מָאֵן (ma.en)
ma.en
to refuse
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 36 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ma’en, appearing primarily in the Piel stem, means to refuse or be unwilling. It describes a firm rejection of a request, command, or offer. The sources note it stands in direct contrast to abah, which means to be willing or consent. This distinction highlights a deliberate choice against compliance rather than mere inability.
Scripture uses this word in diverse contexts. Joseph refuses Potiphar’s wife (Genesis 39:8), the Israelites refuse to enter the Promised Land (Numbers 20:21), and kings reject pleas for mercy (2 Samuel 13:9). In Jeremiah, it captures the nation’s persistent refusal to listen to God’s warnings (Jeremiah 5:3; 7:24).
Its root conveys a sense of stubborn resistance. Translators often render it simply as "refuse," though the Hebrew carries weightier implications of defiance. The word appears frequently in Jeremiah, underscoring themes of covenant failure and divine judgment.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word ma’en describes a firm refusal or stubborn resistance. It is not merely an inability to comply but a deliberate choice against a request, command, or offer. In Scripture, this term appears in moments of profound tension: Joseph refusing temptation, Pharaoh rejecting God’s plea, and Israel turning away from divine instruction. These stories reveal the weight of human agency and the consequences of choosing independence over trust.
For your faith life, understanding this word offers clarity on the nature of obedience and resistance. It reminds us that our choices matter deeply. When we encounter situations requiring difficult decisions, ma’en invites us to examine our hearts. Are we refusing out of wisdom or stubbornness? The biblical narrative shows that while refusal can lead to judgment, it also highlights God’s patience and the enduring call to return to Him.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 36 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- and/ he refused8×
- they refused4×
- he has refused4×
- they have refused3×
- and/ they refused3×
- they refuse2×
- have you refused2×
- and/ you refused2×
- you will refuse1×
- you refused1×
- they will refuse1×
- she has refused1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מֵאֲנ֖וּ6×
- וַ/יְמָאֲנ֣וּ3×
- וַ/יְמָאֵ֣ן2×
- תְּמָאֲנ֖וּ1×
- מֵאַ֖נְתְּ1×
- מֵאַ֔נְתָּ1×
- מֵאֵן֙1×
- מֵאֵ֨ין1×
- מֵאֵ֥ן1×
- מֵאֵ֣ן1×
- מֵאֵ֖ן1×
- מֵאֲנָ֣ה1×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 39:8
But he refused, and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, my master doesn’t know what is with me in the house, and he has put all that he has into my hand.
Joseph uses this word to firmly reject Potiphar's wife, demonstrating moral integrity and loyalty despite immense pressure.
-
Exodus 7:14
Yahweh said to Moses, “Pharaoh’s heart is stubborn. He refuses to let the people go.
This verse describes Pharaoh’s stubborn refusal to release Israel, setting the stage for the plagues and God’s demonstration of power.
-
Proverbs 1:24
Because I have called, and you have refused; I have stretched out my hand, and no one has paid attention;
Wisdom personified laments that people have refused her call, highlighting the tragic consequence of ignoring divine guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word ma’en mean?
How is ma’en different from other words for refusal?
Where does this word appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (36 verses across 17 books)
Genesis 3 verses
All his sons and all his daughters rose up to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. He said, “For I will go down…
Genesis 39:8But he refused, and said to his master’s wife, “Behold, my master doesn’t know what is with me in the house, and he has…
Genesis 48:19His father refused, and said, “I know, my son, I know. He also will become a people, and he also will be great.…