מַעֲנֶה (ma.a.neh)
ma.a.neh
answer
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 7 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ma‘aneh simply means an answer or a response. It appears seven times in the Old Testament, primarily in wisdom literature like Proverbs and Job, as well as in the prophetic book of Micah. The word captures the act of replying to a question or addressing a statement, focusing on the content of the reply rather than the manner of speaking.
In these contexts, the quality of the answer often carries significant weight. For instance, Proverbs contrasts a gentle response that turns away anger with a harsh word that stirs up strife (Proverbs 15:1). This highlights how ma‘aneh is not just about exchanging information but about the relational impact of what is said. The sources also note a secondary sense related to a place for work or task, suggesting an answer as something that fulfills a duty or meets a need.
Translators typically render this word straightforwardly as "answer" or "response." Unlike some other Hebrew terms for speech that might imply boasting or empty talk, ma‘aneh remains neutral and functional. It describes the concrete act of giving an account or replying, making it a practical term for everyday communication and judicial proceedings alike.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
When we speak, our words carry weight beyond simple information exchange. The Hebrew word ma‘aneh reminds us that an answer is a tangible act with real consequences. In Proverbs 15:1, we see how a gentle reply can calm anger, while harsh speech fuels conflict. This suggests that how we respond to others reflects more than just our mood—it shapes the relational landscape around us.
Yet this word also points to a deeper spiritual reality. Proverbs 16:1 teaches that while we make our own plans, it is Yahweh who guides the answer from our tongue. This offers comfort when we feel out of control. We do not need to manufacture perfect responses; instead, we can trust that God works through our honest, humble replies. Whether in conflict or quiet conversation, our words become a channel for His peace.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 7 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- an answer2×
- in/ [the] answer of1×
- for <the>/ purpose/ its1×
- [will be] an answer of1×
- [was] an answer1×
- [the] answer of1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- מַעֲנֶ֗ה1×
- מַעֲנֶ֑ה1×
- מַעֲנֵ֥ה1×
- מַעֲנֵ֖ה1×
- מַֽעֲנֶה\־1×
- לַֽ/מַּעֲנֵ֑/הוּ1×
- בְּ/מַעֲנֵה\־1×
Key Verses
-
Proverbs 15:1
A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
This verse highlights the relational power of ma‘aneh by contrasting how a gentle answer de-escalates anger while harsh words provoke it.
-
Proverbs 16:1
The plans of the heart belong to man, but the answer of the tongue is from Yahweh.
Here the word emphasizes divine sovereignty, showing that while humans plan, God ultimately directs the response from the tongue.
-
Job 32:5
When Elihu saw that there was no answer in the mouth of these three men, his wrath was kindled.
This occurrence shows the silence of failure, where Elihu’s anger rises because the three friends could not provide a valid answer to Job's suffering.
-
Micah 3:7
The seers shall be disappointed, and the diviners confounded. Yes, they shall all cover their lips, for there is no answer from God.”
The prophets cover their lips in shame because there is no true answer from God, indicating a broken spiritual connection.