Bible Encyclopedias
Zaanan

　　(Heb. Tsaanâ n, צִאֲנָן; Sept. Σενναάρ ; Vulg. in exitu), a place named by Micah (Micah 1:11) in his address to the towns of the Shefelah. This sentence, like others of the same passage, contains a play of words founded on the meaning (or on a possible meaning) of the name Zaanan, as derived from yatsâ, to go forth: "The inhabitress of Tsaanan came not forth." Both Gesenius and First, however, connect the word with צאֹן, making it mean a place abounding with (or fit for) flocks. The division of the passage shown in the Sept and A.V., by which Zaanan is connected with Beth-ezel, is now generally recognized as inaccurate. It is thus given by Dr. Pusey, in his Commnentaryns,"The inhabitant of Zaanan came not forth. The mourning of Beth-ezel shall take from you its standing." So also Ewald, De Wette, and Zunz. The place is doubtless identical with ZENAN (See ZENAN) (q.v.).