Sorrow and sighing shall flee away.
‘You said, “Woe is me now! For Yahweh has added sorrow to my pain! I am weary with my groaning, and I find no rest.” ’
“Let all their wickedness come before you. Do to them as you have done to me for all my transgressions. For my sighs are many, and my heart is faint.