לְמַ֨עַן֙
𐤋𐤌𐤏𐤍
lemaan
so that / in order that
from עָנָה; properly, heed, i.e. purpose; used only adverbially, on account of (as a motive or an aim), teleologically, in order that; because of, to the end (intent) that, for (to,... 's sake), [phrase] lest, that, to.
Genesis 12:13 · Word #5
Lexicon H4616
| Lemma | מַעַן |
| Lemma (Paleo) | 𐤌𐤏𐤍 |
| Transliteration | maʻan |
| Strong's | H4616 |
| In-context | so that / in order that |
Morphology HR
All morphology codes
| Part of Speech | R — Preposition — Shows relationship between words |
SIBI-P1 H4616-02
for the sake of (in heed to)
| Root | ענה (ʿ-n-h) |
| Core Meanings | to answer, respond, pay attention, heed, testify |
| Semantic Range | for the sake of, in order that, so that, to the end that, because of, on account of, lest (with negative outcome in view) |
| Conceptual Significance | לְמַעַן frequently introduces purpose clauses in covenantal and theological contexts, expressing divine or human action undertaken in responsive alignment with a stated goal—often "for the sake of" YHWH’s name, covenant, or commandments. It underscores intentionality and relational responsiveness within Israel’s covenant framework. |
| Morphological Notes | Prepositional particle formed with לְ ("to/for") prefixed to מַעַן; functions adverbially to express purpose, result, or motive. Indeclinable; no gender, number, or person marking. |
| Rendering Rationale | The term derives from the root ענה, conveying the idea of answering or heeding. לְמַעַן expresses purpose or motive—action taken in response to or in heed of something. The rendering "for the sake of (in heed to)" preserves both the teleological force and the underlying sense of responsive attention inherent in the root. |
AI-generated (openai/gpt-5.2-chat-latest)
Words from Root ענה (to answer, respond, pay attention, heed, testify)
| SILEX Code | Transliteration | SIBI-P1 |
|---|---|---|
H6030-01 |
aaneh | I will respond |
H6031-01 |
aanekhe | I will afflict you (feminine singular) |
H6034-01 |
anah | ʿAnah (Answer) |
Word Usage (272 occurrences of H4616)
| Location | Form | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| Genesis 12:13 | לְמַ֨עַן֙ | lemaan | so that / in order that |
| Genesis 18:19 | לְמַעַן֩ | lemaan | in order that |
| Genesis 18:19 | לְמַ֗עַן | lemaan-2 | so that |