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יַעַן

𐤉𐤏𐤍

yaʻan

H3282 conjunction

SILEX Entry

Root עין (uncertain) to heed, pay attention, respond (uncertain)

Definition

Causal particle introducing an explanation, justification, or reason; most often rendered 'because', 'on account of', or 'since.' Functions adverbially or conjunctively to introduce the grounds or motivation for a preceding or following statement. Often appears in divine pronouncements, legal texts, or prophetic speech to mark the rationale for an action, judgment, or event; it does not denote purpose or finality, but rather gives the pre-existing or motivating rationale for the stated situation.

Semantic Range

because, on account of, since, forasmuch as, inasmuch as, seeing that, for the reason that

Root / Etymology

Possibly from the unused root עוּן attested in other Semitic languages with the meaning 'to pay attention to' or 'to respond'. However, the exact etymology and root are uncertain, as no Hebrew verb עָעַן exists. The form יַעַן likely fossilized early as a fixed causal particle.

Historical & Contextual Notes

יַעַן appears throughout biblical texts, especially in formulaic speech from YHWH or in legal contexts, introducing the reason for a decision or action (e.g., 'Because you have done this...'). In exilic and post-exilic literature, its function remains as a causal marker. English translations usually render it as 'because', but the nuance may include 'on account of', 'since', or 'inasmuch as', depending on context. Other Hebrew causal particles like כִּי ('because', 'for') and עַל כֵּן ('therefore') partially overlap with יַעַן, but יַעַן emphasizes the reason or grounds for an action rather than logical conclusions. The term never functions to express purpose ('in order that'), only cause.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from an unused root meaning to pay attention; properly, heed; by implication, purpose (sake or account); used adverbially to indicate the reason or cause; because (that), forasmuch ([phrase] as), seeing then, [phrase] that, [phrase] wheras, [phrase] why.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

עין (ʿ-y-n) — heed, pay attention, respond (uncertain)

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H2704 חֲצַר עֵינָן Spring-Eyed One
H4599 מַעְיָן the springs
H5770 עָוַן the hostile-watching one
H5869 עַיִן eyes
H5870 עַיִן my eye

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H3282-03 יַ֚עַן yaan HC because because 96
H3282-02 וּ/בְ/יַ֔עַן uveyaan HC/R/C and-because and on account of 2
H3282-01 בְּ/יַ֡עַן beyaan HR/C because because 1

Occurrences in Scripture

99 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H3282-03 Genesis 22:16 יַ֚עַן yaan HC because because
H3282-03 Leviticus 26:43 יַ֣עַן yaan HC because because
H3282-02 Leviticus 26:43 וּ/בְ/יַ֔עַן uveyaan HC/R/C and-because and on account of
H3282-03 Numbers 11:20 יַ֗עַן yaan HC because because
H3282-03 Numbers 20:12 יַ֚עַן yaan HC because because
H3282-03 Deuteronomy 1:36 יַ֕עַן yaan HC because because
H3282-03 Joshua 14:14 יַ֚עַן yaan HC because because
H3282-03 Judges 2:20 יַעַן֩ yaan HC Because because
H3282-03 1 Samuel 15:23 יַ֗עַן yaan HC Because because
H3282-03 1 Samuel 30:22 יַ֚עַן yaan HC Because because
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