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הֵן

𐤄𐤍

hên

H2005 particle

SILEX Entry

Root uncertain to point out, to indicate, to draw attention

Definition

An interjection and particle used to draw emphatic attention to a statement or situation, often translated as 'behold,' 'look,' or 'here is.' It introduces something noteworthy or calling for special attention. In some constructions, it functions as a conditional or asseverative particle ('if,' 'indeed,' 'surely'), but its primary sense is deictic and demonstrative, drawing the audience's focus to what follows.

Semantic Range

behold, look, see, here is, if (conditional), though, surely, indeed, introducing noteworthy information, asseverative particle

Root / Etymology

Root uncertain. הֵן is a particle; its origin is debated, possibly related to other Semitic demonstrative and interjective forms (cf. Aramaic הן, Ugaritic hn), but no clear verbal or nominal root is attested in Hebrew. Distinct from the root חנה or other similarly spelled words.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Hebrew Bible, הֵן typically introduces statements of importance or divine declarations, and is employed throughout all periods of biblical literature. In narrative, prophetic, and poetic texts, it often serves as an attention-getting device—comparable to, but more versatile than, the English 'behold.' Later biblical Hebrew uses הֵן also as a conditional particle equivalent to 'if' or 'though,' especially in formal, legal, or wisdom literature. It contrasts with the particle הִנֵּה (hinneh), which has a stronger deictic or narrative emphasis, and with אִם (’im), the primary conditional particle. Some English translations conflate הֵן with הִנֵּה ('behold'), but distinctions remain in Hebrew usage: הֵן may be more abstract or logical, while הִנֵּה is more immediate and visual. In rabbinic and post-biblical Hebrew, the usage of הֵן narrows, with preference for other particles. In modern English Bibles, its various renderings often fail to reflect its nuanced functions, particularly in conditional or asseverative statements.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primitive particle; lo!; also (as expressing surprise) if; behold, if, lo, though.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

הן (h-n) — to point out, to indicate, to draw attention

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H2006 הֵן Look!
H2007 הֵנָּה in these
H2008 הֵנָּה to here
H2009 הִנֵּה Look—you!
H3860 לָהֵן therefore

Word Forms

15 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H2005-07 הִנְנִ֥/י hineni HTj/Sp1cs behold I look—here I am 167
H2005-01 הֵ֤ן hen HTm Behold Look! 97
H2005-03 הִנָּ֕/ם hinam HTm/Sp3mp behold they look at them 15
H2005-08 הִנֶּ/נּ֤וּ hinenu HTm/Sp1cp Behold we Here we are 7
H2005-12 וְ/הִנָּ֖/ם vehinam HC/Tm/Sp3mp and behold they and look— them 7
H2005-05 הִנְּ/ךָ֤ hinekha HTm/Sp2ms behold you look—you 6
H2005-13 וְ/הִנְּ/ךָ֙ vehinekha HC/Tj/Sp2ms and behold you and look—you 4
H2005-02 הִנָּ֤/ךְ hinakhe HTm/Sp2fs Behold, you Look—you 4
H2005-15 וְ/הִנְ/נִ֥י vehineni HC/Tj/Sp1cs and behold I and behold me 3
H2005-09 הִנּ֣/וֹ hino HTj/Sp3ms behold he behold him 2

Occurrences in Scripture

318 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H2005-01 Genesis 3:22 הֵ֤ן hen HTm Behold Look!
H2005-01 Genesis 4:14 הֵן֩ hen HTm Behold Look!
H2005-15 Genesis 6:13 וְ/הִנְ/נִ֥י vehineni HC/Tj/Sp1cs and behold I and behold me
H2005-07 Genesis 9:9 הִנְנִ֥/י hineni HTj/Sp1cs behold, I look—here I am
H2005-01 Genesis 11:6 הֵ֣ן hen HTm Behold Look!
H2005-01 Genesis 15:3 הֵ֣ן hen HTm Behold Look!
H2005-01 Genesis 19:34 הֵן hen HTm Behold Look!
H2005-01 Genesis 27:11 הֵ֣ן hen HTm Behold Look!
H2005-01 Genesis 27:37 הֵ֣ן hen HTm behold Look!
H2005-01 Genesis 29:7 הֵ֥ן hen HTm Behold Look!
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