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לָהֵן

𐤋𐤄𐤍

lâhên

H3861 conjunction

SILEX Entry

Root uncertain to indicate consequence, to signify result or exception

Definition

An Aramaic conjunction used primarily to indicate consequence or logical result, with the primary sense of 'therefore, consequently, for this reason.' In certain contexts, may introduce exceptions ('but, except, save'). Frequently used as a logical connector in Aramaic narrative and legal discourse.

Semantic Range

therefore, consequently, for this reason, wherefore, except, but, save

Root / Etymology

Root uncertain. Possibly related to a Semitic demonstrative or deictic element (compare Hebrew לָכֵן lakhēn, 'therefore') with an appended particle. The form לָהֵן developed as the Aramaic equivalent, serving a similar connective and resultative function. The precise morphological derivation is debated in Semitic linguistics.

Historical & Contextual Notes

לָהֵן appears only in the Aramaic sections of the Hebrew Bible, especially in Daniel and Ezra. It functions mainly as a logical connective, signaling that what follows is a conclusion, inference, or result stemming from preceding statements. In some contexts, especially in legal or formal Aramaic, it can introduce an exception or contrast ('except, but'), though this usage is less common in the biblical corpus. Its range overlaps with but is distinct from Hebrew לָכֵן, which also means 'therefore' but is not interchangeable outside Aramaic contexts. English translations occasionally render לָהֵן as 'wherefore' or 'save,' but this can obscure its primary resultative force; care should be taken not to conflate the nuanced temporal or logical relations it signals. In later Jewish Aramaic and Syriac, cognate forms retained this conjoinitive function. The use of resultative conjunctions in biblical Aramaic reflects broader Northwest Semitic discourse patterns, distinct from Hebrew narrative style.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

xlit lâwhên corrected to lâhên; (Aramaic) corresponding to לָהֵן; therefore; also except; but, except, save, therefore, wherefore.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

להן (uncertain) (l-h-n (uncertain)) — consequence, result, logical inference, exception

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H3861-01 לָהֵ֣ן lahen AC except therefore 8

Occurrences in Scripture

8 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H3861-01 Daniel 2:11 לָהֵ֣ן lahen AC except therefore
H3861-01 Daniel 2:30 לָהֵ֗ן lahen AC but therefore
H3861-01 Daniel 3:28 לָהֵ֖ן lahen AC except therefore
H3861-01 Daniel 4:24 לָהֵ֣ן lahen AC Therefore therefore
H3861-01 Daniel 6:6 לָהֵ֕ן lahen AC therefore therefore
H3861-01 Daniel 6:8 לָהֵן֙ lahen AC except therefore
H3861-01 Daniel 6:13 לָהֵן֙ lahen AC save therefore
H3861-01 Ezra 5:12 לָהֵ֗ן lahen AC but therefore
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