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אִשׁ

𐤀𐤔

ʼish

H786 particle

SILEX Entry

Root uncertain to exist, there is, presence

Definition

An existential particle expressing existence or presence; conveys the sense of 'there is' or 'there are' when used adverbially. In biblical usage, denotes the presence or actual occurrence of something in a given context; may carry nuances of factual existence or availability.

Semantic Range

existence, presence, availability; adverbial expression of 'there is/are'; synonymous with יֵשׁ

Root / Etymology

A formally identical word to אֵשׁ ('fire'), but with completely different function. The usual existential particle is יֵשׁ (yesh, from uncertain etymology), and אִשׁ is generally considered either a variant orthography or a dialectal form, possibly influenced by or confusable with the spelling of אֵשׁ. The etymology is uncertain; the origin as a separate root is debated since its usage is virtually synonymous with יֵשׁ.

Historical & Contextual Notes

אִשׁ occurs extremely rarely in the Hebrew Bible (notably in Deuteronomy 29:15) as an existential particle, virtually synonymous with the much more common יֵשׁ. Its appearance may reflect dialectal variation, scribal influence, or orthographic confusion, as יֵשׁ is overwhelmingly favored in biblical and post-biblical Hebrew. Unlike other terms for 'existence,' such as הָיָה ('to be/exist'), אִשׁ does not function as a verb but serves only as a particle indicating presence or existence. In context, the word is not tied to a noun or verbal paradigm but rather to the function of affirming the existence or occurrence of something. English translations routinely render it as 'there is/are,' indistinguishable from יֵשׁ. No theological or metaphysical connotations are attached to אִשׁ; it is a purely functional, adverbial particle. Its similarity in form to 'fire' (אֵשׁ) is coincidental and not semantic in biblical usage.

Original Strong's Gloss (1890)

identical (in origin and formation) with אֵשׁ; entity, used only adverbially, there is or are; are there, none can. Compare יֵשׁ.

Bantu Hebrew

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Root Family

אישׁ (ʾ-y-š (ʾîš)) — man, individual, person, husband

Strong's Lemma SIBI-P1
H1145 בֶּן־יְמִינִי individual man
H376 אִישׁ my men
H377 אִישׁ and act as men
H378 אִישׁ־בֹּשֶׁת individual man
H380 אִישׁוֹן pupil of

Word Forms

2 distinct forms

SIDANCE Surface Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1 Occurrences
H786-01 הַ/אִשׁ֙ haish HTi/Ta the man the man 1
H786-02 אִ֣שׁ ish HTa there is man 1

Occurrences in Scripture

2 total occurrences

SIDANCE Reference Word Transliteration Morphology Common SIBI-P1
H786-02 2 Samuel 14:19 אִ֣שׁ ish HTa there is man
H786-01 Micah 6:10 הַ/אִשׁ֙ haish HTi/Ta the man the man
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