הֵנָּה (hen.nah)
hen.nah
they(fem.)
H:RelPQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 22 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:RelP
Word Overview
The Hebrew word hen-nah serves as the feminine plural form of the pronoun "they." It appears in twenty-two verses, primarily within Genesis and Exodus, to refer specifically to groups of women or feminine nouns. In its most basic sense, it identifies a subject, such as when Joseph explains that the seven lean cows represent seven years of famine (Genesis 41:27).
Its usage extends beyond simple identification. The sources note that it often functions emphatically, acting almost like a verb to assert existence or identity, as seen in Genesis 6:2 where the text states "they were mighty men." It also appears with prepositions to indicate location or manner, such as "from them" in Leviticus 4:2 or "like these things" in Job 23:14.
This pronoun highlights the grammatical precision of biblical Hebrew. By distinguishing between masculine and feminine plural forms, the text ensures clarity about who is being discussed. Its presence in legal texts like Leviticus and narrative passages like Genesis shows how essential precise reference was for both storytelling and instruction.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word hen-nah is a simple pronoun meaning "they" when referring to women or feminine groups. In Hebrew, grammar requires distinguishing between masculine and feminine forms, so this small word ensures we know exactly who is acting in the story. It appears often in Genesis and Exodus, pointing to specific women whose actions shape the narrative.
While it may seem like just a grammatical tool, its use highlights that women are active participants in biblical history. From the midwives in Egypt to the daughters mentioned in legal texts, this pronoun identifies them clearly. It reminds us that the Bible does not overlook female voices or roles but names them with precision.
When you read these passages, notice how the text treats every individual with care. The specificity of hen-nah shows that God’s story includes everyone, regardless of gender. This attention to detail invites us to see the full picture of God’s work in the world, honoring both men and women as part of His plan.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 22 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- they17×
- those1×
- and/ they [fem]1×
- and/ they1×
- [were] they1×
- [are] they1×
- <the>/ those1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הֵ֗נָּה3×
- הֵ֔נָּה3×
- הֵ֑נָּה3×
- הֵֽנָּה\׃2×
- הֵ֭נָּה2×
- הֵ֜נָּה2×
- וְ֠/הֵנָּה1×
- וְ/הֵ֣נָּה1×
- הָ/הֵ֙נָּה֙1×
- הֵֽנָּה\׃\ \ס1×
- הֵ֥נָּה1×
- הֵ֛נָּה1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 6:2
God’s sons saw that men’s daughters were beautiful, and they took any that they wanted for themselves as wives.
This verse uses hen-nah to identify the "daughters of men," marking a key moment where human relationships diverge from divine instruction.
-
Exodus 1:19
The midwives said to Pharaoh, “Because the Hebrew women aren’t like the Egyptian women; for they are vigorous and give birth before the midwife comes to them.”
The midwives use this form to describe Hebrew women, emphasizing their distinct character and strength in contrast to Egyptian practices.
-
Leviticus 18:17
“‘You shall not uncover the nakedness of a woman and her daughter. You shall not take her son’s daughter, or her daughter’s daughter, to uncover her nakedness. They are near kinswomen. It is wickedness.
Here the pronoun clarifies familial relationships in legal codes, ensuring precise boundaries for kinship and marriage.
-
Jeremiah 38:22
‘Behold, all the women who are left in the king of Judah’s house will be brought out to the king of Babylon’s princes, and those women will say, “Your familiar friends have turned on you, and have prevailed over you. Your feet are sunk in the mire, they have turned away from you.”
This occurrence highlights the fate of royal women, showing how political defeat impacts even those in high status.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word hen-nah mean?
Why does the Bible distinguish between masculine and feminine "they"?
Where does hen-nah appear most often?
Every Occurrence (22 verses across 11 books)
Genesis 5 verses
God’s sons saw that men’s daughters were beautiful, and they took any that they wanted for themselves as wives.
Genesis 21:29Abimelech said to Abraham, “What do these seven ewe lambs, which you have set by themselves, mean?”
Genesis 33:6Then the servants came near with their children, and they bowed themselves.
Genesis 41:26The seven good cattle are seven years; and the seven good heads of grain are seven years. The dream is one.
Genesis 41:27The seven thin and ugly cattle that came up after them are seven years, and also the seven empty heads of grain blasted…