Lexical Summary hinneh: Behold, lo, see, here Original Word: הִנֵּה Strong's Exhaustive Concordance behold, lo, see Prolongation for hen; lo! -- behold, lo, see. see HEBREW hen NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originprol. of hen Definition lo! behold! NASB Translation after 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 הִנֵּה, once הִנֶּהֿGenesis 19:2, demonstrative particle lo! behold! ( a. pointing to persons or things, Genesis 12:19 and now הִנֵּה אִשְׁתְּךָ behold thy wife ! Genesis 18:9 הִנֵּה בָאֹהֶל behold (she is) in the tent (the suffix, when the noun to which הנה 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 ! (literally Behold 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, compare 1 Samuel 12:3 הִנְנִי עֲנוּ בִי here I am, answer against me, 1 Samuel 14:43 (compare Drp. 292), 2 Samuel 15:26 (in resignation: compare Genesis 44:16; Genesis 50:18; Joshua 9:25; Ezra 9:15): of God Isaiah 52:6; Isaiah 58:9; Isaiah 65:1 (twice in verse) (repeated for emphasis). In the plural הננו Numbers 14:40; Jeremiah 3:22; Job 38:35. — Emph. הִנְנִי אָ֕נִי Ezekiel 34:11,20, compare Ezekiel 6:3. on חִנְנִי אֶל ֗֗֗ , see אל 4, p. 40. b. introducing clauses involving predication: (a) with reference to the past or present, it points Generally to some truth either newly asserted, or newly recognized, Genesis 1:29 behold ! 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 (compare הן Genesis 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, הִנֵּהנָֿא is often used, instead of the simple הִנֵּה Genesis 12:11; Genesis 16:2; Genesis 18:7; 1 Kings 20:31; 1 Kings 22:13 and elsewhere (see נָא). (b) with reference to the future. Here it serves to introduce a solemn or important declaration Exodus 32:34; Exodus 34:10; Isaiah 7:14; and is used especially with the participle (the futuram instans [immanent future], Dr§ 135. 3) in predictions or threats, Genesis 20:3 הִנְּךָ מֵת (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 phrase הנה ימים באים 1 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, as הִנְנִי מֵבִיא Behold, I bring (literally behold me bringing, or about 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 (הִנְנִי פֹקֵד; so Jeremiah 23:2 +) Jeremiah 16:16; Jeremiah 20:4, etc.; anomalously, with change of person, Isaiah 28:16 הִנְנִי יִסַּד (according to points) behold me, one who has founded, Isaiah 29:14 הִנְנִי יוֺסִף behold me, one who will add (so Isaiah 38:5); but it is dubious whether the participle יֹסֵד, יוֺסֵף should not be read. c. וְהִנֵּה ֗֗֗ very frequently in historical style, especially (but not exclusively) after verbs of seeing or discovering, 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 and behold, 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 dream Genesis 37:7,9; Genesis 40:9,16; Genesis 41:1,2,3; Isaiah 29:8, or of a vision Amos 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 +. d. like II. הֵן (b), nearly = if (rare): Leviticus 13:5,6,7,8 (& elsewhere in this and the next chapter) וְהִנֵּה and behold = and if, Deuteronomy 13:15; and Deuteronomy 17:4 וְהִנֵּה אֱמֶת and behold it is true = and if it be true, Deuteronomy 19:18; 1 Samuel 20:12; compare 1 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!” Narrative Emphasis In narrative texts, “hinneh” often arrests the flow, urging readers to pause and take note of a pivotal event. Examples include: 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. By anchoring promises and warnings alike, the particle underscores divine sovereignty and covenant faithfulness. Covenantal and Theological Significance “Hinneh” appears at critical covenant junctures: 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. 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. Practical Ministry Applications Preaching: Highlighting a “behold” alerts congregations to divine initiative and invites worshipful attention. Counseling: Passages like Isaiah 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 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 wəhinnōwLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 1:29 HEB: וַיֹּ֣אמֶר אֱלֹהִ֗ים הִנֵּה֩ נָתַ֨תִּי לָכֶ֜ם NAS: said, Behold, I have given KJV: said, Behold, I have given INT: said God Behold have given every Genesis 1:31 Genesis 6:12 Genesis 8:11 Genesis 8:13 Genesis 12:11 Genesis 12:19 Genesis 15:3 Genesis 15:4 Genesis 15:12 Genesis 15:17 Genesis 16:2 Genesis 16:6 Genesis 16:11 Genesis 16:14 Genesis 17:4 Genesis 17:20 Genesis 18:2 Genesis 18:9 Genesis 18:10 Genesis 18:27 Genesis 18:31 Genesis 19:2 Genesis 19:8 Genesis 19:19 841 Occurrences |
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certainly, surely, literally lo !), with suffix (the pronoun being conceived as accusative, Ew§ 262 c.; compare, 
, which takes an accusative, whether of a noun or pronominal suffix) הִנְנִי