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הֵא

𐤄𐤀

hêʼ

H1888 particle

SILEX Entry

Root uncertain to show, to indicate, to draw attention

Definition

A demonstrative particle used for drawing attention or indicating immediacy, often translated as 'look!', 'behold!', or 'here is'. Used to introduce or emphasize a statement, action, or object.

Semantic Range

look!, behold!, here is, lo!, see!, used to introduce or emphasize statements or objects

Root / Etymology

Root/etymology uncertain. הֵא is cognate with the Hebrew demonstrative particles הֵן (hen, 'behold') and הִנֵּה (hinneh, 'behold, see, look'), and functions similarly in Aramaic. The exact derivation of the particle is debated, but it likely developed from proto-Semitic demonstratives.

Historical & Contextual Notes

הֵא occurs in the Aramaic sections of the Hebrew Bible, including Daniel and Ezra, as an interjection for attention or emphasis. Its main function is to mark or highlight what follows, and it parallels the use of הִנֵּה in Hebrew prose. English translations often render it as 'lo!' or 'behold,' though these may not fully convey its nuanced force. The term does not carry theological meaning but operates as a discourse marker in narrative and reported speech, especially in royal decrees or proclamations. In later periods and related dialects, similar forms continue as attention-getting particles or pronouns.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

(Aramaic) or הָא; (Aramaic), corresponding to הֵא; {lo!}; even, lo.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

— (—) — showing, indicating, drawing attention

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H116 אֱדַיִן then
H133 אַדְמָתָא Admatha
H175 אַהֲרוֹן and in Aharon
H1834 דַּמֶּשֶׂק Damascus
H1867 דָּֽרְיָוֵשׁ Darius

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2 Occurrences
H1888-02 הֵֽא he ATm behold Look! 1
H1888-01 הָֽא ha ATm behold Look! 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 SIBI-P2
H1888-02 Daniel 2:43 הֵֽא he ATm behold Look!
H1888-01 Daniel 3:25 הָֽא ha ATm behold Look!
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