Lexical Summary ayin: Eye, spring, fountain Original Word: אַיִן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance whence, where Probably identical with 'ayin in the sense of query (compare 'iy); --where? (only in connection with prepositional prefix, whence) -- whence, where. see HEBREW 'ayin see HEBREW 'iy NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom ay Definition whence? NASB Translation where (15), where* (1). Brown-Driver-Briggs I. [אַ֫יִן] adverb (from אַי; Assyrian aina, ainu, Arabic  where?  whence?) only in the compound מֵאַ֫יִן17 whence? Genesis 29:4; Genesis 42:7 (synonym אֵימִֿזֶּה e.g. Genesis 16:8; 1 Samuel 30:13) Judges 17:9; Judges 19:17; Job 1:7 (Job 2:2 אֵימִֿזֶּה); used in a rhetorical or poetic style (where אֵימִֿזֶּה would be too prosaic) Numbers 11:13 מֵאַיִן לִי בָּשָׂר whence have I flesh etc. ? 2 Kings 6:27; Jeremiah 30:7 Alas! for that day is great; מֵאַיִן כָּמוֺהוּ whence is its like ? (see also II. אַיִן near the end) Nahum 3:7; Psalm 121:1; Job 28:12,20; in an indirect sentence Joshua 2:4 (compare אֵימִֿזֶּה 1 Samuel 25:11). I. [אַ֫יִן], מֵאַ֫יִן whence? see below אַי Topical Lexicon Semantic Nuances of אַיִן (ayin, “where?”) Used 16 times, אַיִן functions solely as an interrogative adverb of place. It does not express doubt about God’s existence but raises questions that invite disclosure, self-examination, and recognition of dependence. Occurrences across the Canon Narrative Books: Genesis 29:4; 42:7; Numbers 11:13; Joshua 2:4; 9:8; Judges 17:9; 19:17; 2 Kings 6:27; 20:14 Wisdom and Poetry: Job 1:7; 28:12, 20; Psalm 121:1 Prophets: Isaiah 39:3; Jonah 1:8; Nahum 3:7 Locational Identity in Covenant History In patriarchal and conquest settings the word frames basic introductions: “Where are you from?” (Genesis 29:4; Joshua 9:8). The question establishes personal identity, clan allegiance, and covenant accountability. In Genesis 42:7 the same query exposes Joseph’s brothers while advancing God’s redemptive plan for Israel. Dependence and Provision Moses laments, “Where can I get meat for all these people?” (Numbers 11:13). The king of Israel echoes the same helplessness: “If the LORD does not help you, where can I get help for you?” (2 Kings 6:27). The interrogative underscores that human leaders cannot supply ultimate provision; it drives hearers to the LORD as sole provider. Wisdom’s Elusiveness Job reaches the philosophical climax of his discourse: “But where can wisdom be found…? From where then does wisdom come?” (Job 28:12, 20). The rhetorical use moves the focus from earthly mines to the fear of the LORD (Job 28:28), preparing the reader for divine revelation that surpasses human probing. Divine Interrogation and Accountability The first biblical instance of God’s use of אַיִן: “Where have you come from?” (Job 1:7). The omniscient LORD questions Satan, not for information but to summon testimony and establish judicial context. Similar prophetic inquiries to Hezekiah (2 Kings 20:14; Isaiah 39:3) expose misplaced trust in foreign alliances. Jonah 1:8 shows pagans adopting the same interrogative to uncover guilt and responsibility. Eschatological Ruin and Comfort Nahum 3:7 directs the question toward Nineveh’s fall: “Where can I find anyone to comfort you?” The absence of an answer seals the pronouncement of irreversible judgment, contrasting sharply with the promise of comfort reserved for Zion (Isaiah 40:1). Pilgrimage and Assurance Psalm 121:1 reorients the question heavenward: “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come?” The ensuing confession (“My help comes from the LORD”) transforms the anxious question into a statement of covenant security for every sojourner. Ministry Applications • Pastoral counseling: Following the pattern of Scripture, well-placed “where” questions invite self-reflection without accusation. Christological Trajectory Though אַיִן never appears in the New Testament, its redemptive trajectory culminates when Nathanael asks, “Where did You get to know me?” and Jesus answers by revealing His omniscience (John 1:48-50). Every Old Testament “where?” finds resolution in the incarnate Word who declares, “I am the way” (John 14:6), removing the uncertainty of location by becoming the locus of salvation. Summary אַיִן functions less as a request for geographical data and more as a theological doorway. It exposes need, prompts confession, solicits wisdom, and ultimately directs attention to the LORD, the only adequate answer to every “Where?” raised in the human heart. Forms and Transliterations וּמֵאַ֙יִן֙ וּמֵאַ֣יִן וּמֵאַ֥יִן ומאין מֵ֝אַ֗יִן מֵאַ֖יִן מֵאַ֛יִן מֵאַ֣יִן מֵאַ֤יִן מֵאַ֥יִן מאין mê’ayin mê·’a·yin meAyin ū·mê·’a·yin ūmê’ayin umeAyinLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Genesis 29:4 HEB: יַעֲקֹ֔ב אַחַ֖י מֵאַ֣יִן אַתֶּ֑ם וַיֹּ֣אמְר֔וּ NAS: to them, My brothers, where are you from? And they said, KJV: unto them, My brethren, whence [be] ye? And they said, INT: Jacob my brothers where and they said Genesis 42:7 Numbers 11:13 Joshua 2:4 Joshua 9:8 Judges 17:9 Judges 19:17 2 Kings 6:27 2 Kings 20:14 Job 1:7 Job 28:12 Job 28:20 Psalm 121:1 Isaiah 39:3 Jonah 1:8 Nahum 3:7 16 Occurrences |
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