Lexical Summary
hinneh: Behold, lo, see, here
Original Word:הִנֵּה
Part of Speech:demonstrative particle
Transliteration:hinneh
Pronunciation:hin-nay
Phonetic Spelling:(hin-nay')
KJV: behold, lo, see
NASB:behold, here, if, lo, indeed, how, see
Word Origin:[prolongation forH2005 (הֵן - behold)]
1. lo!
Strong's Exhaustive Concordance
behold, lo, see
Prolongation forhen; lo! -- behold, lo, see.
see HEBREWhen
NAS Exhaustive Concordance
Word Originprol. of
henDefinitionlo! behold!
NASB Translationafter all (1), behold (938), go (1), here (41), how (5), if (18), if he sees (1), if the has indeed (1), indeed (11), lo (16), look (3), now (3), now* (1), see (4), surely (2), there (2), unless (1).
Brown-Driver-Briggs
, once
Genesis 19:2,
(
certainly, surely, literallylo !), with suffix (the pronoun being conceived as accusative, Ew§ 262 c.; compare,
, which takes an accusative, whether of a noun or pronominal suffix)Genesis 6:13 + often (alsoGenesis 22:7),Genesis 22:1,11 +, (Genesis 27:18),Isaiah 65:1 (but is also saidGenesis 24:13,43;Genesis 25:32;Genesis 48:21;Exodus 4:23;Exodus 7:17 +; and, more rarely,Ezekiel 37:5,12,19,21; 2Chron 2:3, compare2 Kings 10:9;Jeremiah 32:27);Genesis 20:3 + (2 Kings 7:2 ),Psalm 139:8, feminineGenesis 16:11 6t.;Numbers 23:17;Job 2:6;1 Chronicles 11:25,Jeremiah 18:3 Kt ( is more usual, asGenesis 20:16;Genesis 42:27;1 Samuel 10:22;Jeremiah 38:5;Ruth 3:2): 1pluralJoshua 9:25;2 Samuel 5:1;Jeremiah 3:22;Ezra 9:15,Genesis 44:16;Genesis 50:18;Numbers 14:40,Job 38:35;Deuteronomy 1:10;Jeremiah 16:12;Genesis 40:5 + often (37 t.) —lo ! behold !
,Genesis 12:19 and nowbehold thy wife !Genesis 18:9behold (she is) in the tent (the suffix, when the noun to which refers has immediately preceded, being not unfrequently omitted,Genesis 16:14: compare Dr§ 135. 6, 2),Genesis 30:3;Genesis 31:51 (twice in verse);Exodus 24:8 etc. With suffix of 1 person, especially in response to a call, indicating the readiness of the person addressed to listen or obey,Here I am ! (literallyBehold me !)Genesis 22:1,7,11;Genesis 27:1,18;Genesis 31:11;Genesis 37:13;Genesis 46:2;Exodus 3:4;1 Samuel 3:4,5,6,8,16;1 Samuel 22:12;2 Samuel 1:7;Isaiah 6:8, compare1 Samuel 12:3here I am, answer against me,1 Samuel 14:43 (compare Drp. 292),2 Samuel 15:26 (in resignation: compareGenesis 44:16;Genesis 50:18;Joshua 9:25;Ezra 9:15): of GodIsaiah 52:6;Isaiah 58:9;Isaiah 65:1 (twice in verse) (repeated for emphasis). In the pluralNumbers 14:40;Jeremiah 3:22;Job 38:35. — Emph.Ezekiel 34:11,20, compareEzekiel 6:3. on , see , p. 40.
: (a) with reference to the past or present, it points Generally to some truth either newly asserted, or newly recognized,Genesis 1:29behold ! I have given to you all herbs etc.Genesis 17:20;Genesis 27:6;1 Samuel 14:33 etc.; often one upon which some proposal or suggestion is to be founded,Exodus 1:9 (compareGenesis 11:6)1 Samuel 20:2,5;2 Kings 5:20. When the proposal is to be of the nature of an entreaty or request, is often used, instead of the simpleGenesis 12:11;Genesis 16:2;Genesis 18:7;1 Kings 20:31;1 Kings 22:13 and elsewhere (see ). (b) with reference to the future. Here it serves to introduce a solemn or important declarationExodus 32:34;Exodus 34:10;Isaiah 7:14; and is used especially with the participle (thefuturam instans [immanent future], Dr§ 135. 3) in predictions or threats,Genesis 20:3 (literally)behold thee (accusative) about to die, thou art about to die,Exodus 4:23;Exodus 7:17;Exodus 9:3;Deuteronomy 31:17;1 Samuel 3:11;1 Kings 20:36;1 Kings 22:25;Isaiah 3:1;Isaiah 10:33;Isaiah 17:1;Isaiah 19:1;Isaiah 22:17;Isaiah 24:1 + often; in the phrase1 Samuel 2:31;2 Kings 20:17 =Isaiah 39:6;Amos 4:2;Amos 8:11;Amos 9:13 +Jeremiah 15 t.; very often with the suffix of 1person singular, asBehold, I bring (literallybehold me bringing, orabout to bring) . . .Genesis 6:17;Exodus 10:4 & often, especially in Jeremiah;Genesis 9:9;Exodus 8:17;Exodus 9:18;Exodus 34:11;2 Kings 22:20;Isaiah 13:17;Isaiah 29:14;Isaiah 43:19;Jeremiah 8:17;Jeremiah 11:22 (; soJeremiah 23:2 +)Jeremiah 16:16;Jeremiah 20:4, etc.; anomalously, with change of person,Isaiah 28:16 (according to points)behold me, one whohas founded,Isaiah 29:14behold me, one whowill add (soIsaiah 38:5); but it is dubious whether the participle , should not be read.
very frequently in historical style, especially (but not exclusively) after verbs ofseeing ordiscovering, making the narrative graphic and vivid, and enabling the reader to enter into the surprise or satisfaction of the speaker or actor concerned:Genesis 1:31 andbehold, it was very good,Genesis 6:12;Genesis 8:13;Genesis 15:12;Genesis 18:2;Genesis 37:29;Exodus 2:6;Deuteronomy 9:13 etc.: in the description of a dreamGenesis 37:7,9;Genesis 40:9,16;Genesis 41:1,2,3;Isaiah 29:8, or of a visionAmos 7:1,4;Amos 8:1 etc. With a participle (the context fixing the sense to the past),Genesis 24:30;Genesis 37:15 (both without suffix);Judges 9:43;Judges 11:34;1 Kings 19:5,11 +.
like II. (), nearly =if (rare):Leviticus 13:5,6,7,8 (& elsewhere in this and the next chapter)and behold = and if,Deuteronomy 13:15; andDeuteronomy 17:4and behold it is true =and if it be true,Deuteronomy 19:18;1 Samuel 20:12; compare1 Samuel 9:7;2 Samuel 18:11;Hosea 9:6.
Topical Lexicon
Overview and Function in Biblical Hebrew“Hinneh” is the Hebrew demonstrative particle that English versions most often translate as “behold,” “look,” or “here is.” It draws the reader’s or hearer’s attention to something about to be stated or shown. Occurring approximately 841 times, it is a literary spotlight, signaling importance, urgency, or surprise. The term operates across every major section of the Old Testament—Torah, Prophets, and Writings—serving narrators, lawgivers, psalmists, and prophets alike.
Literary Usage
1. Introduction of new or surprising information:Genesis 29:25 — “When morning came, behold, it was Leah!”
2. Heightening dramatic tension in narrative:Judges 6:37 — Gideon’s fleece test is framed with successive “behold” clauses.
3. Framing divine speech:Isaiah 7:14 — “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.”
4. Summoning human response:Psalm 121:4 — “Behold, the Protector of Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.”
Narrative Emphasis
In narrative texts, “hinneh” often arrests the flow, urging readers to pause and take note of a pivotal event. Examples include:
•Genesis 22:13 — Abraham “lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, behind him was a ram.” The particle marks the divine provision that resolves the test of faith.
•1 Samuel 17:23 — As David greets his brothers, “behold, the champion, the Philistine of Gath, named Goliath…” appears, setting the stage for God’s deliverance.
Prophetic Announcement
Prophets employ “hinneh” to introduce oracles of judgment and salvation. It reinforces that the forthcoming word is from the LORD and demands attention.
•Amos 8:11 — “Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord GOD, when I will send a famine on the land—not a famine of bread…”
•Jeremiah 31:31 — “Behold, the days are coming, declares the LORD, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and with the house of Judah.”
By anchoring promises and warnings alike, the particle underscores divine sovereignty and covenant faithfulness.
Covenantal and Theological Significance
“Hinneh” appears at critical covenant junctures:
•Genesis 9:9 — “Behold, I now establish My covenant with you and your descendants after you.”
•Exodus 34:10 — “Behold, I am making a covenant. Before all your people I will do wonders…”
These uses reveal God’s initiative and reliability in His redemptive dealings. The particle functions as a verbal seal, assuring that what follows is neither accidental nor negotiable.
Eschatological Foretaste
Eschatology in the Old Testament frequently begins with “hinneh,” pointing to events that transcend Israel’s immediate horizon.
•Zechariah 9:9 — “Rejoice greatly, O Daughter of Zion! Shout in triumph, O Daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your King is coming to you; He is righteous and victorious, humble and riding on a donkey.”
The annunciatory particle conveys certainty: future realities are as sure as present facts because they rest on God’s immutable word.
Christological Foreshadowing
Several “hinneh” statements become direct messianic prophecies. The New Testament writers quote these passages, indicating their fulfillment in Jesus Christ.
•Isaiah 42:1 — “Behold My Servant, whom I uphold; My Chosen One, in whom My soul delights.”Matthew 12:18 cites this as fulfilled in Christ’s healing ministry.
•Isaiah 52:13 — “Behold, My Servant will prosper; He will be raised and lifted up and highly exalted,” echoed inJohn 3:14 concerning the lifting up of the Son of Man.
Practical Ministry Applications
Preaching: Highlighting a “behold” alerts congregations to divine initiative and invites worshipful attention.
Counseling: Passages likeIsaiah 41:13—“For I am the LORD your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear; I will help you’”—use “hinneh” (rendered “For”) to ground comfort in God’s active presence.
Prayer: Meditative reading can pause at each “behold” to reflect on the character and works of God, fostering contemplative prayer.
Key Representative Passages
•Genesis 1:29
•Genesis 6:13
•Exodus 3:2
•Deuteronomy 30:15
•1 Kings 19:9
•Job 1:12
•Psalm 133:1
•Isaiah 40:15
•Ezekiel 37:5
•Habakkuk 2:4
Frequency Patterns across the Canon
Torah: ~260 occurrences, primarily narrative and legal.
Former Prophets: ~140, emphasizing historical theology.
Latter Prophets: ~220, weighted toward future-oriented oracles.
Writings: ~220, mixing wisdom reflection with liturgical proclamation.
The distribution shows that “hinneh” is not confined to any one genre; it permeates Israel’s entire literary corpus.
Intertestamental and New Testament Echoes
While the Greek New Testament uses “idou” for “behold,” many citations come directly from “hinneh” passages, demonstrating canonical coherence.Luke 1–2 alone contains multiple “behold” statements that mirror Old Testament annunciations, weaving a seamless redemptive narrative from promise to fulfillment.
Conclusion
“Hinneh” is more than a stylistic flourish; it is a theological spotlight that commands attention to the acts and words of the covenant God. Whether unfolding creation’s bounty, revealing covenant stipulations, pronouncing judgment, or heralding messianic hope, each occurrence invites the reader to pause in reverent expectation. The particle thus serves both the biblical authors and modern believers as a constant reminder to “behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29).
Forms and Transliterations
ה֛וּא הִ֠נֵּה הִ֭נֵּה הִֽנֵּה־ הִנְּךָ֥ הִנְנִ֨י הִנֵּ֑ה הִנֵּ֔ה הִנֵּ֕ה הִנֵּ֖ה הִנֵּ֖ה־ הִנֵּ֗ה הִנֵּ֛ה הִנֵּ֞ה הִנֵּ֡ה הִנֵּ֣ה הִנֵּ֣ה ׀ הִנֵּ֤ה הִנֵּ֤ה ׀ הִנֵּ֥ה הִנֵּ֧ה הִנֵּ֨ה הִנֵּ֪ה הִנֵּֽה־ הִנֵּֽנִי׃ הִנֵּה֙ הִנֵּה֩ הִנֵּה֮ הִנֵּה־ הִנֶּ֔נִּי הִנֶּ֣ה הִנֶּ֣נִּֽי הִנֶּ֥נּֽוּ הִנָּ֗ם הִנָּ֣ם הִנָּ֥ךְ הִנָּ֨ךְ הוא הנה הנה־ הנך הנם הננו הנני הנני׃ וְ֠הִנֵּה וְהִ֨נֵּה־ וְהִֽנֵּה־ וְהִנְּכֶ֣ם וְהִנֵּ֖ה וְהִנֵּ֗ה וְהִנֵּ֛ה וְהִנֵּ֞ה וְהִנֵּ֡ה וְהִנֵּ֣ה וְהִנֵּ֣ה ׀ וְהִנֵּ֤ה וְהִנֵּ֥ה וְהִנֵּ֧ה וְהִנֵּ֨ה וְהִנֵּֽה־ וְהִנֵּה֙ וְהִנֵּה֩ וְהִנֵּה־ וְהִנָּ֛ם וְהִנָּ֣ם וְהִנָּ֨ם וְהִנָּם֙ וְהִנּ֤וֹ והנה והנה־ והנו והנכם והנם hin·nāḵ hin·nām hin·nə·ḵā hin·nê·nî hin·neh hin·nêh hin·nêh- hin·nen·nî hin·nen·nū hin·nî hinNach hinnāḵ hinNam hinnām hinneCha hinneh hinnêh hinnêh- hinnəḵā hinNeni hinnênî hinNenni hinnennî hinNennu hinnennū hinNi hinnî hu hū vehinNam vehinneChem vehinneh vehinNo wə·hin·nām wə·hin·nə·ḵem wə·hin·nêh wə·hin·nêh- wə·hin·nōw wəhinnām wəhinnêh wəhinnêh- wəhinnəḵem wəhinnōw
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