ESTUDIO DE LA PALABRA HEBREA
מָה (mâh) — Meaning & Usage in the Bible
מָה (mâh) is the most common Hebrew interrogative and indefinite pronoun, used for questions about identity, manner, reason, and quantity across the Old Testament.
Significado de la palabra
At its core, מָה (mâh) is the foundational Hebrew interrogative word, translated 'what?' in its most basic sense. The lexicon entry shows it functioning as an interrogative pronoun ('what?'), an adverb ('how?', 'why?'), and an exclamation ('how!'). It can also operate as an indefinite pronoun covering 'anything,' 'whatsoever,' or 'whatever.'
When combined with prepositions, מָה expands into a wide range of adverbial and conjunctive senses. The lexicon lists meanings such as 'whereby?', 'because of what?', 'how much?', 'how long?', and 'for what reason?' This flexibility makes it one of the most versatile question words in Biblical Hebrew.
The King James Version rendering reflects this breadth: 'how (long, oft, -soever), (no-) thing, what (end, good, purpose, thing), whereby (-fore, -in, -to, -with), (for) why.' This single word carries the weight of multiple English question words, depending on context.
Uso en las Escrituras
From the very opening chapters of Genesis, מָה structures dialogue between God and humanity. In Genesis 2:19, Adam is brought before the animals 'to see what he would call them,' using מָה in a simple 'what' sense. In Genesis 3:13, God asks the woman, 'What is this thou hast done?'—a pointed interrogative that surfaces guilt. By Genesis 4:6, the word shifts to 'why' as God asks Cain, 'Why art thou wroth?' showing how the same term carries rhetorical weight across different question types.
The example verses also show מָה marking dependence and wonder. Abraham's 'what wilt thou give me' in Genesis 15:2 pleads for assurance, while his 'whereby shall I know' in Genesis 15:8 asks for a sign. Abimelech's confrontation in Genesis 20:9 layers multiple senses: 'What hast thou done?...and wherein have I sinned...?'—combining identity, reason, and manner in a single speech. Over 378 distinct verses use this word, making it indispensable for reading Old Testament dialogue.
La palabra en detalle
- H4100 מָה (mâh) is the primary Hebrew interrogative, covering 'what,' 'how,' 'why,' and related senses. With 436 occurrences across 378 verses, it is one of the most frequent question words in the Old Testament. Its meaning shifts by context—from direct interrogation ('what?') to exclamation ('how!') to indefinite reference ('whatever, anything'). When combined with prepositions, it generates adverbial meanings such as 'whereby,' 'how long,' and 'for what reason.'
Versículos de ejemplo
- Genesis 2:19 מָה introduces the question of naming: 'what he would call them.' It sets the stage for Adam's role as a covenant steward over creation.
- Genesis 3:13 God's 'What is this thou hast done?' uses מָה in a judicial interrogative. The question exposes sin by confronting the sinner with the act itself.
- Genesis 4:6 Here מָה shifts to 'why' ('Why art thou wroth?'). The same word carries a different English gloss depending on the preposition and context.
- Genesis 15:8 Abraham's 'whereby shall I know' uses מָה with a preposition to produce 'how' or 'by what means.' The word marks a request for covenant confirmation.
Preguntas frecuentes
Is מָה strictly an interrogative word?
No. While primarily interrogative, the lexicon notes that מָה also functions as an exclamation ('how!') and as an indefinite pronoun ('anything, whatsoever'). Context determines which role it plays.
How does מָה differ from other Hebrew question words?
מָה is the general 'what/how/why' word, while more specific interrogatives cover other domains (e.g., 'who,' 'where'). מָה uniquely absorbs a wide range of English question words depending on the preposition attached to it.
How many times does מָה appear in the Old Testament?
The provided data records 436 occurrences across 378 distinct verses, making it one of the most frequently used question words in the Hebrew Bible.