בַּ/מֶּ֥ה
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 1:6 · Word #24
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 H4100-02
in what?
| Morphological Notes | Interrogative particle מָה with prefixed preposition בְּ (assimilated with dagesh), forming a prepositional interrogative expression. |
| Rendering Rationale | The form combines the preposition בְּ ("in/with/by") with the interrogative particle מָה, yielding an inquiry of means, manner, or instrument: "in what?" This preserves the interrogative force of the particle and the prefixed prepositional morphology. |
View full lexicon entry for H4100 →
SILEX v2
SIBI-P2 (Context-Aware)
in what
| Same as P1 | No — adjusted for context |
| Rationale | Removed the question mark for compliance with rule 4; otherwise, the P1 phrase is contextually correct. |