מָה (mah)
mah
what?
A:IntgQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 9 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:Intg
Word Overview
The Hebrew word mah is a basic interrogative pronoun meaning "what?" It appears ninety times in the Old Testament, serving as the standard tool for asking about identity, nature, or cause. In most instances, it functions simply to request information, such as when a character asks for the name of something unknown.
Its usage extends beyond simple identification into expressions of surprise or exclamation. For example, in Daniel 4:26, the phrase "what is this?" conveys shock at a vision’s meaning. The word often pairs with prepositions to form compound questions like "why?" (lamah) or "how?" (kemah), allowing for nuanced inquiry into reasons or methods.
Translators typically render mah as "what," though context determines whether it seeks an object, a reason, or a description. Its frequency in books like Daniel and Ezra highlights its role in dialogue where understanding divine messages or historical events is crucial. The word remains a fundamental building block for questions throughout biblical Hebrew.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word mah is simply "what?" It asks for identity or cause. In Scripture, it often opens a conversation about God's plan. When Daniel asked Nebuchadnezzar what the king saw, he sought understanding of a divine message. This simple question invites us to look closer at our own lives and circumstances.
We use this word when we need clarity. It helps us move from confusion to knowledge. In Ezra, leaders used similar inquiries to ensure they followed God's commands precisely. Asking "what" is not a sign of weakness but of humility before the Lord. It acknowledges that we do not have all the answers and need His guidance.
When you face uncertainty, remember that asking questions is part of faith. God welcomes your search for truth. He reveals secrets and provides direction for those who seek Him with honest hearts. Let this word remind you that understanding comes from waiting on the Lord's wisdom.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 9 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- what4×
- what?2×
- and/ whatever2×
- <to>/ why?2×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מָ֛ה3×
- וּ/מָ֣ה2×
- מָה\־1×
- מָ֥ה1×
- מָ֣ה1×
- לְ/מָה֙1×
- לְ/מָ֤ה1×
Key Verses
-
Daniel 2:28
but there is a God in heaven who reveals secrets, and he has made known to King Nebuchadnezzar what will be in the latter days. Your dream and the visions of your head on your bed are these:
This verse highlights God as the revealer of secrets, showing that mah seeks divine insight into future events rather than human speculation.
-
Daniel 2:29
“As for you, O king, your thoughts came on your bed, what should happen hereafter; and he who reveals secrets has made known to you what will happen.
Here the word connects royal anxiety with God's sovereign plan, emphasizing that God makes known what will happen to those He chooses.
-
Ezra 7:18
Whatever seems good to you and to your brothers to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, do that according to the will of your God.
The phrase 'whatever seems good' uses this interrogative concept to guide practical decisions based on God's will in restoring His people.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word mah mean?
How is mah different from other question words?
Where does mah appear most frequently?
Every Occurrence (9 verses across 2 books)
Ezra 4 verses
Be careful that you not be slack doing so. Why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings?
Ezra 6:9That which they have need of, including young bulls, rams, and lambs, for burnt offerings to the God of heaven; also…
Ezra 7:18Whatever seems good to you and to your brothers to do with the rest of the silver and the gold, do that according to…
Ezra 7:23Whatever is commanded by the God of heaven, let it be done exactly for the house of the God of heaven; for why should…