Lexical Summary
hennah: these, such, those
Original Word:הֵנָּה
Part of Speech:pronoun plural feminine
Transliteration:hennah
Pronunciation:hen-nah
Phonetic Spelling:(hane'-naw)
KJV: X in, X such (and such things), their, (into) them, thence, therein, these, they (had), on this side, whose, wherein
NASB:these, such, those
Word Origin:[prolongation forH2004 (הֵן - which)]
1. themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation)
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
in, such and such things, their, into them, thence, therein, these, they had,
Prolongation forhen; themselves (often used emphatic for the copula, also in indirect relation) -- X in, X such (and such things), their, (into) them, thence, therein, these, they (had), on this side, whose, wherein.
see HEBREWhen
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originprol. of
henDefinitionthey
NASB Translationsuch (1), these (4), those (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
II. : see .
see below
Topical Lexicon
Definition and Scopeהֵנָּה functions as a demonstrative adverb that fixes attention on a specific place, event, or moment—usually translated “here,” “hither,” or “this place.” It appears about forty-eight times, spanning narratives, legal texts, poetry, and prophecy. The term is more than a geographical pointer; it is a literary device that heightens immediacy, urgency, or solemnity by calling the hearer to the very spot where God, a speaker, or an action is focused.
Frequency and Distribution
• Pentateuch – Genesis (Joseph narrative), Exodus, Numbers, Deuteronomy
• Historical Books – Joshua, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 1 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah
• Wisdom & Poetry – Job, Psalms, Proverbs
• Prophets – Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Zechariah
The Joseph narrative alone (Genesis 42–44) supplies nine occurrences, illustrating how הֵנָּה punctuates key turning points. In the prophets the adverb often marks the place of divine judgment or blessing.
Typical Functions in Scripture
1. Locative Command – A summons to move to a precise spot (Exodus 3:5, “Do not come any closer… the place where you are standing is holy ground.”)
2. Legal or Covenant Setting – Stating where an oath or decision must occur (Deuteronomy 5:31).
3. Demonstration of Immediate Presence – Highlighting the reality of what is before the eyes (Genesis 42:15, “You shall not leave this place unless your youngest brother comes here.”).
4. Liturgical or Cultic Emphasis – Designating the place of worship or divine indwelling (Psalm 132:14, “This is My resting place forever; here I will dwell, for I have desired it.”).
5. Prophetic Contrast – Differentiating God’s chosen place from places of judgment (Isaiah 37:33;Ezekiel 43:7).
Usage in Narrative Books
InGenesis 42–44 הֵנָּה structures Joseph’s test of his brothers. Each “here” (42:15; 42:16; 42:20) narrows the setting until the family finally gathers before him.Exodus 3:5 presents the climactic “here” at the burning bush, marking sacred space and inaugurating Moses’ commission.Joshua 18:6 uses the term during the land allotment: “Bring them here to me, and I will cast lots…”—linking the visible location at Shiloh with divine providence.
Usage in Prophetic Literature
Isaiah employs הֵנָּה both to warn and to encourage.Isaiah 30:8 calls the prophet to write a testimony “on a tablet before them here,” preserving a witness of Judah’s rebellion that will stand in the very place where it is read.Ezekiel 43:7 records God’s assurance regarding the new temple: “Here is the place of My throne… where I will dwell among the Israelites forever.” The same adverb that once warned of exile now certifies restored presence.
Usage in Wisdom and Poetry
Job 19:25–27 contrasts Job’s present suffering “here” with his future vindication, sharpening the tension between sight and faith. Psalms 132:14 anchors Yahweh’s eternal dwelling “here,” encouraging worshippers that God’s covenantal choice of Zion is unchanging.Proverbs 8:34 portrays wisdom calling at the gates: “Blessed is the man who listens to me, watching daily at my doors, waiting by my doorway.” The implied “here” invites constant attentiveness.
Theological Themes
• Immediacy of Divine Presence – God meets people “here,” whether at Sinai, Zion, or the rebuilt temple.
• Covenant Centrality – The adverb often marks the locale where covenant is enacted or remembered.
• Judgment and Mercy – Prophets announce that the same “here” can become either a place of destruction or restoration, depending on the people’s response.
• Incarnational Foreshadowing – By underscoring place, הֵנָּה prepares readers for the ultimate manifestation of God “dwelling among us” in Jesus Christ (John 1:14).
Ministry and Homiletical Applications
1. Call to Decision – Like Joseph’s brothers, hearers today are pressed to act “here and now” in repentance and obedience.
2. Awareness of Sacred Space –Exodus 3:5 urges believers to recognize and revere holy moments and places set apart by God.
3. Assurance of God’s Dwelling –Psalm 132:14 comforts congregations that the Lord remains present among His people.
4. Missional Urgency – The locative force of הֵנָּה reminds the Church that God sends His servants to specific contexts; ministry is never abstract.
Notable Occurrences
Genesis 42:15; 42:16; 42:20
Exodus 3:5
Numbers 22:19
Deuteronomy 5:31
Joshua 18:6
1 Samuel 14:34
2 Samuel 7:2
1 Kings 20:42
1 Chronicles 13:12
Ezra 8:22
Nehemiah 13:20
Job 19:25–27
Psalm 132:14
Isaiah 30:8; 37:33
Jeremiah 7:3
Ezekiel 43:7
Zechariah 8:3
Summary
הֵנָּה serves as Scripture’s verbal finger, pointing readers to the critical “here” where God speaks, acts, judges, and redeems. Whether conveying a command, confirming covenant, or heralding divine presence, the term consistently reinforces the immediacy and reliability of God’s dealings with His people.
Forms and Transliterations
בָּהֵ֔נָּה בָּהֵ֖נָּה בָהֵֽנָּה׃ בהנה בהנה׃ הֵ֑נָּה הֵ֔נָּה הֵ֖נָּה הֵ֗נָּה הֵ֙נָּה֙ הֵ֛נָּה הֵ֜נָּה הֵ֣נָּה ׀ הֵ֥נָּה הֵ֭נָּה הֵֽנָּה׃ הָהֵ֙נָּה֙ ההנה הנה הנה׃ וְ֠הֵנָּה וְהֵ֖נָּה וְהֵ֣נָּה וְכָהֵ֖נָּה וְכָהֵֽנָּה׃ וְלָהֵ֥נָּה והנה וכהנה וכהנה׃ ולהנה כָּהֵ֥נָּה כָהֵ֛נָּה כהנה לָהֵ֔נָּה לָהֵֽנָּה׃ להנה להנה׃ מֵ֝הֵ֗נָּה מֵהֵ֔נָּה מֵהֵ֖נָּה מֵהֵ֗נָה מֵהֵ֙נָּה֙ מֵהֵֽנָּה׃ מהנה מהנה׃ bā·hên·nāh ḇā·hên·nāh baHennah bāhênnāh ḇāhênnāh chaHennah hā·hên·nāh haHennah hāhênnāh hên·nāh Hennah hênnāh kā·hên·nāh ḵā·hên·nāh kaHennah kāhênnāh ḵāhênnāh lā·hên·nāh laHennah lāhênnāh mê·hê·nāh mê·hên·nāh meHenah mêhênāh meHennah mêhênnāh vaHennah vechaHennah Vehennah velaHennah wə·hên·nāh wə·ḵā·hên·nāh wə·lā·hên·nāh wəhênnāh wəḵāhênnāh wəlāhênnāh
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