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אָכֵן

𐤀𐤊𐤍

ʼâkên

H403 adverb

SILEX Entry

Root כון to be firm, established, set up, fixed

Definition

An adverb used to introduce an assertion of certainty or reality, most often translated as 'truly,' 'indeed,' or 'certainly.' It conveys the sense that something is factual, confirmed, or beyond doubt. In some contexts, it can introduce an unexpected or contrasting statement, serving a concessive or adversative function ('however,' 'nevertheless'). The precise nuance depends on sentence context, ranging from affirmation to mild opposition or transition.

Semantic Range

truly, certainly, indeed, surely, as a matter of fact, however, nevertheless, but (in adversative or concessive constructions), certainly so, in reality

Root / Etymology

From the root כון meaning 'to be firm, established, fixed.' אָכֵן likely represents a strengthening or intensifying of the foundational idea of certainty or reliability derived from the root. Its form is similar to the adverb כֵּן, to which it adds an element of emphasis or actuality. The connection to כון highlights the underlying sense of standing firmly or being established in truth or fact.

Historical & Contextual Notes

אָכֵן appears relatively infrequently in the Hebrew Bible, most often in poetic or elevated narrative contexts to underscore the reality or surprising truth of a previously discussed matter (e.g., Gen 28:16, Exod 2:14, Isa 40:7, 49:4). In some uses, especially when positioned at the head of a clause, it can introduce a realization or admission, sometimes unexpected (e.g., 'indeed it is so,' 'truly,' 'surely'), or a correction to a previous idea. English translations often render it as 'surely,' 'truly,' or 'indeed,' but these do not always capture the possible adversative or transitional nuance that the Hebrew sometimes carries. Compared to כֵּן, which broadly means 'so,' 'thus,' or 'rightly,' אָכֵן is more emphatic and can function rhetorically to mark a shift or heightened recognition. It does not carry theological or doctrinal content itself, but rather signals a degree of assurance about what follows. The use of 'verily' or 'but' in older English translations reflects attempts to convey both certitude and sometimes a slight adversative sense. The nuance must be judged by context.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

from כּוּן (compare כֵּן); firmly; figuratively, surely; also (advers.) but; but, certainly, nevertheless, surely, truly, verily.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

כון (k-w-n) — to be firm, established, fixed, set up

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H3078 יְהוֹיָכִין YHWH establishes
H3112 יוֹיָכִין Yahweh establishes
H3199 יָכִין to He-Establishes
H3200 יָכִינִי the Yakinite
H3204 יְכׇנְיָה Yah Establishes

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H403-01 אָכֵן֙ akhen HD Surely firmly so 18

Occurrences in Scripture

18 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H403-01 Genesis 28:16 אָכֵן֙ akhen HD Surely firmly so
H403-01 Exodus 2:14 אָכֵ֖ן akhen HD Surely firmly so
H403-01 1 Samuel 15:32 אָכֵ֖ן akhen HD Surely firmly so
H403-01 1 Kings 11:2 אָכֵן֙ akhen HD surely firmly so
H403-01 Isaiah 40:7 אָכֵ֥ן akhen HD surely firmly so
H403-01 Isaiah 45:15 אָכֵ֕ן akhen HD Truly firmly so
H403-01 Isaiah 49:4 אָכֵן֙ akhen HD yet surely firmly so
H403-01 Isaiah 53:4 אָכֵ֤ן akhen HD Surely firmly so
H403-01 Jeremiah 3:20 אָכֵ֛ן akhen HD Surely firmly so
H403-01 Jeremiah 3:23 אָכֵ֥ן akhen HD Truly firmly so
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