עִין (a.van)
a.van
to watch
H:VQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:V
Word Overview
The Hebrew verb ‘in means to look at someone with a specific, often negative intent. It describes an act of watching that goes beyond simple observation, carrying the sense of eyeing someone with envy or suspicion. This is not a neutral gaze but one marked by ill will or jealousy.
This word appears only once in the Hebrew Bible, in 1 Samuel 18:9. The text uses it to describe King Saul’s reaction to David’s growing popularity among the people of Israel. Saul watched David with an envious eye, recognizing that his favor was shifting away from him. The Qumran manuscript reading supports this interpretation of a hostile or jealous stare.
As a denominal verb derived from the word for "eye," it emphasizes the physical act of looking as an expression of inner attitude. While many Hebrew words describe seeing, ‘in is distinct in its focus on the motive behind the gaze. It captures the moment when observation turns into resentment, highlighting how visual attention can reflect deep-seated emotional conflict.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ‘in describes a gaze driven by envy rather than care. It appears only once in Scripture, capturing King Saul’s bitter reaction to David’s rising success. This rare verb reminds us that how we look at others reveals the condition of our hearts.
When we feel threatened by another person’s gifts or opportunities, it is easy to let suspicion take root. The Bible invites us to examine these moments with honesty. We can choose to replace jealousy with genuine joy for those around us.
This passage offers hope because it names the struggle. Recognizing envy allows us to seek God’s help in changing our perspective. Instead of watching others with resentment, we can pray for their blessing and trust in God’s plan for our own lives.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- looking at1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- עוֹיֵ֣ן1×
Key Verses
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I Samuel 18:9
Saul watched David from that day and forward.
This verse uniquely uses the verb to describe Saul's personal, ongoing resentment toward David as his popularity grew.