Lexical Summary lahen: Therefore, for this reason, on account of this Original Word: לָהֵן Strong's Exhaustive Concordance for them by mistake for prepositional suffix From the prepositional prefix meaning to or for and hen; popularly for if; hence, therefore -- for them (by mistake for prepositional suffix). see HEBREW hen NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom a preposition prefix and hen Definition on this account, therefore NASB Translation therefore (2). Brown-Driver-Briggs לָהֵן conjunction on this account, therefore, Ruth 1:13 (twice in verse) (either from לְ and הֵן (see below הֵ֫מָּה); or the Aramaic לָהֵן Daniel 2:6,9; Daniel 4:24: see the Aramaic Lexicon) I. לָהֵן conjunction therefore (Biblical Hebrew לָהֵן Ruth 1:13 (twice in verse), Aramaic of Têma להן CISii. 113 = Cooke195), Daniel 2:6,9; Daniel 4:24 (LambertRÉJ. 1904. 273 denies I. לָהֵן, taking Biblical Aramaic always as = רַק). Topical Lexicon Occurrences and Literary Setting לָהֵן appears twice in the same verse, Ruth 1:13, functioning as an inferential particle that signals Naomi’s chain of reasoning. Set in the liminal dialogue on the road from Moab to Bethlehem, its dual usage binds Naomi’s rhetorical questions to her final, poignant conclusion that “the hand of the LORD has gone out against me” (Ruth 1:13). The word thus frames both Naomi’s logic and her lament, highlighting the tension between human reasoning and divine providence that permeates the opening chapter of Ruth. Semantic and Narrative Function Rather than merely introducing a causal clause, לָהֵן presses the listener toward an unavoidable conclusion. By repeating the particle, Naomi intensifies her argument: if her widowed daughters-in-law were to wait for new sons to be born and mature, they would surrender all hope of remarriage and security—“therefore… therefore.” The particle’s insistence underscores the severity of the circumstances, magnifying Naomi’s perceived hopelessness while preparing the reader for Ruth’s radical pledge of covenant loyalty in verses 16–17. Historical Background In ancient Israelite society widows depended on male kin for legal protection and economic survival. Naomi’s reasoning (framed by לָהֵן) reflects the custom of levirate marriage, where a male relative might raise up offspring for a deceased brother (Deuteronomy 25:5–10). Her argument assumes that without such provision her daughters-in-law would be left vulnerable. Thus לָהֵן links social custom with theological reflection: Naomi recognizes both the cultural reality of widowhood and the unseen sovereignty of God in her suffering. Theological Implications 1. Human logic versus divine plan: Naomi’s double “therefore” appears airtight, yet the narrative shortly overturns her despair through Ruth’s faith and Boaz’s redemption (Ruth 2–4). Scripture here warns against absolutizing our deductions when God’s redemptive purposes remain in motion. Pastoral and Ministry Applications • Counseling lament: Naomi’s reasoning shows that believers may articulate apparently unanswerable “therefores” without forfeiting faith. Intertextual Echoes Though לָהֵן is rare, its force resonates with other inferential markers that pivot biblical narratives: The layered usage across Scripture forms a tapestry in which God overturns expected outcomes, revealing salvation where despair seemed justified. Summary לָהֵן, modest in frequency yet weighty in effect, punctuates Naomi’s reasoning, crystallizes the crisis of Ruth 1, and serves as a catalyst for the book’s unfolding redemption. Its theological depth lies in exposing the limits of human inference while ushering readers to trust the unseen purposes of the covenant LORD whose ultimate “therefore” is the cross and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Forms and Transliterations הֲלָהֵ֣ן ׀ הֲלָהֵן֙ הלהן hă·lā·hên halaHen hălāhênLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance Ruth 1:13 HEB: הֲלָהֵ֣ן ׀ תְּשַׂבֵּ֗רְנָה עַ֚ד NAS: would you therefore wait until KJV: Would ye tarry for them till they were grown? INT: therefore wait against Ruth 1:13 2 Occurrences |