מַ֫עַן (ma.an)
ma.an
because
H:Prep / H:ConjQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 193 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:Prep / H:Conj
Word Overview
The Hebrew word ma’an signifies purpose or intent, functioning primarily as a preposition or conjunction to express cause and goal. It translates most frequently as "because of," "for the sake of," or "in order that." With over 190 occurrences in the Old Testament, it appears prominently in Deuteronomy, Isaiah, and Jeremiah, serving as a crucial link between divine action and its underlying motivation.
Etymologically, the term derives from the root meaning "to heed" or "answer," suggesting that an action is taken with focused attention toward a specific aim. The sources highlight a distinct usage where God acts for the sake of His own name or character. For instance, in Psalm 23:3 and Isaiah 37:35, divine intervention is framed not merely as response to human need, but as fulfillment of His own reputation and promises.
This teleological use distinguishes ma’an from simple causal markers. It emphasizes that God’s deeds are driven by a deliberate purpose. Whether acting for the sake of David or for His mercy, the word underscores that divine actions are intentional and grounded in His consistent nature rather than random occurrences.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ma’an connects our daily actions to a deeper purpose. It means doing something for the sake of a specific goal or because of a reason. When you read Scripture, this word often shows that God’s actions are not random. He acts with intention, often for His own name or to teach His people a lasting lesson.
For your faith, this is encouraging. It means your life has direction. Just as God acted in Genesis 50:20 to bring good out of evil, you can trust that He works through difficult seasons. This word reminds us that our choices matter and that there is a divine plan behind the events we face.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 193 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- so that100×
- so as48×
- for [the] sake of29×
- on account of8×
- for own sake/ my6×
- and/ so that6×
- and/ for [the] sake of6×
- and/ so as4×
- ¿/ for sake/ your1×
- on account of/ you1×
- for sake/ your1×
- for own sake/ your1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- לְמַ֣עַן43×
- לְמַ֙עַן֙20×
- לְמַ֖עַן19×
- לְמַ֥עַן18×
- לְמַ֨עַן17×
- לְמַ֤עַן13×
- לְמַ֗עַן12×
- לְמַעַן֩9×
- לְ֝מַ֗עַן7×
- לְמַ֧עַן6×
- לְמַ֛עַן6×
- וּ/לְמַ֖עַן4×
Key Verses
-
Genesis 50:20
As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to save many people alive, as is happening today.
This verse shows God using human evil to achieve a greater good, highlighting His sovereign purpose.
-
Exodus 9:16
but indeed for this cause I have made you stand: to show you my power, and that my name may be declared throughout all the earth,
Here the word explains that Pharaoh’s survival served the specific goal of displaying God’s power globally.
-
Genesis 18:19
For I have known him, to the end that he may command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the way of Yahweh, to do righteousness and justice; to the end that Yahweh may bring on Abraham that which he has spoken of him.”
It clarifies that Abraham’s family was chosen to ensure righteousness and justice continued through generations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does ma’an mean in the Old Testament?
How is ma’an different from other words for 'because'?
Why is this word important in Genesis 50:20?
Every Occurrence (193 verses across 27 books)
Genesis 6 verses
Please say that you are my sister, that it may be well with me for your sake, and that my soul may live because of you.”
Genesis 18:19For I have known him, to the end that he may command his children and his household after him, that they may keep the…
Genesis 18:24What if there are fifty righteous within the city? Will you consume and not spare the place for the fifty righteous who…
Genesis 27:25He said, “Bring it near to me, and I will eat of my son’s venison, that my soul may bless you.” He brought it near to…
Genesis 37:22Reuben said to them, “Shed no blood. Throw him into this pit that is in the wilderness, but lay no hand on him”—that he…
Genesis 50:20As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, to save many people alive, as is happening today.