וְ/לָ֨/מָּה֙
𐤅/𐤋/𐤌𐤄
mâh
and why
An interrogative particle used principally to ask about the nature, identity, quantity, or quality of entities or actions, often translated as 'what?' or 'how?'. Also functions in exclamations and indefinite or relative senses (e.g., 'whatever', 'that which'). The precise meaning is heavily context-dependent, ranging from direct questions ('what is this?'), to expressions of astonishment ('how mighty!'), to indirect questions or statements ('whatever you do').
1 Samuel 9:21 · Word #17
Lexicon H4100
| Lemma | מָה |
| Lemma (Paleo) | 𐤌𐤄 |
| Transliteration | mâh |
| Strong's | H4100 |
| Definition | An interrogative particle used principally to ask about the nature, identity, quantity, or quality of entities or actions, often translated as 'what?' or 'how?'. Also functions in exclamations and indefinite or relative senses (e.g., 'whatever', 'that which'). The precise meaning is heavily context-dependent, ranging from direct questions ('what is this?'), to expressions of astonishment ('how mighty!'), to indirect questions or statements ('whatever you do'). |
Morphology HC/R/Ti
All morphology codes
| Part of Speech | T — Particle — Function word |
| Subtype | i — Interrogative — Interrogative |
Common Translation
| Phrase | and why |
SIBI-P1 Translation H4100-19
and for what?
| Morphological Notes | Interrogative particle מָה with prefixed conjunction וְ ('and') and preposition לְ ('to/for'); no gender or number; functions adverbially. |
| Rendering Rationale | The base interrogative particle מָה expresses inquiry or specification ('what?'). With prefixed וְ ('and') and לָ ('to/for'), the form וְלָמָּה literally carries the sense 'and for what?', which idiomatically extends to 'and why?' while preserving the interrogative force. |
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