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הֵא

𐤄𐤀

hêʼ

H1887 particle

SILEX Entry

Root uncertain to draw attention, to call notice

Definition

An interjection or demonstrative particle used to draw attention to something present or about to be referenced; functions as 'look!', 'see!', or 'behold!' in English. Employed to mark something noteworthy, introduce new or significant information, or emphasize a statement or event.

Semantic Range

look!, see!, lo!, behold!, pay attention!

Root / Etymology

Root uncertain; possibly related by analogy to roots indicating attention or demonstrative signaling, but not clearly derived from a concrete verbal root. Functions primarily as a particle rather than a word with root-derived meaning.

Historical & Contextual Notes

הֵא occurs rarely in the Hebrew Bible as a particle meant to draw direct attention, with its use especially characteristic of heightened narrative or discourse, such as when introducing something striking, unexpected, or important. It differs from the more frequently used הִנֵּה (hinneh), which also means 'behold' or 'look', but which can introduce more complex clauses or sustained descriptions. הֵא is typically briefer and more abrupt, generally found in the imperative sense calling for immediate attention. Its meaning is consistently demonstrative through biblical usage and does not develop into the later sense of identity (as with other particles like הַ or אֵלֶּה). English translations often render it as 'lo!' or 'behold', but these may sound archaic compared to the original's forceful simplicity. No substantive shift in meaning is attested across biblical literature, but its rarity means its nuance is less developed than related forms.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

a primitive particle; lo!; behold, lo.

Bantu Hebrew

No Bantu Hebrew comparisons have been submitted for this word yet.

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Root Family

לא־ידוע (uncertain) — attention-calling, demonstrative emphasis

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H2295 חׇגְלָה Hoglah
H5868 עֲיָם Ayam
H728 אֲרַוְנָה Arnijah
H829 אֶשְׁפָּר apportioned choice portion
H8347 שֵׁשַׁךְ Sheshak

Word Forms

1 distinct form

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H1887-01 הֵֽא he HTj behold Look! 2

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H1887-01 Genesis 47:23 הֵֽא he HTj here is Look!
H1887-01 Ezekiel 16:43 הֵ֜א he HTj behold Look!
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