בַּ/מָּ֣ה
𐤁/𐤌𐤄
mâh
In what
An interrogative particle used principally to ask about the nature, identity, quantity, or quality of entities or actions, often translated as 'what?' or 'how?'. Also functions in exclamations and indefinite or relative senses (e.g., 'whatever', 'that which'). The precise meaning is heavily context-dependent, ranging from direct questions ('what is this?'), to expressions of astonishment ('how mighty!'), to indirect questions or statements ('whatever you do').
Malachi 1:2 · Word #6
Lexicon H4100
| Lemma | מָה |
| Lemma (Paleo) | 𐤌𐤄 |
| Transliteration | mâh |
| Strong's | H4100 |
| Definition | An interrogative particle used principally to ask about the nature, identity, quantity, or quality of entities or actions, often translated as 'what?' or 'how?'. Also functions in exclamations and indefinite or relative senses (e.g., 'whatever', 'that which'). The precise meaning is heavily context-dependent, ranging from direct questions ('what is this?'), to expressions of astonishment ('how mighty!'), to indirect questions or statements ('whatever you do'). |
Morphology HR/Ti
All morphology codes
| Part of Speech | T — Particle — Function word |
| Subtype | i — Interrogative — Interrogative |
Common Translation
| Phrase | In what |
SIBI-P1 Translation H4100-01
with what?
| Morphological Notes | Interrogative particle מָה with prefixed preposition בְּ; inseparable preposition + interrogative; no gender or number. |
| Rendering Rationale | The form בַּמָּה consists of the preposition בְּ ("in/with/by") prefixed to the interrogative particle מָה ("what?"). Rendering it as "with what?" preserves both the interrogative force and the prefixed preposition without adding contextual interpretation. |
View full lexicon entry for H4100 →
SILEX v2
SIBI-P2 (Context-Aware)
in what
| Same as P1 | No — adjusted for context |
| Rationale | The preposition is ב ('in'), which should be reflected as 'in what', not 'with what?'; omit the question mark to comply with rules and precise context. |