הֵנַע (he.na)
he.na
Hena
N:N--LQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 3 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- N:N--L
Word Overview
The name Hena refers to a specific city located in ancient Mesopotamia. Its meaning is translated as "troubling," a descriptor that likely reflects the political instability or military conflicts associated with the region during its history. The exact geographical site of this settlement remains unknown to modern archaeologists.
Historical records indicate that Assyrian kings subdued Hena shortly before the reign of Sennacherib. This event places the city within a period of significant imperial expansion and regional upheaval in the Near East. The biblical text mentions Hena primarily in the context of these military campaigns, noting its reduction by foreign powers.
The word appears only three times in Scripture, specifically in 2 Kings 19:12 and Isaiah 37:13. In these passages, it is listed among other conquered cities to demonstrate the extent of Assyrian power before their campaign against Judah. The brief mentions serve as historical markers rather than theological focal points, anchoring the narrative in real-world geopolitical events.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The name Hena appears in a list of conquered cities, serving as a historical marker of Assyrian power. Its meaning, 'troubling,' reflects the political instability and military conflicts of ancient Mesopotamia. These brief mentions anchor the biblical narrative in real-world events, showing how empires rose and fell.
For your faith, this word reminds us that God's sovereignty extends over all nations and their histories. Even when powerful kingdoms seem unstoppable, they are part of a larger divine story. The mention of Hena highlights the reality of human conflict and the fleeting nature of earthly power.
While we may face our own 'troubling' times, this passage offers hope. It assures us that God is present even in the midst of geopolitical upheaval. His plans for His people remain secure, regardless of the rise and fall of empires. This historical detail invites us to trust in God's enduring faithfulness.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 3 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- Hena3×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הֵנַ֖ע2×
- הֵנַ֣ע1×
Key Verses
-
II Kings 18:34
Where are the gods of Hamath and of Arpad? Where are the gods of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivvah? Have they delivered Samaria out of my hand?
The Assyrian official uses Hena's inclusion in a list of conquered cities to taunt Judah, demonstrating the extent of his empire's reach.
-
II Kings 19:13
Where is the king of Hamath, the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivvah?’”
This verse repeats the list of defeated kingdoms, reinforcing the threat against Jerusalem by highlighting the fate of other nations.
-
Isaiah 37:13
Where is the king of Hamath, and the king of Arpad, and the king of the city of Sepharvaim, of Hena, and Ivvah?’”
The parallel account in Isaiah confirms the historical context, showing how these conquered cities were used to intimidate Judah's leaders.