Lexical Summary ma: What, how, why Original Word: מָא Strong's Exhaustive Concordance what (Aramaic) corresponding to mah; (as indef.) That -- + what. see HEBREW mah NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Origin(Aramaic) the same as mah, q.v. Brown-Driver-Briggs מָה (מָא Ezra 6:8) pronoun interrogative and indefinite what? (Biblical Hebrew מָה; Nabataean מה; Zinjirli מ; ᵑ7 מא; Syriac 1 what ? Daniel 4:32 מה עבדת. 2 whatever, what (compare Biblical Hebrew 1b end) Daniel 2:22 ידע מח בחשׁוכא knoweth what is in darkness, Ezra 6:9: so מָה דִּי (compare דִּי 1b: so Nabataean; Palmyrene מא די, מדי, Lzb306 Cooke320, 332) Daniel 2:28,29 (twice in verse); Daniel 2:45; Ezra 6:8 למא די תעבדון with regard to what ye shall do, Ezra 7:18 (= whatsoever). 3 with prefixes: a. כְּמָה how! Daniel 3:33 (twice in verse). b. לְמָה why? (compare Biblical Hebrew לָמָּה) Ezra 4:22 be not slack herein: why should damage grow, etc., virtually = lest damage grow (ᵐ5 μή ποτε), Ezra 7:23 די למה להוא קצף for why should there be wrath ? = lest [ᵐ5 μή ποτε] there be wrath (compare ᵑ7 דִּילְמָא, Syriac 4d b, p. 554:a). c. עלמֿה wherefore? Daniel 2:15. Topical Lexicon Meaning and Nuance Strong’s Hebrew 3964 (מָא) functions as an interrogative that probes the manner, instrument, or specific content of an action—“what?” or “by what means?” Though rare, its occurrences cast a revealing light on moments when the human or angelic realm must reckon with the purposes of the Lord. Occurrences in Scripture 1. 1 Kings 22:21 – within Micaiah’s vision of the heavenly council. Narrative Setting The prophet Micaiah is granted a glimpse of the throne room where the LORD seeks a means to bring judgment on Ahab. When a spirit volunteers, the LORD asks, “‘By what means?’” (1 Kings 22:22). The interrogative spotlights God’s deliberate engagement with secondary agents. Judgment is certain, yet the question exposes the moral dimension of the chosen instrument. The scene underscores divine sovereignty without negating angelic or human responsibility. • Ezra 6:8 Darius writes, “Moreover, I hereby decree what you are to do for these elders of the Jews…” (Ezra 6:8). The royal question is turned into an authoritative directive. The same interrogative that, in 1 Kings, searches for a method of judgment now secures the means of restoration. God employs a Gentile king to supply “whatever is needed” (Ezra 6:9) for temple worship, demonstrating that the hearts of kings remain in His hand. Theological Significance 1. Divine Ends and Means Scripture consistently affirms that God ordains both outcomes and pathways. The interrogative מָא highlights this truth: the LORD not only declares ends but also examines and approves the appointed means (Proverbs 16:4; Romans 11:36). 2. Providence in Judgment and Restoration The word’s two settings—heavenly council and imperial decree—mirror the twin themes of exile and return. Judgment falls on the unrepentant northern king, whereas provision flows to the repentant community in Judah. The same God rules over both calamity and blessing (Isaiah 45:7; Hebrews 12:6). 3. Human and Angelic Agency Whether a spirit in heaven or a monarch on earth, created beings participate in God’s unfolding plan. Yet מָא reminds readers that each agent’s proposal or decree remains subject to divine scrutiny. Ministry today must likewise seek the LORD’s “by what means?” lest methods contradict His character. Historical Context • 1 Kings 22 is set during the reign of Ahab (circa 874–853 BC), when prophetic warning collided with royal stubbornness. Implications for Ministry and Discipleship 1. Discernment of Methods Church leaders often ask “what shall we do?” Yet Scripture invites the deeper inquiry, “by what means?” Means matter; they must align with the character of God and the truth of the gospel (2 Corinthians 4:2). 2. Confidence in Providence Believers can labor with boldness, knowing that God can employ unexpected channels—political authorities, secular resources, even adversarial circumstances—to accomplish His purposes (Philippians 1:12). 3. Prayerful Participation The heavenly council scene encourages fervent intercession. Just as spirits present ideas before the LORD, the saints are summoned to “present your requests to God” (Philippians 4:6), trusting Him to evaluate and deploy the means that best serve His glory. Summary Though מָא appears only twice, its interrogative force penetrates the storyline of Scripture. It frames the question of means—whether for judgment or restoration—thus underscoring the meticulous sovereignty of God, the accountability of His agents, and the assurance that every ordained end arrives through divinely approved pathways. Forms and Transliterations בַּמָּֽה׃ במה׃ לְמָ֣א למא bam·māh bamMah bammāh lə·mā leMa ləmāLinks Interlinear Greek • Interlinear Hebrew • Strong's Numbers • Englishman's Greek Concordance • Englishman's Hebrew Concordance • Parallel TextsEnglishman's Concordance 1 Kings 22:21 HEB: יְהוָ֛ה אֵלָ֖יו בַּמָּֽה׃ INT: the LORD about what Ezra 6:8 2 Occurrences |
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; Arabic 
: compare WCG 124 f.); — 
lest: and see מָה