אַ֖ךְ
𐤀𐤊
ʼak
but
A particle denoting affirmation, certainty, or limitation, used to assert the truth of a statement ('surely, indeed, truly'), express emphasis or exclusivity ('only, alone'), or introduce a restriction or contrast ('nevertheless, however'). Its exact sense depends on the context, ranging from marking what is certain or real to delimiting or qualifying a prior statement.
Genesis 20:12 · Word #7
Lexicon H389
| Lemma | אַךְ |
| Lemma (Paleo) | 𐤀𐤊 |
| Transliteration | ʼak |
| Strong's | H389 |
| Definition | A particle denoting affirmation, certainty, or limitation, used to assert the truth of a statement ('surely, indeed, truly'), express emphasis or exclusivity ('only, alone'), or introduce a restriction or contrast ('nevertheless, however'). Its exact sense depends on the context, ranging from marking what is certain or real to delimiting or qualifying a prior statement. |
Morphology HTa
All morphology codes
| Part of Speech | T — Particle — Function word |
| Subtype | a — Affirmation — Affirmation particle |
Common Translation
| Phrase | but |
SIBI-P1 Translation H389-01
surely
| Morphological Notes | Particle of affirmation/limitation; indeclinable. |
| Rendering Rationale | As a particle of affirmation, אַךְ fundamentally asserts certainty or reality. "Surely" preserves this core sense of emphatic affirmation while allowing for its limiting or qualifying nuance in broader usage. |
View full lexicon entry for H389 →
SILEX v2
SIBI-P2 (Context-Aware)
but
| Same as P1 | No — adjusted for context |
| Rationale | P1 'surely' is not contextually correct here; אַךְ signals contrast or limitation in this context, so 'but' is preferable per lexicon and common. |