מֵאֵן (me.en)
me.en
refusing
H:AQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:A
Word Overview
The Hebrew adjective ma’en describes a state of stubborn refusal or disobedience, particularly in relation to God. It appears only once in the Old Testament, found in Jeremiah 13:10. In this context, it characterizes the people of Judah and Jerusalem as those who persistently reject divine authority.
This single occurrence carries significant weight, painting a picture of hardened hearts that will not bend to God’s commands. The word highlights a deliberate choice to remain in rebellion rather than submit to the covenant relationship. It serves as a stark description of spiritual obstinacy.
Translators typically render ma’en as "refusing" or "disobeying," capturing the active nature of their rejection. The term underscores the seriousness of turning away from God, framing it not as a momentary lapse but as a fixed stance of defiance.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word me’en appears just once in Scripture, in Jeremiah 13:10, to describe a people who refuse to hear God’s voice. It captures a stubborn hardness of heart that chooses its own path over divine guidance. This refusal is not a simple mistake but a settled stance against the covenant relationship.
For your faith, this word serves as a sobering reminder of how easily we can harden our hearts. It invites us to examine where we might be resisting God’s gentle leading. The text shows that such stubbornness leads to emptiness, like a belt that is good for nothing.
Yet the very mention of this refusal highlights the seriousness of our response to God. It calls us to remain soft-hearted and open to correction. By staying attentive to His words, we avoid the trap of spiritual pride and keep our relationship with Him alive and responsive.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- who/ are refusing1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- הַֽ/מֵּאֲנִ֣ים\׀1×
Key Verses
-
Jeremiah 13:10
This evil people, who refuse to hear my words, who walk in the stubbornness of their heart, and have gone after other gods to serve them and to worship them, will even be as this belt, which is profitable for nothing.
This is the only occurrence of the word, where it describes the evil people of Judah who refuse to hear God's words and walk in the stubbornness of their heart.