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אַךְ

𐤀𐤊

ʼak

H389 particle

SILEX Entry

Root אכן to affirm, to be sure, to assert reality, to limit

Definition

A particle denoting affirmation, certainty, or limitation, used to assert the truth of a statement ('surely, indeed, truly'), express emphasis or exclusivity ('only, alone'), or introduce a restriction or contrast ('nevertheless, however'). Its exact sense depends on the context, ranging from marking what is certain or real to delimiting or qualifying a prior statement.

Semantic Range

certainly, surely, indeed, truly, only, but, nevertheless, however, at least, verily, nonetheless, in any case

Root / Etymology

Root uncertain; possibly connected to אָכֵן ('ākēn, 'surely, certainly') but the wider consensus is that the etymology is unclear. Some suggest it is part of a broader Northwest Semitic family of particles expressing affirmation and contrast.

Historical & Contextual Notes

אַךְ appears frequently in biblical Hebrew to highlight what is real or actual in distinction to prior expectation or appearance. In declarative sentences, it often means 'certainly' or 'surely,' emphasizing the truthfulness or reliability of the statement (Gen 20:12, 'indeed, she is my sister'). In other contexts, particularly before a negative or restrictive clause, it carries an adverbial force ('only,' 'but,' 'however'), narrowing scope or introducing a reservation (Exod 31:13, 'however, you must keep my sabbaths'). Occasionally, it introduces an unexpected turn or limitation (Ps 39:6, 'Surely every person goes about as a shadow'). Its nuanced usage distinguishes it from cognate particles such as רַק (raq, 'only, solely'), which is more strictly restrictive. English translations vary greatly—rendering it as 'surely,' 'only,' 'but,' etc.—depending on context. In poetic and wisdom literature, אַךְ frequently introduces thematic or existential reflections. The word remains a key marker for subtle emphasis or restriction in biblical narrative, legal, and poetic texts.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

akin to אָכֵן; a particle of affirmation, surely; hence (by limitation) only; also, in any wise, at least, but, certainly, even, howbeit, nevertheless, notwithstanding, only, save, surely, of a surety, truly, verily, [phrase] wherefore, yet (but).

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

אכן (ʾ-k-n) — to affirm, to be sure, to assert reality, to limit

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H389-01 אַךְ akhe HTa only surely 158
H389-02 וְ/אַ֨ךְ veakhe HC/D Nevertheless and surely 3

Occurrences in Scripture

161 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H389-01 Genesis 7:23 אַךְ akhe HTa only surely
H389-01 Genesis 9:4 אַךְ akhe HTa Only surely
H389-02 Genesis 9:5 וְ/אַ֨ךְ veakhe HC/D and surely and surely
H389-01 Genesis 18:32 אַךְ akhe HTa only surely
H389-01 Genesis 20:12 אַ֖ךְ akhe HTa but surely
H389-01 Genesis 23:13 אַ֛ךְ akhe HTa but surely
H389-01 Genesis 26:9 אַ֣ךְ akhe HTa Behold surely
H389-01 Genesis 27:13 אַ֛ךְ akhe HTa only surely
H389-01 Genesis 27:30 אַ֣ךְ akhe HTa scarcely surely
H389-01 Genesis 29:14 אַ֛ךְ akhe HTa surely surely
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