לְ/מָ֣א
𐤋/𐤌𐤀
mâʼ
for-what
Interrogative particle indicating a question about identity, nature, or value; introduces inquiries into what something is, or what kind, analogous to 'what?' or 'which?' in English. Depending on context, can indicate request for specification, explanation, or introduction of indefinite or relative clauses.
Ezra 6:8 · Word #4
Lexicon H3964
| Lemma | מָא |
| Lemma (Paleo) | 𐤌𐤀 |
| Transliteration | mâʼ |
| Strong's | H3964 |
| Definition | Interrogative particle indicating a question about identity, nature, or value; introduces inquiries into what something is, or what kind, analogous to 'what?' or 'which?' in English. Depending on context, can indicate request for specification, explanation, or introduction of indefinite or relative clauses. |
Morphology AR/Pfxcs
All morphology codes
| Part of Speech | P — Pronoun — Substitutes for a noun |
| Subtype | f — Indefinite — Indefinite |
Common Translation
| Phrase | for-what |
SIBI-P1 Translation H3964-02
to what?
| Morphological Notes | Preposition לְ (to/for) prefixed to interrogative/indefinite pronoun מָא; singular, no gender distinction. |
| Rendering Rationale | The form combines the prepositional prefix לְ (“to/for”) with the interrogative pronoun מָא (“what?”). Rendering it as “to what?” preserves both the directional prefix and the root sense of inquiry inherent in מ־א. |
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