מִן־ (min)
min
from
A:PrepQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 62 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- A:Prep
Word Overview
The preposition min serves as a fundamental marker of separation and origin in Hebrew, most commonly translating to "from" or "out of." It establishes a clear boundary between two entities, indicating where something begins or where it originates. This usage appears frequently in narrative texts, such as when describing the Israelites departing from Egypt or materials being taken out of a specific source.
Beyond simple spatial separation, min extends into abstract relationships, denoting cause, time, and comparison. It can mean "by reason of" to indicate causality, or "since" to mark the beginning of a time period. In comparative structures, it signals excess, as in phrases meaning "more than," allowing writers to distinguish one quantity or quality against another.
A notable feature of this word is its phonetic adaptation before certain consonants, where it often reduces to mi- or even disappears entirely due to assimilation. This flexibility allows it to flow naturally within the rhythm of Hebrew speech while maintaining its core function of defining limits and origins across diverse contexts in Scripture.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The Hebrew word min is one of the most common prepositions in Scripture, usually translated as "from." It marks a clear starting point or origin, showing where something begins or where it comes out of. In Ezra, we see this used for people leaving Egypt and materials taken from Babylon to rebuild Jerusalem. This simple word helps us understand that God often works through specific places and histories to bring about His purposes.
For your faith, min reminds you that every good thing has a source. When you feel separated or distant, remember that God is the origin of your hope. Just as the Jews returned from exile to restore their community, you can return from doubt to trust in His promises. This word highlights that our lives are not random but have a divine starting point and direction.
As you read Scripture, notice how often God calls people out from one situation into another. Whether it is leaving behind old idols or stepping out in faith, min marks the boundary between the past and the new life God offers. It invites you to look back at where you came from with gratitude and forward to where He is leading you with confidence.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 62 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- from46×
- from/ me4×
- and/ from/ me4×
- and/ from4×
- some of/ them3×
- from/ him3×
- and/ some of/ them3×
- of2×
- more than2×
- according to2×
- more than/ you1×
- from/ you1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מִן\־55×
- וּ/מִן\־6×
- וּ/מִנִּ/י֮3×
- וּ/מִנְּ/הֵ֣ין2×
- מִנָּ֔/ךְ1×
- מִנָּ֑/ךְ1×
- מִנַּ/הּ֙1×
- מִנֵּֽ/הּ\׃1×
- מִנֵּ֖/הּ1×
- מִנֵּ֑/הּ1×
- מִנִּ֥/י1×
- מִנִּ֣/י1×
Key Verses
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Ezra 5:14
The gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem and brought into the temple of Babylon, those Cyrus the king also took out of the temple of Babylon, and they were delivered to one whose name was Sheshbazzar, whom he had made governor.
This verse uses min to describe the physical removal of sacred vessels from Jerusalem to Babylon, highlighting how the word marks the origin point of loss and subsequent restoration.
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Ezra 7:20
Whatever more will be needed for the house of your God, which you may have occasion to give, give it out of the king’s treasure house.
Here min indicates the source of resources for rebuilding, showing that God provides what is needed from His own treasury to fulfill His plans.
-
Jeremiah 10:11
“You shall say this to them: ‘The gods that have not made the heavens and the earth will perish from the earth, and from under the heavens.’”
The word appears here to show the ultimate destination or origin of false gods, emphasizing their complete lack of power and existence compared to the true God.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Hebrew word min mean?
How is min different from other Hebrew prepositions?
Where does min appear most often?
Every Occurrence (62 verses across 3 books)
Ezra 21 verses
Be it known to the king that the Jews who came up from you have come to us to Jerusalem. They are building the…
Ezra 4:15that search may be made in the book of the records of your fathers. You will see in the book of the records, and know…
Ezra 4:19I decreed, and search has been made, and it was found that this city has made insurrection against kings in the past,…
Ezra 4:21Make a decree now to cause these men to cease, and that this city not be built until a decree is made by me.
Ezra 4:23Then when the copy of King Artaxerxes’ letter was read before Rehum, Shimshai the scribe, and their companions, they…
Ezra 5:12But after our fathers had provoked the God of heaven to wrath, he gave them into the hand of Nebuchadnezzar king of…
Ezra 5:14The gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple that was in Jerusalem and…
Ezra 5:16Then the same Sheshbazzar came and laid the foundations of God’s house which is in Jerusalem. Since that time even…
Ezra 5:17Now therefore, if it seems good to the king, let a search be made in the king’s treasure house, which is there at…
Ezra 6:4with three courses of great stones and a course of new timber. Let the expenses be given out of the king’s house.
Ezra 6:5Also let the gold and silver vessels of God’s house, which Nebuchadnezzar took out of the temple which is at Jerusalem…
Ezra 6:6Now therefore, Tattenai, governor beyond the River, Shetharbozenai, and your companions the Apharsachites, who are…
Ezra 6:8Moreover I make a decree regarding what you shall do for these elders of the Jews for the building of this house of…
Ezra 6:11I have also made a decree that whoever alters this message, let a beam be pulled out from his house, and let him be…
Ezra 6:14The elders of the Jews built and prospered, through the prophesying of Haggai the prophet and Zechariah the son of…
Ezra 7:13I make a decree that all those of the people of Israel and their priests and the Levites in my realm, who intend of…
Ezra 7:14Because you are sent by the king and his seven counselors to inquire concerning Judah and Jerusalem, according to the…
Ezra 7:20Whatever more will be needed for the house of your God, which you may have occasion to give, give it out of the king’s…
Ezra 7:21I, even I, Artaxerxes the king, make a decree to all the treasurers who are beyond the River, that whatever Ezra the…
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…
Ezra 7:26Whoever will not do the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be executed on him with all diligence,…