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הֵן

𐤄𐤍

hên

H2006 conjunction

SILEX Entry

Root הן to show, to indicate, to present

Definition

A conjunction and particle signaling condition, contingency, or alternative, primarily meaning 'if,' 'whether,' or 'in case.' Can also function as an emphatic particle ('behold!' or 'lo!') in some contexts. In Aramaic biblical texts, הֵן introduces conditional clauses, hypothetical scenarios, or indirect questions/questions of uncertainty. The meaning varies depending on the clause: it may set up a condition, indicate an alternative, or focus attention on a statement.

Semantic Range

if, whether, unless, in case, or, lo!, behold, therefore, but

Root / Etymology

Root: ה-נ (possibly related to the Hebrew root הן, with הֵן in Aramaic forming a conjunctional particle). In Hebrew usage, הֵן tends to function as an affirmative particle ('behold!' or 'indeed'), whereas in Biblical Aramaic it mainly serves as a conditional conjunction. Derived forms appear across Northwest Semitic languages with related conjunctional or emphatic functions.

Historical & Contextual Notes

In the Aramaic sections of the Hebrew Bible (notably Daniel and Ezra), הֵן is a standard conjunction for conditional or hypothetical clauses, usually best translated as 'if' or 'whether.' This usage differs from the predominant Hebrew sense, where הֵן typically signals assertion, emphasis, or presentation ('behold!'). Aramaic syntax often employs הֵן in conjunction with negatives (e.g., 'unless') or in parallel with other particles to form correlative conditions. English translations may obscure these nuances: what is translated as 'unless' or 'whether' in Aramaic passages nearly always renders הֵן, whereas in Hebrew narratives a different set of particles forms such clauses. The particle persists in later Jewish Aramaic as a primary conditional marker. Caution is needed: while הֵן sometimes gets translated as 'lo!' or 'behold!' in older English versions, this is rare in Aramaic contexts and not the main sense.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

(Aramaic) corresponding to הֵן; lo! also there(-fore), (un-) less, whether, but, if; (that) if, or, whether.

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Root Family

הן (h-n) — to point out, to indicate, to draw attention

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H2005 הֵן Look—you
H2007 הֵנָּה in these
H2008 הֵנָּה to here
H2009 הִנֵּה Look—you!
H3860 לָהֵן therefore

Word Forms

3 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H2006-01 הֵ֣ן hen AC if Look! 13
H2006-03 וְ/הֵ֨ן vehen AC/Tm But if and if 3
H2006-02 לָהֵ֕ן lahen AC therefore to them (feminine) 2

Occurrences in Scripture

18 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H2006-01 Daniel 2:5 הֵ֣ן hen AC behold Look!
H2006-03 Daniel 2:6 וְ/הֵ֨ן vehen AC/Tm But if and if
H2006-02 Daniel 2:6 לָהֵ֕ן lahen AC therefore to them (feminine)
H2006-01 Daniel 2:9 הֵן hen AC if Look!
H2006-02 Daniel 2:9 לָהֵ֗ן lahen AC therefore to them (feminine)
H2006-01 Daniel 3:15 הֵ֧ן hen AC if Look!
H2006-03 Daniel 3:15 וְ/הֵן֙ vehen AC/C but if and if
H2006-01 Daniel 3:17 הֵ֣ן hen AC Behold Look!
H2006-03 Daniel 3:18 וְ/הֵ֣ן vehen AC/C But if and if
H2006-01 Daniel 4:24 הֵ֛ן hen AC behold Look!
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